All About Plastic Surgery-
Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, the surgical reshaping of the nose (commonly called a “nose job”), is one of the most popular and requested plastic surgery procedures. The goal of the procedure is to alter the nose to a more ideal look, shape and size. This can be done several ways, such as by reducing or increasing the size and length, changing the shape of the bridge or tip, narrowing the nostrils or otherwise changing the angle of the nose. The desired result is a beautiful nose that has created an overall improved appearance to the face and is in harmony and balance with other facial features.
Rhinoplasty is most often performed for cosmetic reasons, but can also correct a birth defect or nose injury or relieve chronic breathing problems. Although a common procedure, it is by no means a simple one, and requires the skills and experience of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon; one who has had specialized training in cosmetic surgery and proven experience in achieving aesthetic results.
ABOUT THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE
Rhinoplasty generally takes from one to hours and is performed while under general anesthesia. The patient will be asleep, and not feel or remember anything. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients can be discharged to go home after just a few hours in our private recovery suite.
During a Rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Salzhauer commonly makes a small incision at the base of the nose and then lifts the skin away from the nasal framework and sculpts the underlying bone and cartilage to create the desired new shape. The skin is then refitted over the new framework and reattached using tiny absorbable stitches. A splint may be applied to help the nose heal in its new shape and, in some procedures, soft supports or packs are applied to support the septum during the healing process.
The patient may experience minor pain, puffiness, swelling and bruising around the nose and eye areas, but this will begin to subside after a few days. Strenuous activities or stress on the nose area (including blowing the nose) must be avoided for several days to allow the tissue time to heal. Nasal packing is removed after a few days and stitches and split removed between one to two weeks. The real results may start to be seen after two to four weeks.
RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE TECHNIQUES
Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s nasal structure, one of three common techniques may be used: open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty or tip plasty.
Open Rhinoplasty :
Open rhinoplasty is used for reducing the overall size of a large nose or when more access is required to re-sculpt the bone and cartilage and is the preferred technique used by Dr. Salzhauer. A small incision is made in the column between the nostrils (the columella), allowing the nasal skin to be lifted back off the underlying structure of the nose and allows Dr. Salzhauer have a clear view of the nasal anatomy. The bone and cartilage are then sculpted to create the desired shape and size of the nose and the nasal skin is then re-adhered.
Closed Rhinoplasty :
Using this procedure, several incisions are made inside the nostrils without lifting the nasal skin. The bone and cartilage of the nose are altered from within to achieve the desired contour of the nose. This procedure is usually performed when only minor changes are desired.
Tip Plasty:
This procedure is used when only the tip of the nose is to be surgically altered. The surgeon may use either the standard or open rhinoplasty to achieve the desired effect.
WHAT RHINOPLASTY CAN ACCOMPLISH
Alter Size and Shape: The surgery can alter the length and width of the bridge, span of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and upper lip in order to achieve a nose size and shape that is more in harmony and balance with the patient’s facial features.
Remove a Hump or Bump: One of the most common procedures is the removing of a hump or bump on the bridge of the nose to achieve a more aesthetic and smooth profile.
Refine the Tip: Another common procedure is to reshape the tip of the nose by removing and reshaping the cartilage to bring it more into balance with the size and shape of the nose and create greater definition.
Correct a Birth Defect or Relieve Chronic Breathing Problems: Rhinoplasty surgery can correct abnormally small nasal passages to improve breathing. Also, common birth defects such as a crooked nose or separation of the bone, deviated septum or detached cartilage can be corrected.
Overview
- Medical Name: Rhinoplasty
- Ideal Candidate: Healthy, non-smoker
- Designed to Improve: Size, shape, proportion, angle of the nose
- Type of Anesthesia: General
- Recovery Time: Bruising and swelling 3- 7 days; return to most activities 1-2 weeks
- Procedure Location: Our state-of-the-art private surgical facility
- Practitioner: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Salzhauer
- Estimated Cost: $3,900 – $6,000
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