Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or “nose job”, involves surgical correction of the nose structures that cause dissatisfaction or breathing difficulty. Patients seek rhinoplasty because of airway obstruction through the nose, nasal deformity from congenital deformity or trauma or cancer related retreatment, or the sense that the nose is not in harmony with the rest of the facial features. (See before and after photos of rhinoplasty surgery)
Rhinoplasty Procedure Details
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The incisions are inside the nose only but may include one on the columellar depending on the extent of reshaping that is needed to be performed for the individualized case. The skin of the nose is then separated from the underlying structures. The bones and cartilages are then reshaped. Augmentation of cartilage might be necessary that can be harvested typically from the inside of the nose or ears, and rarely ribs. Once reshaping with or without augmentation is completed, the skin is redraped and fine sutures area used to close the incisions. Internal and external splints are placed to help stabilize the nose after surgery. They will be removed at the appropriate time in the office.
Recovery after Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery. The patients go home on the same day. Bruising around the nose and eyes can occur and usually resolves by 2 weeks. The internal splints remain in place for 1 week, after which they will be removed in the office. The external splints will be replaced and readjust in the office at 1 week but need to be worn for 2 weeks. Stuffiness is common, especially while the internal splints are in place. Patients are encouraged to keep their head elevated even while sleeping to reduce swelling. Swelling of the nose after rhinoplasty takes longer to resolve. Although most of the swelling is resolved by 3 months, the final result of the rhinoplasty won’t be established until at least 6 months to 1 year. (See before and after photos of rhinoplasty.)
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