Nose Reshaping

Introduction

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Nothing is as noticeable as your nose for affecting dramatic changes in physical appearance.

Because your nose is very prominently positioned in your face, everyone you meet will immediately notice any changes. It is extremely important to choose a highly skilled physician for this procedure, to ensure that you achieve the results you want. We will study your specific case and create a nose shape that is suited to fit your face shape and size.

Nose reshaping can be done to enlarge or reduce the size of the nose, change its shape, narrow or enlarge the nostrils, or correct a hooked nose. It may also be performed to correct deformities due to birth defects or injury, including breathing problems.

Ideal Candidates

Most nose reshaping procedures are performed because the nose does not fit the size or shape of the patient's face. They may also be done to correct a very noticeable feature of the nose, such as a bump or hook.

This procedure can be performed on any adult. It should not be done on young children because they are still growing, and their facial features may change as they mature. By age 14 or 15, the face has stopped growing and surgery can be safely done.

It is important that patients have reasonable expectations from their cosmetic surgery. While it is impossible to achieve perfection, you can experience a drastic improvement in your overall appearance as long as you are clear about your expectations from the beginning.

How It's Done

Prior to surgery, you will have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss what changes you would like to make. At this point, you will decide on a course of action, and will know what to expect after the surgery. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any past injuries or surgeries.

Nose reshaping is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. You will spend approximately three hours in the operating room.

To re-contour the nose, an incision is made either through the base of the nose or through the nostrils. The skin is then lifted away from the underlying bone and cartilage, and the structure is re-shapes to achieve the necessary changes. If necessary, the sides of the nose may be brought closer together. The cartilage may be used to lift or re-form the tip of your nose to your specifications.

Recovery

After your procedure, you will be asked to wear a nasal splint for two weeks to protect your nose while it heals. If you do not wish anyone to know about your procedure, you will need to take time off work until the splint is removed. However, if you do not mind going to work with a splint, or work at home, you can return to work after only two to three days.

You will wear tape over your nose for a total of three weeks, to keep your nose in alignment until it is fully healed. During this time, you may still have some swelling and bruising, although this can be disguised with makeup. You should avoid strenuous exercise for four weeks after your procedure, as this may cause swelling or bleeding. Final results may not be seen for six months to a year, when all swelling will be gone.

In our practice, we take extra precautions to ensure that your final result is a normal, natural nose with minimal scarring. A well-done nose reshaping can make a huge difference in your appearance.