Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that allows a plastic surgeon to reshape and correct the functionality and appearance of the patient’s nose. Nose plastic surgeries can reduce the size of the nose, change its angle or shape, smooth out bumps and alter the tip of the nose and a number of other corrections. It’s all about getting the proportions right.

Who Needs Rhinoplasty?

In some cases nose plastic surgery is necessary to improve the patient’s breathing by correcting or eliminating structural problems. Nose surgery is also recommended after injuries or traumas that leave the nose broken or in need of reconstruction. The surgery often involves removal of bone or cartridge but sometimes tissue is added to the nose (this can be from another part of the body or a synthetic material).

Rhinoplasty is one of the most widely performed plastic surgeries in the world with more than half a million nose plastic surgeries performed every year. As the nose is one of the most prominent and central features of the human face altering its appearance can result in truly dramatic transformations and can achieve an overall more balanced, symmetrical look.

Nose Surgery – Step by Step

As with all surgical procedures all nose surgeries are preceded by an in-depth medical consultation where the patient has a chance to talk to the plastic surgeon about his or her wishes and possible problems concerning the appearance or functionality of the nose. It is good to keep in mind that while an idea of the “perfect nose” can be a good starting point, it is the plastic surgeon’s job to present the patient with what is a realistic outcome for the planned procedure.

As a double certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent can provide patients will all the information they need before undergoing nose plastic surgery.

It is possible to perform rhinoplasty under both general and local anesthesia but patients should keep in mind that if they opt for the lower risk local anesthetic they will hear all the noises produced by the plastic surgery.

At the start of the surgery small incisions are placed inside the nose and when necessary on the outside as well. These incisions are very well camouflaged. The plastic surgeon then proceeds to remove excess bone or cartilage or where needed add extra tissue. The size and shape of the nose is altered and various parts of the nose can be remolded (such as the tip or the bridge of the nose). It is also possible to change the angles of the nose in relation to the forehead or the lips by altering the underlying support structure. The goal is always to make the various parts blend in a way that is harmonious and well proportioned.
Work inside the nose can be done, at the same time, to improve breathing through the nose. Attention is placed on straightening the wall that divides the nose, called the septum. Additionally, other enlarged structures such as the turbinates, the natural tissue inside the nose that warms and moistens air, can be reduced when they cause blockage.
After all the internal changes have been made the skin is re-draped over the newly formed nose and the incisions are closed. Usually a small splint is placed on the nose to help maintain its shape and to help reduce any future swelling.

The length of rhinoplasty plastic surgery procedures varies greatly depending on how complicated and extensive the surgery is. Some procedures can take as little at 45 minutes while others require several hours in the operating theatre. Following the surgery most patients are able to go home on the same day but in some cases they are advised to stay one night in the clinic. The recovery period for rhinoplasty patients is relatively long. Immediately after the procedure the patient will experience some pain and discomfort but this subsides significantly after one week when the cast is removed. After a further couple of weeks the swelling goes down considerably and after two to three months only the patient will be able to detect any swelling. The final result of the rhinoplasty can take up to a year to take shape.

Possible Risks and Complications

The possible risks and complications, as with any plastic surgery procedure, will very much depend on the extent and type of the “nose job” performed. In a reduction rhinoplasty, where bone or cartridge is filed away, some patients may experience reduction or loss in sense of smell. Scarring within the nose can also effect sense of smell and give a feeling of a blocked nose. Infections can also occur and patients should be aware of any separate risks surrounding anesthesia. Finally, but very importantly, some patients can feel that the final result of the plastic surgery does not match their expectations. This predominantly occurs shortly after surgery when the final shape of the nose is not yet apparent and the swelling surrounding the area distorts the angles of the nose.

For further information about nose plastic surgery arrange an appointment with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Warren Lent.