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NOSE SURGERY (Rhinoplasty)
 

Rhinoplasty is the operative procedure used to change or improve the shape of the nose. Nasal deformities may be congenital, may develop as the person grows, or may be the result of injury.

Underlying bone and cartilage give the nose shape. Rhinoplasty can straighten the nose or improve the shape of a nose that does not otherwise fit the face.

Nasal deformity also may cause breathing difficulty. Rhinoplasty to improve appearance can be performed in conjunction with a procedure to correct the breathing problem. In instances of functional problems, insurance may cover some of the costs.

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.

If you're considering rhinoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure: when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don't understand.

Rhinoplasty can be done at any time once nasal growth is complete. In women, this usually occurs by age 13; in men, by age 16.

Rhinoplasty incisions are inside the nose and are closed with dissolving sutures. Sometimes there is a small incision at the junction of the lip and nose. If the nostrils must be narrowed, there may be small incisions and removable sutures at the nostril rim. These sutures are taken out five days after surgery.

When rhinoplasty is completed a splint is placed on the outside. The splint will be removed about one week after surgery and showering will be permitted at that time. Most bruising and swelling will disappear within 10 to 14 days. Prolonged swelling of the tip of the nose is an uncommon problem, which may require special attention. You may participate in non-contact exercise two weeks after surgery, but you should avoid contact athletics for six weeks.

To see before and after pictures of rhinoplasty click here.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Portland, Maine (ME).

Dr. Verne Weisberg is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial and body enhancements. His office is located in Portland, Maine. Patients from the surrounding areas and cities such as South Portland, Augusta, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, Brunswick, Biddeford, Sanford, and Scarborough, as well as Boston in Massachusetts, New York City in New York, and Concord in New Hampshire, can conveniently schedule appointments in our Portland office.