Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Surgery of the nose (rhinoplasty) is performed to enhance cosmetic appearance or correct functional breathing disorders. Nasal abnormalities may be entirely hereditary or may be associated with trauma or congenital birth defects or disorders. With this surgery, the size of the nose can be reduced, the bridge straightened and thinned, the tips better defined, and the nostrils narrowed. Computer imaging greatly assists in projecting the desired nasal profile and shape following surgery.

Procedure and recovery

Most nasal surgery is not performed on teenagers before the age of 14 or 15 (at least one to one and a half years after puberty). The surgery is performed under “twilight” sedation (you are unconscious) by a Board certified anesthesiologist at our state of the art AAAASF outpatient facility, The Aesthetic Surgery Center. The length of the procedure is one and a half to two hours. Incisions are hidden internally within the nose. In complex reshaping of the nasal tip, tiny incisions may be required across the columella or at the base of the nostrils (very inconspicuous after healing).

A custom molded Aquaplast splint that maintains the new nasal architecture is worn for seven to ten days. Bruising and swelling, particularly beneath the eyes, usually lasts ten to fourteen days. Light nasal packing is removed at two to five days. Following removal of the nasal splint, the new shape of the nose is apparent, although subtle swelling, particularly at the base of the nose and at the tip, will gradually fade over the next several months. A flesh colored concealer can be applied to hide bruising and swelling. Most patient return to work or school within a week to ten days.

The new shape of the nose is usually permanent and has been artistically designed to blend with your unique facial features.