Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.
Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum, turbinate problems and “nasal valve” collapse.
What can rhinoplasty do for me?
Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:
- Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
- Modify the width of the nose at the bridge and or tip
- Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
- Contour a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping or upturned
- Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
- Narrow and reshape the nostrils
- Correct asymmetry or deviation
- Improve nasal obstruction
Candidates for a Rhinoplasty
The best candidates for rhinoplasty:
- Are at least 15 years old;
- Have finished facial growth;
- Are generally healthy;
- Do not smoke;
- Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others;
- Have realistic goals for the procedure.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Dr. Wortham uses one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made only within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, an incision is also made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, they gently lift the soft tissues covering the nose and sculpt the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.
If they are correcting a deviated septum, Drs. Wortham will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If you desire nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.
The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.
Recovery
For a short time after surgery, you may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week.
The results of rhinoplasty may be immediate but also become more refined as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time as it progressively resolves over the first year after the procedure. Swelling is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day.
Will I like the results of my nose surgery?
Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on your nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.
Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but likely not for cosmetic purposes.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities not completely resolved by or caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because often there is less cartilage to work with and there is scarring or tissue contracture (tightening) from the prior surgery. However, Dr. Wortham can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.
There are certain risks and complications that can occur with any cosmetic procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Wortham will make sure you are a good surgical candidate. He will also discuss the risks and complications pertaining to your procedure and answer questions you may have.