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Department of Surgery
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 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical Procedures & Innovations Reconstructive Procedures


Nose

Cosmetic surgery of the nose, or rhinoplasty, is used to reshape the appearance of your nose. 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 certain breathing problems.

Technique

Rhinoplasty may be performed by either an "open" or a "closed" procedure, In an open procedure, incisions are made inside the nose, as well as a small incision between the nostrils at the base of the nose in order to expose and visualize the underlying bone and cartilage, which are then reconstructed to the desired shape. In a closed procedure, all incisions are made inside the nose, which allows for internal access to the bone and the cartilage but leaves no visible scarring. While many procedures today can be done via the closed technique, an open procedure may be required n more complex cases. After an open procedure any incision scars are still virtually unnoticeable due to their placement along natural creases around the nose.

Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Before Surgery

  • Avoid taking aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or other aspirin-containing products for two weeks.
  • If you are a smoker, stop smoking to aid healing.

Recovery

  • For several days, discomfort may include swelling, bruising around the eyes, aching around the nasal area, minor headaches, mild bleeding, and a feeling of nasal stuffiness.
  • Bruising and swelling usually dissipate within two to three weeks.
  • Most patients resume their normal routines within a week to ten days.
  • Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, although complete resolution of swelling can take several months.

Results

Rhinoplasty
Pre-op
Rhinoplasty
Post-op

Rhinoplasty
Pre-op
Rhinoplasty
Post-op
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