Rhinoplasty, plastic surgery of the nose, is one of the most common types of facial surgery. There are different ways the surgery can be performed to create long-lasting results, whether the individual is requesting surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons. Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure to help you achieve the look you desire.
Rhinoplasty is a type of cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery that enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. Some patients refer to rhinoplasty surgery as nose reshaping, nose reduction, or a “nose job”. This type of procedure improves the way a person’s nose and face look but can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.
An individual may request a cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery to:
Additionally, an individual may schedule a reconstructive rhinoplasty to:
Rhinoplasty plastic surgeons are dedicated to helping you look and feel better about yourself. Schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Hattiesburg Clinic to discuss your options.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. You and your doctor will discuss the best choice for you.
Rhinoplasty is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.
Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilages is gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.
An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts.
Most commonly, cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally cartilage from the ear or rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used.
If the septum is deviated, it can be straightened and the projections inside the nose reduced to improve breathing.
Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is “re-draped” and incisions are closed.
Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.
For a few days, splints and gauze packing may support the nose as it begins to heal.
Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:
During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.
While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time, you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.
Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
Be sure to ask your rhinoplasty surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
The results of rhinoplasty surgery should be be long-lasting. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time, you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.
As your body ages, it is natural to have some gradual changes to your face including your nose but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.
A healthy lifestyle and life-long sun protection will help extend the results of your new appearance.
With nearly fifty years of combined experience, our Hattiesburg Clinic plastic surgeons take delight in their quality, trusted reputation in Mississippi. Our board-certified surgeons specialize in both cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty surgery to help patients with a variety of needs.
In addition to nose surgery, our plastic surgery team performs chin implant, facial resurfacing, facelift and neck lift, and eyelid surgeries. Contact us today to learn more about rhinoplasty services or schedule a procedure.