Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)

Reshaping the nose can significantly enhance an individuals facial appearance by creating a more balanced and enhanced profile. It is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. The rhinoplasty procedure is completely customized to uniquely complement each individual's face, so you can achieve the most natural appearance.

Rhinoplasty Ideal Candidates

• Are in good health
• Have realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish
• Have a bump on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
• The nose appears too large for your face
• The nose seems too wide when viewed from the front
• The nasal tip droops or plunges
• The tip is thickened or enlarged
• The nostrils are excessively wide
• The nose is crooked or appears deformed
• previous injury has made the nose asymmetrical

Rhinoplasty Surgery

Reshaping the nose usually takes two hours depending on your needs. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The incisions are most often placed inside the nose and hidden from view. In the open procedure a small incision in the columella is created. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and then the skin is redraped over the new framework. When the surgery is complete, a splint is applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Discomfort is at a minimum, but some bruising and swelling can be expected following surgery. Applying ice and taking a mild pain reliever can offer effective relief and keeping your head elevated is recommended for the first 24 hours.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

You will notice some swelling and possibly some bruising around your eyes which may increase up to two or three days. Most of this will resolve within 10 days to two weeks. The splint is removed after six days. A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for a few weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 3 weeks and contact sports for 6 weeks. Most patients return to work after one week.

If you are one of the many people who have gone through life self conscious about the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty may be the perfect solution. Even the slightest alteration to a person's nose can make a dramatic difference. The primary goal of rhinoplasty is to create facial harmony so the most prominent feature, the nose, is in perfect proportion. Take a look at some before and after photos.