NASAL RESHAPING (RHINOPLASTY)
Rhinoplasty, or nasal reshaping surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty allows the nose to be reshaped, by decreasing or increasing the size of the nose, changing the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In some cases, rhinoplasty can correct a breathing problem.
Initial Consultation for Rhinoplasty Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Hyman, he will discuss with you your objectives and expectations from surgery. This will include a complete medical history and an examination of the skin, cartilage, and bones of the nose and face. The shape of the nose and the thickness of the nasal skin vary greatly from one patient to the next and are affected by both age and race. In some cases, nasal surgery can change a patient’s apparent ethnicity. Dr. Hyman will suggest a procedure that suits you best and answer any questions that you might have.
Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed through incisions inside the nose, and occasionally through a small incision across the columella (the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils). The nasal skin is then separated from the underlying framework of bone and cartilage, which is sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is finally re-draped over the new framework.
Rhinoplasty surgery takes two hours to perform, and is done under general anesthesia or sedation in Dr. Hyman’s private ambulatory surgery facility or an outpatient surgical center. Patients are able to return home the same day.
Post Rhinoplasty Surgery
Following surgery, a splint will be placed on the nose both for protection and to help it maintain its new shape. A small amount of packing may be placed in the nostrils and is removed the next morning. The splint is removed five days after surgery. Most sutures will dissolve on their own. Many patients have swelling and bruising around their eyes, which can be reduced with the use of cold compresses for 48 hours after surgery. The nose will be moderately swollen and stuffy for several weeks, and the remainder of the swelling will gradually resolve over the course of the next 8-12 months. For this reason, the final result of the procedure may not be seen until one year after surgery. Most patients may return to work one week after surgery. Strenuous activity should be avoided for three weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for three months after surgery to prevent trauma to the nose.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Hyman and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Hyman, or you can request an appointment online.