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 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).
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