Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Nose surgery, also known as “rhinoplasty,” is a procedure designed to improve the size and shape of the nose and/or correct breathing problems associated with the nasal passage. As the central feature of the face, the nose plays a significant role in determining overall facial harmony. Rhinoplasty helps create a nose that is in balance with the rest of the face by correcting the unsatisfactory results of genetic deformities or traumatic nose injuries.
At Walker Plastic Surgery, Dr. Walker’s patients seek her for a nose job not only to improve a misshapen or out of proportion nose, but they also rely on her to improve their breathing difficulties. Board certified in otolaryngology, Dr. Walker has the skills and credentials that set her apart from the rest of plastic surgeons performing a nose job. As an otolaryngologist and a plastic surgeon, she is trained in both medicine and surgery. This makes her the best at dealing with problems that relate to the nose as well as the aesthetics of the nose.
How can rhinoplasty improve my nose?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures in all of plastic surgery because of its ability to enhance facial harmony. Nose surgery can effectively achieve the following:
- Reduce the overall size of the nose
- Smooth out bumps and/or depressions on the bridge of the nose
- Narrow the bridge of the nose
- Change the size or shape of the tip of the nose
- Widen or narrow the size of the nostrils
- Adjust the angle between the nose and upper lip
- Straighten the septum to improve breathing
Rhinoplasty Methods
Open Rhinoplasty
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Incision is made across the columella under the nose, between the nostrils
- Allows the most visibility for the surgeon during the procedure
- More invasive than the closed approach
- Ideal for patients seeking a major change to the nose
Closed Rhinoplasty
- Performed under either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia
- Incisions are made on the inside of the nose, around your nostrils and are never visible
- Shorter surgical and recovery time
- Results achieved are may be dramatic or subtle. Preferred approach for most rhinoplasties
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Q. Will I have any pain or discomfort during the rhinoplasty procedure?
A. No. Anesthesia is administered throughout the entire procedure, so patients do not have to worry about feeling any pain or discomfort during surgery.
Q. How long does nose surgery take to complete?
A. Nose surgery generally takes two to three hours to perform, although the exact amount of time needed for surgery will depend on the specific corrections that need to be made.
Q. Will I be able to go home after the surgery is complete?
A. Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. However, because you will still be under the effects of anesthesia after surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. You will be given detailed instructions regarding your recovery at home, mainly activities to avoid that could jeopardize your results.
Q. Will rhinoplasty leave scarring?
A. Surgical procedures that require incisions generally leave some extent of scarring. However, incisions will be placed inside of the nose or on the columella between the nostrils to ensure scarring is as inconspicuous as possible.
Q. When will the stitches be removed?
A. Stitches are typically removed five to seven days after surgery.
Q. How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?
A. Most patients will need about one week of downtime to recover from rhinoplasty, after which time they generally feel good enough to return to work. However, strenuous exercises and physical activities should be avoided until after your surgeon determines that your nose has healed properly at a follow-up appointment. If a septoplasty is performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty, the recovery time is longer, and patients may expect to return to work after 2 weeks.
Q. When can I expect to see results?
A. The results of nose surgery will become more evident as swelling goes down over the coming weeks and months. It may take up to a year to see the final results of your rhinoplasty.
Have additional questions about nose surgery?
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