Rhinoplasty

With over two-hundred thousand procedures performed on Americans in 2005, the fourth most popular surgical cosmetic procedure is Rhinoplasty. This procedure, which involves a structural alteration of the nose, continues to be a popular choice for cosmetic surgery patients.

Reasons For Rhinoplasty

There are several reasons why a person may choose to undergo rhinoplasty. The most common reasons for the procedure are:

· To change facial structure for aesthetic reasons

· Injury or birth defect

· Difficulty breathing

The specifics of a rhinoplasty procedure depend on the reason for the procedure, the existing nasal structure, facial shape, and desired results.

“I always carefully examine each patient and sit down with him or her to discuss the rhinoplasty beforehand,” says Dr. Jerrold C. Gendler, a cosmetic surgeon who performs rhinoplasties in his New York office. “It’s important for the cosmetic surgeon and the patient to communicate before the procedure so each knows what’s expected and what the results will be like.”

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Most rhinoplasties only take an hour or two to complete, but more complicated procedures take longer. Local anesthesia, which numbs the area to be treated, may be an option depending on the nature of the rhinoplasty. More intensive procedures may require general anesthesia, which numbs the area and puts the patient to sleep. If a patient is not comfortable with local anesthesia during surgery, general anesthesia may be used instead.

During the rhinoplasty surgery, the skin around the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage structure. This allows the cosmetic surgeon to shape and contour the nose to the desired form.

In order to shape the nose, the cosmetic surgeon usually makes incisions inside the nostrils. This ensures that no visible scars remain after the procedure. Depending on the nature of the rhinoplasty, however, it may be necessary to make small outer incisions. These are usually placed around the tissue that divides the two nostrils and will be hidden after the procedure.

Recovery From Rhinoplasty

Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure, but will fade. Minor bleeding may occur for a few days and the doctor will require the use of a splint and other supportive materials to help the nose heal and maintain its new shape.

“Rhinoplasty requires a few weeks for complete recovery,” explains Dr. Gendler. “This can discourage some patients, because they don’t get to see the full results of their procedure right away. Once some time has passed and the tissues have recovered, though, then people see the true effect their surgery has had.”

Before and after photos, such as those on Dr. Gendler’s website, demonstrate how effective rhinoplasty can be once the patient has had time to recover.

The Results of Rhinoplasty

Once recovery is complete, you have a new nose that complements your facial structure, repairs an injury, or solves your breathing problems.