Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is designed to change the size and shape of the nose or the size or position of the nostrils. Rhinoplasty can decrease overall nose size; decrease nose width; decrease nose humps, bumps, or curves; resculpt the tip of the nose and/or the nostrils. Nose surgery can be used to correct breathing problems, injuries, deformities, or an unsatisfactory appearance caused by genetics, birth defects, injuries/accidents, or aging.
Rhinoplasty surgery is typically a 1-3 hour procedure that is done in a hospital or surgical center. Typically, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the plastic surgeon will use local anesthesia (numbing the area) or general anesthesia (patients are completely asleep). The incisions used for rhinoplasty depend on the specific problems being addressed. Open rhinoplasty surgery utilizes an incision across the columella (the strip of skin separating the nostrils). During closed rhinoplasty techniques, surgeons make incisions within the nose. With both techniques, the tissues that cover the nose are raised, allowing the surgeon to remove, reshape, shift, or enhance bone and cartilage to sculpt a new look.
After rhinoplasty surgery, the inside of the nose will be packed with gauze in order to reduce swelling and bleeding. Splints or bandages will also be placed on the outside of the nose to support and protect the area during healing. Many people experience mild to moderate pain after nose surgery; however, this pain is usually well-controlled with medication.
Approximately 3 days after surgery, the stitches will be removed. After one week, the packing, external splints and bandages will be removed. Some patients may require longer-term use of soft splints to support the nose after surgery. After 1 month, the majority (about 85%) of swelling will be gone. The remaining swelling may last up to 1 year, so final results of a rhinoplasty may not be evident until that point.
The best candidates for nose surgery are physically and mentally healthy adults who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their noses due to aging, genetics, an injury, or an accident. The best nose surgery candidates understand surgery can enhance appearance, but is not designed to create “perfect” noses. Individuals who are still experiencing growth and development that can impact the nose (up to and including adolescence) should delay surgery until they are older.
Rhinoplasty surgery is typically a 1-3 hour procedure that is done in a hospital or surgical center. Typically, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the plastic surgeon will use local anesthesia (numbing the area) or general anesthesia (patients are completely asleep). The incisions used for rhinoplasty depend on the specific problems being addressed. Open rhinoplasty surgery utilizes an incision across the columella (the strip of skin separating the nostrils). During closed rhinoplasty techniques, surgeons make incisions within the nose. With both techniques, the tissues that cover the nose are raised, allowing the surgeon to remove, reshape, shift, or enhance bone and cartilage to sculpt a new look.
After rhinoplasty surgery, the inside of the nose will be packed with gauze in order to reduce swelling and bleeding. Splints or bandages will also be placed on the outside of the nose to support and protect the area during healing. Many people experience mild to moderate pain after nose surgery; however, this pain is usually well-controlled with medication.
Approximately 3 days after surgery, the stitches will be removed. After one week, the packing, external splints and bandages will be removed. Some patients may require longer-term use of soft splints to support the nose after surgery. After 1 month, the majority (about 85%) of swelling will be gone. The remaining swelling may last up to 1 year, so final results of a rhinoplasty may not be evident until that point.
The best candidates for nose surgery are physically and mentally healthy adults who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their noses due to aging, genetics, an injury, or an accident. The best nose surgery candidates understand surgery can enhance appearance, but is not designed to create “perfect” noses. Individuals who are still experiencing growth and development that can impact the nose (up to and including adolescence) should delay surgery until they are older.
Results are typically permanent; however, nose cartilage and tissue may move around with aging and change the results of surgery across time.
Scottsdale Surgeons Specializing in:
Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Dramatic Before and Afters
Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Dramatic Before and Afters