Nose
What is a rhinoplasty?
Often referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses the appearance and/or the functioning of the nose. It can make a nose appear more proportionate to the face and improve overall nasal aesthetics. A septoplasty involves surgery on the septum and can improve breathing that may be obstructed by the nose's internal structure.
What does rhinoplasty improve?
Nose surgery can:
- Make a nose more proportionate to the overall balance of one's face, cheekbones and chin.
- Reduce the width of the nose and nostrils.
- Reduce the size of a dorsal hump on the bridge of the nose.
- Refine the cartilage on the end of the nose that is either hooked, upturned, enlarged or bulbous.
- Improve nasal symmetry.
- With internal nasal techniques, nose surgery can improve the function of the nose as well.
How is the procedure performed?
Each procedure is individualized according to a patient's specific needs, but a rhinoplasty requires anesthesia. It can be accomplished as a closed rhinoplasty, in which a small incision is made inside the nostril, or an open rhinoplasty, in which a small incision is made between the nostrils. This depends on the goals of the procedure and the techniques necessary to achieve them. The skin over the nose and cartilage is then lifted so that bone and tissue can be reduced and/or repositioned. When the sculpting is complete, the skin is redraped over top and the incisions are closed.
What are the risks?
- Anesthesia risks
- Infection
- Nasal septal perforation
- Pain and/or change in sensation
- Swelling and discoloration
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor wound healing
- Unsatisfactory results
What can be expected after the surgery?
Will I have bandages/drainage tubes?
Your nose may have splints, packing and bandages after surgery.
How soon return to work?
All cases are different, but most patients are healed and can return to work within three weeks.
How soon achieved results?
Initial swelling will go down within about three weeks, but you may experience swelling in the morning for up to a year. It could take as long as a year to achieve final results.
Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Nose surgery is usually a cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance companies, but in cases in which it is reconstructive surgery, it may be covered.