How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

WESTON, FL, November 22, 2012 (Press-News.org) Is your nose the first feature you critique when looking in the mirror or at a self-portrait? If so, you are not alone. According to the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), nose reshaping was the second most common procedure performed in 2011. Nasal asymmetry could be due to heredity, injury or from choosing an inexperienced surgeon. Today's rhinoplasty allows for a more customized approach, making the days of the "cookie cutter" rhinoplasty a thing of the past.Only experienced surgeons have the skill to perform a variety of surgical techniques in order to meet your desired outcome.

Listed below are a number of common issues that may be corrected:

- Hump on the nose
- Bulky tip
- Wide nose/nostrils
- Inadequate projection of nasal tip
- Wide or bulbous tip
- Long nose

You could possibly be bothered by more than one of these problems. If so, different techniques will be required for each correction. Most rhinoplasty procedures take about two hours to complete. Your surgery will be scheduled in a hospital or in an accredited surgical center on an outpatient basis. A majority of rhinoplasty cases are performed using general anesthesia. However, IV sedation or local anesthetic may be used when optional. There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures; open and closed rhinoplasty.

- Open rhinoplasty - This technique requires small incisions to be made in the crease where the nose meets the cheek and at the base of the septum. The skin is then separated from the underlying cartilage and bone. This allows a clear visual field with full access to the structures below.
- Closed rhinoplasty - This is less invasive, but causes a very limited visual field. Incisions are made on the inside of the nose at the nasal septum. All structural changes are made through the incisions, which will remain undetected from the outer portion of the nose.

With both techniques, after the desired structural changes have been made, stitches are used for closure of the incisions. A splint is then applied to maintain the shape of your "new" nose. Your nose may also be packed with soft splints inside the nostrils to stabilize the nasal septum. Swelling and Bruising vary, so allow 7-10 days for improvement. Discomfort after surgery is typically minimal. You will see improvement as soon as the splint is removed and continue to see changes up to six months after your surgery.

If you feel rhinoplasty could benefit you for cosmetic or medical reasons, then please contact plastic surgeon Dr. Jon Harrell.

Dr. Harrell and his staff look forward to assisting you in your desire to look and feel your best. Please contact us today to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation and to learn if you are a good candidate for nose surgery at www.westonsurgery.com.