Most patients have a definite idea as to how they would like to "improve" or refine the shape of their nose. Usually they don't like the "hump" on the bridge, the thickness of the tip, or the width of their nose. Rhinoplasty can help.
The nasal septum, the structure that separates the two nostrils inside the nose, is composed of cartilage and bone. It may become deviated or twisted, either through the trauma of birth or as the result of an accidental injury. This deviation may alter the pattern of air flow through the nose, making it more difficult to breathe. In addition, the nose may appear crooked with a "hump."
Often, a surgical procedure used to correct breathing through the nose also improves its appearance. Reduction of the "hump," refinement of the nasal tip, narrowing of the width, and straightening of the nose are combined into one procedure.
In order to eliminate visible scarring, the surgery is done entirely from within the nostrils. The goal is to achieve a more natural appearance, without a "turned up" or artificial look.
Patients come to the place of the surgery the morning of surgery for this outpatient procedure. The duration of surgery for this procedure is approximately one hour. General anesthesia is utilized; therefore the patient is entirely asleep. A small splint is applied to the nose after surgery for protection and to reduce swelling in the early postoperative period. This splint is usually removed between five to seven days after surgery; bruising is variable. Many surgeons do not routinely pack the nose postoperatively. This procedure adds to the patient's comfort after surgery.
After surgery, patients are taken to a recovery room and monitored until they are fully awake. There is minimal discomfort during the postoperative period. Following recovery, patients are taken home either by a friend or relative, who will then stay with them for that evening. A return visit to the office the next day is scheduled for follow-up evaluation. The approach to nasal surgery varies from individual to individual. Patients may have a specific area of the nose they want improved. Ethnic characteristics must be respected when enhancing the appearance of the African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic or the Middle Eastern nose.
Facial proportions may be divided into thirds. From the hairline to the top of the nose represents the upper third, the full length of the nose is the middle third, and from the base of the nose to the chin is the lower third. Other procedures can be performed with nasal surgery to establish these proportions and improve the final result. These options may include a chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, or even a facelift. A chin implant is a device that can be surgically positioned to enlarge the chin from within the mouth so that no scars are visible. Placement of the implant adds approximately one half hour to the nasal procedure.
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