NOSE CORRECTION (RHINOPLASTY)

At our cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty), we realize the effect a small change in the nose can have on an individual's appearance. Scientific studies have proven that human perception of beauty is actually founded on the underlying principle of symmetry. A symmetrical face that exhibits certain proportions is perceived as being more beautiful than one that does not exhibit symmetry. Because of its general position and prominence, a crooked, large, or otherwise disproportionate nose can undermine an otherwise symmetrical face. A nose can detract from eyes, skin, or other features that, in any other case, would cause a stranger to look twice.

Nose surgery at our practice can change the shape or size of the whole nose or of just a small part, creating a more harmonious union between the nose and face and giving your face the symmetry you have been looking for. 

Rhinoplasty is among the most common surgeries performed by facial plastic surgeons. With that in mind, it is easy to believe that the technique has been perfected and a consistently excellent result is produced every time. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In fact, cosmetic nose surgery is among the most complex operations performed in the head and neck area.

In order to ensure the quality of your rhinoplasty surgery and results, careful and extensive preoperative discussions and planning will take place prior to your operation. To give you the best results, we will consider the prominence of your cheeks, your jaw line, your skin thickness and quality, and the overall dimensions of your nose before advising you of how to achieve both your desires and the overall harmony of all your facial features.

Techniques

Cosmetic or functional nose surgery usually takes two to three hours and may be performed as you sleep, under general anesthesia. If you prefer, the rhinoplasty can be done under wakeful sedation. Incision placement will depend on your current nose and your desired results. During nose surgery at our Manhattan, New York clinic, incisions are usually placed inside the nostrils, so that scarring is not visible.In some case a small v-incision is made in the front of the nose.

However, in some cases a small incision may be made in the natural creases along the sides or near the base of the nose. These incisions heal quickly and leave unnoticeable, if not invisible, scars. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will work to shape your nose into the desired contour. Once the changes have been made, sutures close the incisions, and a cast is placed on the nose. If there is any bleeding, a light dressing may be placed inside the nostrils and removed the same day or the next day. If any sutures were placed in a natural crease, they are removed in several days. The cast is usually removed in one week.

Recovery

Following nose surgery, most patients are amazed by how little pain they experience. The inability to breathe through the nose for several days (due to swelling) will be the most uncomfortable side effect, but within one or two weeks, breathing should return to normal. Expect some swelling around your eyes for several weeks. As the swelling subsides, you will start to see the improvements from your surgery.

A few special precautions are required during your recovery. Bending or lifting can prolong swelling, so this is not recommended for three weeks after nose surgery. Running, cycling, or aerobics should also be avoided for three weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for six weeks, as it takes that long for the bones to fully heal. You may drive when the swelling subsides enough to not interfere with vision, and you may fly two to three weeks after nose surgery.

Characteristics

See also

• Before & after