Reconstructive Surgery
Nasal Surgery
The nose is one of the most prominent features of a person's face. Men and women who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their noses can improve their appearance through a procedure called rhinoplasty. Nasal reconstruction or rhinoplasty (commonly known as "nose job") was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, correcting or rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.
Rhinoplasty techniques can be performed to achieve a cosmetic result, a reconstructive/functional result, or a combination of both.
What are the advantages of having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
- To increase or reduce the size of the nose
- To modify the shape of the nostrils, tip or bridge of the nose
- To alter the slope or angle of the nose
- Remove the "hump" on the nose, narrow the tip, or shorten the nose.
- Improve breathing, allergies, snoring and recurrent sinus infections
Who is a good candidate for a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
- If you have a nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not "fit" with other facial features.
- If you want a more attractive nasal shape.
- If you want your nose to be in better proportion to other facial features.
- If you have an abnormal appearance of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.
- If you are a person who is at least in the mid-teenage years (when growth is nearly complete).
What does a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery procedure involve?
The procedure is determined by the type of correction to be made:
- In most cases involving a reduction of size or shape of the nose, the removal of a hump or the improvement of an angle, incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. The skin is lifted from the underlying bone and cartilage support system. Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are then reshaped.
- Open Rhinoplasty: Frequently used for difficult or larger noses. Involves one external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision.
- Open Tip-plasty: If only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or external open approach.
- Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of Rhinoplasty.
In some instances, Dr. Saadat will suggest chin surgery as a supplement to Rhinoplasty, because a small chin can make the nose appear larger
How long does a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery take?
It can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending upon the extent of your surgery.
How long does it take to recover from a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
- You will go home with a lightweight external cast or splint to maintain the new shape of the nose. The cast or splint is usually removed in one week.
- Nasal pads may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. If so, the packing is removed within a day or two.
- Majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks.
- External sutures (if any) are removed in 4-6 days. Internal sutures dissolve.
During the healing process, great care must be taken to protect the nose from injury. Eye glasses should be adjusted in order to minimize pressure on the nose. You will be advised when it is permissible to gently blow the nose.
When can I expect to see results from my Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Semifinal results are evident in 3 months. Final results are evident in 12-14 months which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening.
When can I go back to work/resume my normal activities after having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Most people are walking in two days, and back to work or school in a week or two. Strenuous activities may be resumed within a few weeks.
How long will the results of a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery last?
The results are permanent unless you injure your nose.
What are my alternatives to having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
There are no alternatives - however, additional procedures that may enhance the result are a Chin Implant.
To learn more about how a specific cosmetic procedure can help improve your appearance and outlook on life, call our Beverly Hills Cosmetic Plastic Surgery expert, Dr. David Sadaat, today at (800) 351-6341.
