A
rhinoplasty or nasal reshaping is one of the most common plastic surgery
procedures performed. The nose has a very central and prominent position
on the face and is often an area of concern for patients. There are
ethnic differences between patients that need to be preserved when nasal
reshaping is being considered. Nasal reshaping is performed on a wide
age range, though Dr. Duffy does not typically perform rhinoplasty before
the age of 18. Rhinoplasty leads to nasal swelling that takes months
to totally resolve and the healing response to nasal surgery can often
evolve over the course of a year. In about 10% of cases a secondary
procedure may be required to correct a minor deformity.
Like other cosmetic operations, good communication is important between the physician and patient prior to undertaking surgery. The patient needs to communicate what about their nose they want improved and the surgeon needs to communicate in turn to the patient what he or she believes can realistically be delivered with surgery.
Rhinoplasty operations take anywhere from 1-3 hours and are usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia as an outpatient. Rhinoplasty can be combined with other facial procedures. The surgery can take longer if there are breathing difficulties and work on the inside of the nose is required. The procedure can be performed with scars totally hidden within the nose or as an open procedure where a scar below the nasal tip across the midline strut of the nose is made. Fortunately, this scar usually heals well. Whether an open or closed approach is used is a function of each individual patient's anatomy and needs.
After surgery, the nose will be swollen and nasal packing will typically be in place. There may be bruising beneath the eyes as well. Most patients after surgery are up and about within a couple of days and return to work within a week or so. Healing following rhinoplasty can be a slow process, however. It may be several weeks or a month or so before most of the swelling is gone and the bruising is resolved.
