What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery involves changing the appearance of the nose. The term most people use for rhinoplasty is “nose job” and it is so commonly used now that it has become as accepted as the word rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is not a specific surgery but a collection of surgical techniques. Therefore, the term “rhinoplasty” really reflects a field of endeavor, all of whose goals are to improve nasal shape.
What is nonsurgical rhinoplasty?
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty involves the use of fillers to change the appearance of the nose. Filler material can last up to a year and is generally used to mask or disguise issues of the nose. The most common use for fillers to achieve these results is their use in treating the “bump” on the nose. Filler can be applied above and below the bump to make the bump appear more flat. The benefits of filler when they are used are that the procedure is not surgery and so no anesthesia is required. The filler material itself has anesthetic in it and so placement of filler can be done in the doctor’s office. Patients can also visualize what it might look like if there were no bump and then they could then opt for rhinoplasty where the treatment would be complete and no further treatment required. The downside of filler treatment of the nose is that, though it minimizes shape problems, it may not completely solve the issue and because volume is being added to the nose, the nose may appear slightly larger. This last point is important because most patients who come for rhinoplasty feel that their nose is too large. Rhinoplasty surgery reduces the size of the nose evenly and create harmony of the parts of the nose.
What is an open rhinoplasty?
The majority of rhinoplasties are performed”closed”. In a closed rhinoplasty, al or almost all of the treatment is done on the inside and there are no outside scars. Major changes can be made with closed rhinoplasty and most cosmetic issues can be treated successfully in this fashion. There are more difficult problems, for which the alternative, open rhinoplasty may be a better alternative. These problems often center on the nasal tip and especially where the nasal tip does not stick out enough (project enough). In this case, cartilage grafting may be required to bring out the tip and this is best done with open rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty may also be a better option for patients when the tip is asymmetrical or uneven. The benefits of open rhinoplasty are that more complicated issues can be addresses. The disadvantages of this procedure are that swelling can last much longer than with the closed technique and that there are more complications. A thorough discussion with a rhinoplasty surgeon that can do both open and close techniques can help patients understand what may be a better option.
What can be done for nostril flare?
Some patients note that they want a rhinoplasty and one issue they see on their nose is that their nostrils seem to flare out and are wider and don’t harmonize with the rest of their nose. In this case a procedure called a “Weir Resection” can be done. This involves removal of a wedge of skin from the nostril where the nostril meet the cheek on the outside. This puts a scar on the outside of the nose but it is generally hidden in a crevice and so can’t be seen. Weir Resection can bring evenness and harmony to the nose and can make the rhinoplasty result more complete.
How long does it take to heal from a rhinoplasty?
Healing for rhinoplasty is relatively quick. Swelling and bruising are generally minimal and rhinoplasties don’t hurt. Patients usually need to wear a splint for six days which can look pretty knarly and so after a rhinoplasty patients are not usually attending social gatherings. But the day after surgery patients can walk outside with a hat and can do most of their usual daily activities. Patients are generally able to drive in a few days after their procedure. Sports are generally resumed at two to three weeks and it’s a good idea for patients not to wear glasses for six weeks as they can press on the part of the nose that was shaped by the procedure.
Can rhinoplasty fix breathing problems?
Rhinoplasty procedures themselves are really done for cosmetic purposes. When patients have cosmetic issues they wish changed with a rhinoplasty, the breathing problems can also be worked on. Those problems might include a “deviated” septum and enlargement of the turbinates. These structures are found inside of the nose and when they are enlarged or bent they can block the airway and make it difficult to breathe. The septum also supports the nose itself and so when patients have both a cosmetic and a breathing issue, it is important to carry out the two surgeries together to get the best results.
Dr. David Newman is a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Want to find out if your doctor is board certified? Go to CertificationMatters.org.