What is rhinoplasty surgery?

nose surgery

Rhinoplasty or nose surgery, sometimes referred to as “nose reshaping” or a “nose job,” improves the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and self confidence. Surgery of the nose may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities in the nose.

Enhancing your appearance with nose plastic surgery

While the shape of your nose is usually the result of heredity, the appearance may have been altered in an injury or during prior surgery.

What can surgery of the nose accomplish?

Rhinoplasty surgery can change:

Is it right for me?

Nose cosmetic surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

A rhinoplasty procedure is a good option for you if:

Preparing for nose surgery

Before nose surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

  • What to do on the night before and the morning of surgery
  • The use of anesthesia during your nose surgery
  • Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Surgery of the nose may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

You’ll need help

If your nose surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

General Procedure

The rhinoplasty procedure lasts from one to three hours.  Dr. Miles may elect to utilize either local or general anesthesia, depending upon the complexity of the operation.

To begin the surgery, tiny incisions are made which allows Dr. Miles to access the underlying nasal structure.  Once the skin is opened, the cartilage and bone are reshaped to form the basis for the new look.  Two basic methods are utilized for performing nose surgery.  These methods are referred to as the ‘open’ and the ‘closed’ techniques.  The open technique allows for maximum visibility and control over the procedure.  The incision used in the open technique is placed in-between the nostrils on the columella (the medial nostril strip).  In the closed technique, the incisions are internal and heal faster; however, there is less surgical control over the outcome. Dr. Miles can discuss which technique is best during the initial consultation visit.

Rhinoplasty risks and safety information

Safety regarding Nose SurgeryThe decision to have nose surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will fulfill your goals and if the risks and potential rhinoplasty complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks of rhinoplasty include:

Be sure to ask questions:

It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your nose procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another minor surgery may be necessary to reach the intended aesthetic goal.

Be careful

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during your recovery from rhinoplasty. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Rhinoplasty surgery steps

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during rhinoplasty surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Surgery of the nose is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Through these incisions, the soft tissues that cover the nose are gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Nose Surgery, Before Nose Surgery, After

Step 3 – Reshaping the nose structure

Surgery of the nose can reduce or augment nasal structures with the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body.

Most commonly, pieces of cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose.

Occasionally a piece of cartilage from the ear and rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used.

Step 4 – Correcting a deviated septum

If the septum is deviated, it is now straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.

Step 5 – Closing the incision

Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed. Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.

Step 6 – See the results

Splints and internal tubes will likely support the nose as it begins to heal for approximately one week.

While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine.

During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your nose surgery.

Nose surgery Rhinoplasty

A nose surgery procedure to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and to reduce the recovery time.  Some swelling may be noticed; however, any swelling will disappear within a few weeks.  A splint, bandages, and/or gauze are applied immediately following surgery to aid in the healing process and to minimize movement of the nose.  Patients must refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery.  In addition, any corrective glasses that are worn must be taped up and off the nose.  The nose will need to be well-protected from the sun for the first year after the procedure while the body is adjusting to the new look.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery.  Pain can be effectively treated with oral medication and/or cold compresses.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk of potential problems by carefully following the post-surgical directions given by Dr. Miles.

To find out if you’d be a good candidate for Male Nose Surgery or Male Rhinoplasty in Redlands, California, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Miles, your Redlands California Plastic Surgeon, at 909-509-5900.

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