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Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty):
About the Procedure |
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Rhinoplasty is difficult cosmetic surgery. You need a surgeon who is part technical expert and part artist—but even then, results can't be predicted exactly. After the surgery is over, it may still take some time before the new nasal shape can be appreciated. The doctor may be counting on the skin to contract around the new bony and cartilaginous framework as it heals. This usually proceeds smoothly with time, but problems can occur. Studies reveal about 10% of cosmetic surgery patients seek secondary procedures (secondary rhinoplasty). They may be unhappy with their results or wish that additional changes could be made. Additional surgery may be needed to try to achieve the desired result. After surgery, it may be 6 to 12 months before your nose assumes its "final" shape and many surgeons recommend waiting at least this long before proceeding with secondary procedures.
Some prospective patients show the doctor a photo of what they would like their nose to look like. It's a good idea for the doctor to understand your expectations. But don't expect to be able to replicate somebody else's nose. There are many variables involved (including the skin, cartilage and bone), which may not be the same in someone else. In fact, a small or thin nose on one person might look totally out of place on another person. A realistic surgeon will probably not promise to duplicate another person's nose for you.
A nose can be reshaped in many different ways. Some of the more common changes may result in:
- A nose that appears smaller or narrower.
- The removal of a bump or hump from the bridge of the nose.
- Rotation of the nasal tip either up or down.
| The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) says nearly 103,000 people had rhinoplasties in 1999. |
Open and Closed Procedures
Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, is usually performed on an outpatient basis under either local or general anesthesia. The method used by the surgeon is often referred to as open or closed and usually depends on what changes are being made to the nose.
With open rhinoplasty, incisions are usually made on the inside of the nostrils and across the divider between the nostrils. The skin is then lifted, providing the surgeon with a direct view of the inner bone and cartilage. Many doctors favor this method because they feel the increased visibility allows more freedom to reshape the nose and create a more sculpted nasal tip. Disadvantages of this approach may include a tiny scar across the divider between the nostrils and swelling which may last a little longer than with the closed technique.
With a closed rhinoplasty technique, incisions are made primarily inside the nose and there are no external scars. Disadvantages include decreased visibility for the surgeon and possibly more limitations in remodeling the bones or cartilage to achieve the final shape.
After surgery (open or closed), an external splint may be placed on the nose to help maintain the new shape and limit the swelling and bruising. It will often be removed in 3-10 days. After this period you may notice a slight increase in the swelling. This is normal and temporary. The doctor may also have inserted nasal packs or soft internal splints after surgery to control bleeding and help maintain the shape. The packs are removed in about 3-10 days. Any external stitches usually come out in about a week while internal stitches are often self-dissolving.
Who Has Rhinoplasties?
Women represented 77% of rhinoplasty patients in 1998. What about age? People in the 19-34 age group represented the largest consumer group (46%), followed by the 35-50 age group (28%). Teens 18 or younger represented 14% of the total. |
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