Cosmetic Surgery Rhinoplasty / Nose Re-shaping - Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery operations. The procedure specializes on reshaping the nose and improving the way it looks. Specifically, rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the upper lip and the nose. The procedure may be conducted to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes. There are a variety of procedures available to shape the nose into a more desirable form.Best Candidates for a Rhinoplasty
The best candidates for rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery are people who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. It is important to realize that plastic surgery will not create perfection, but can result in an improvement. Additionally, many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after their growth spurt. If you feel you can enhance your appearance and self-confidence through rhinoplasty, do not hesitate to contact a plastic surgeon about the options available to you.Uncertainty and Risk for a Rhinoplasty
As with any other surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries certain risks and uncertainty. Your plastic surgeon will completely explain any potential complications with you during your consultation.Planning for a Rhinoplasty
As you speak with your plastic surgeon about the rhinoplasty procedure, it is imperative to be open and explain exactly what you want from the operation. As you plan the surgery together, you and your doctor will discuss what you hope your nose will look like, evaluate the structure of your face, and talk about the possible courses of action. Your plastic surgeon will also explain the techniques and anesthesia to be used to help you attain your goal.Preparing for a Rhinoplasty Surgery
As you prepare for your nose reshaping surgery, your plastic surgeon will give you specific guidelines regarding eating, drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins or medications, and washing your face. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid any complications during or following the rhinoplasty. Also, you should arrange for someone to pick you up after surgery so you can avoid driving immediately after being under anesthesia.Where the Rhinoplasty Surgery is Performed
Rhinoplasty is usually performed at an outpatient surgery center for cost and convenience reasons. However, depending on your needs and the complexity of the procedure, the surgery may take place in a surgeon's office facility or at a hospital.Anesthesia
The rhinoplasty procedure can be performed with the patient under local or general anesthesia. Patients under local anesthesia will be slightly sedated as well to remain relaxed and insensitive to pain. With general anesthesia, patients sleep through the operation. The choice between these two options is dependent upon the extent of the operation and the preference of you and your doctor.How the Rhinoplasty Surgery is Performed
Rhinoplasty is performed by separating the skin from bone and cartilage and reshaping the nose to an enhanced appearance. When the framework is in an optimal position, the skin is then reattached. Some plastic surgeons operate by making incisions on the inside of the nose, but others create their incisions externally. The specific procedure is dependent upon the patient's needs and desires, but the entire operation typically only takes an hour or two.Post-op / Recovery
A splint is applied to the nose after the surgery, and for the first 24 hours or so the patient's face will feel puffy. Plastic surgeons provide pain medication and explanations of what to expect for rhinoplasty patients to help manage any discomfort they may experience. Swelling and bruising of the face remains for a week or two, but typically subside after about a month. Healing is a gradual process, with some of the final results of rhinoplasty taking a year or more to materialize. However, if you have met your initial goals you can consider your plastic surgery a success that will help you move forward in your life.Rhinoplasty Methods
Rhinoplasty ProceduresThere are two different rhinoplasty methods currently in use by plastic surgeons. Endonasal rhinoplasty is performed by making an incision inside the nose, where external or open rhinoplasty uses a small incision inside the nose combined with other small cuts outside the nose. Neither method is better than the other, but one can be more useful depending on the patient. No two noses are exactly the same, and your plastic surgeon can help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Endonasal Rhinoplasty
Endonasal rhinoplasty accesses the nose through an incision made inside. This means that the plastic surgeon makes small cuts from within the nose to separate the skin from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage. The supporting material is sculpted to the desired shape, and the skin is reattached. The only cuts made came from within the nose, as opposed to the outer skin on the face.
External Rhinoplasty
External rhinoplasty, also called open rhinoplasty, uses an incision made inside the nose combined with an incision made outside the nose across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The external rhinoplasty procedure is common in more complicated cases because it allows the plastic surgeon more area to work with and more control to aid in meeting the patient's desires.
Rhinoplasty Statistics
- In 2003, rhinoplasty was the fourth most performed plastic surgery operation in America
- In 2004, over 300,000 Americans underwent nose reshaping surgery.
- Rhinoplasty was the second most popular plastic surgery procedure for men in 2003.
