Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that alters the size and shape of the nose for more pleasing facial proportions. Rhinoplasty can also be done as reconstructive plastic surgery to repair structural abnormalities or injury damage that cause impaired breathing.
Most individuals seeking rhinoplasty are unhappy or dissatisfied with the size or shape of their nose because they feel their nose is:
- Too large
- Crooked
- Humpy along the bridge
- Too wide
- Too droopy or toot thick at the tip
- Too flared at the nostrils
- Asymmetrical in alignment
- Deviated in the septum
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty may be performed as an outpatient procedure, or may require a brief hospital stay. It is performed using general or local anesthesia and involves incisions made inside the nose to access supporting bones and cartilage. Your surgeon will consider your skin type, skin thickness, and the position and thickness of the bones to preserve the character of your nose while refining the qualities you dislike.
Based upon the result the surgeon is hoping to achieve, cartilage or bone may be removed, or a synthetic filler may be used to add tissue. The surgeon then reshapes the nose, places a splint on the outside it to support it during recovery, and may place nasal packing inside the nose for greater support.
Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The best candidates are physically and emotionally healthy non-smoking individuals with reasonable expectations about how rhinoplasty can enhance their appearance. Rhinoplasty should not be performed in females under the age of 15 or 16, or males under the age of 17 or 18, because the nose is not yet fully developed.
Rhinoplasty Risks
As with all surgeries, rhinoplasty comes with some risks and all reputable plastic surgeons will make sure you are aware of them before your procedure is scheduled. By choosing an experienced and fully-qualified cosmetic surgeon, you can minimize your risks and maximize your successful results.
Temporary side effects are not the same thing as surgical risks. A rhinoplasty will cause temporary swelling and bruising around the eyes and perhaps some nose bleeding at first.
Complications can include:
- Breakdown of skin tissue
- Skin irritation from tape and bandaging used in post-surgical dressings
- Infection
- Swelling inside the nose leading to serious nasal blockage
- Anesthesia complications
You can enhance your recovery period and cosmetic results by closely following your surgeon’s written post-operative instructions, and by going for all your follow-up visits.
Unhappiness with your natural nose shape and size can have a serious emotional impact. If you've been unhappy with your nose for quite some time, and you are over the required age limit, rhinoplasty may be a reasonable option for you. In the Orlando, Florida area, Dr. Jeffrey Hartog and his friendly staff are available to answer your questions or schedule a consultation.
