Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose. It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can be used to improve the nose’s appearance due to a birth defect, accident, or other issues. It can also be used to improve breathing difficulties by altering the structure of the nose. The procedure begins with the plastic surgeon making an incision along the columella – the strip of tissue which separates the nostrils. They will then sculpt the nose to the required shape, usually using sutures, skin grafts or cartilage grafts. The plastic surgeon may also use nasal implants, such as silicone or Gore-Tex material, to give the nose a more desired shape and angle. Recovery from rhinoplasty typically takes several months. During this time, the patient must wear a protective splint to keep the newly-shaped nose in position. In the first few days after surgery, patients may experience swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. This usually dissipates over time and can be managed with cold compresses and pain medications. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities for at least three weeks after surgery. Overall, rhinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure to improve the aesthetic or functional aspects of the nose. With healthy lifestyle habits and proper wound care, most patients are thrilled with the results. After the nose heals and swelling goes down, the patient should enjoy the new nose shape for many years to come.