- Rhinoplasty is the 5th most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for women.
- Among patients under 18 years of age, rhinoplasty is the second most often performed cosmetic surgery.
- Nearly 60% of rhinoplasty patients are under the age of 35.
- Women rhinoplasty patients outnumber males by a three to one margin
Rhinoplasty Questions and Answers
Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?Individuals who are good candidates for rhinoplasty typically perceive the following characteristics when examining their own nose: a bump on the nasal bridge when viewed from the side, the nose is too large for its face, the nose seems too wide from the front, the nasal tip droops or is enlarged, the nostrils are excessively flared, the nose is off-centered or crooked, or previous injury has made the nose asymmetrical. If you believe these qualities describe your own nose, you are likely to be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. It is worth the few moments you may spend talking with a plastic surgeon to determine if something can be done about a part of your body that you are less than satisfied with.
How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for rhinoplasty?
When you discuss rhinoplasty with your plastic surgeon, he or she will want to discuss your full medical history. This will help your doctor determine how he or she can best help you. Your plastic surgeon will also examine your nose and skin to fully evaluate your face and help you decide what changes can and should be made.
When will I learn about the cost of surgery?
After conducting a thorough evaluation of your needs, your plastic surgeon will be able to discuss the fees of your rhinoplasty with you.
Where are the rhinoplasty incisions placed?
The location of rhinoplasty incisions is dependent upon the individual factors of the patient. Often the procedure can be completed through internal incisions, a process call endonasal rhinoplasty. However, sometimes incisions must be made on the outside of the nose depending on the patient's desired outcome. This type of surgery is termed external rhinoplasty. After your consultation and evaluation, your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you which form of rhinoplasty will help you achieve your goals.
How is my plastic surgeon able to reshape my nose?
Plastic surgeons are able to reshape the nose through small incisions that allow them to access the cartilage and bone the forms the nose's framework. Sometimes, doctors use additional cartilage to alter the position of certain bones or build up some areas. By sculpting the cartilage and bone of the nose, your plastic surgeon can help you create the look you've always dreamed of.
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more?
Every patient is different; both in their medical history and in their expectations of what plastic surgery can do for them. Therefore, the uncertainties of rhinoplasty vary drastically from person to person. It is best to discuss the risks of plastic surgery directly with your doctor during your initial consultation. It should be noted, however, that rhinoplasty is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery. Hundreds of thousands of operations like yours are performed on other Americans each year with great success and no mishaps. Nose reshaping surgery is a very safe procedure.
How should I prepare for rhinoplasty surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a set of guidelines to follow as your prepare for your rhinoplasty. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking. Also, you may need to stop taking some anti-inflammatory drugs and medications as they may cause problems. Your doctor will give you the full set of guidelines catered towards your own personal needs.
What will the day of surgery be like?
On the day of surgery, you will first be put under anesthesia. This will be either a local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your own individual circumstances. Various monitors will be used to observe you and ensure your safety during the procedure. When the rhinoplasty is completed, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will continue to be monitored and eventually sent home. Typically patients are permitted to return home after only a few hours. At home you will take pain medication prescribed to you by your plastic surgeon, who will also explain the day of surgery in great detail for you during your consultation.
How will I look initially?
Immediately after the surgery, you will experience some bruising and swelling. Bleeding is likely to take place as well. It is important to realize that different people heal at different rates, so there is no approximate time period for everything to progress. The swelling and discoloration will decrease over time, as your self esteem and satisfaction with your choice to undergo rhinoplasty will grow.
When can I resume my normal activities?
In many cases, patients are able to return to work within a week or so after their rhinoplasty operations. Other activities such as exercise can be resumed within several weeks after surgery. Due to the delicate nature of the procedure, it is not recommended to expose the nose to direct sunlight for a few months. However, recovering patients can still go outside as long as they remember to wear sunblock.
How long will the results last?
The effects of the rhinoplasty operation are permanent, although some patients may experience slight changes over time during the normal aging process. Despite the permanence of the procedure, nearly all patients visit their plastic surgeon at regular intervals to track their progress over time. If you are considering a rhinoplasty operation, do not hesitate to speak with a plastic surgeon about the procedures, recovery, and results involved with the procedure.
