Also known as rhinoplasty. This procedure is surgery to repair or reshape the nose, to make the nose more proportional and balanced with the rest of the face.

 

Rhinoplasty is a popular plastic surgery procedure and is used to:

 

• Make the nose bigger or smaller

• Reshape the bridge or tip

• Narrow the nostrils

• Alter the angle between the nose and upper lip

• Correct an injury or birth defect

 

The best candidates for rhinoplasty surgery are healthy adults and adolescents over the age of 14.

 

There are two types of rhinoplasty: closed and open. The type of surgical procedure used will vary according to the problem being addressed and the desired outcome. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are created inside the nasal cavity to conceal the scars. In open rhinoplasty, the initial incision is created across the columella. This may leave a small but visible scar.

 

The Surgeons at Saint Luke's Hospital blend surgical skills with artistic talent to shape the nose to one you find more desirable and to get the results you want. You get the very best results at the most affordable prices.

Procedure

The patient and surgeon will decide whether or not to use general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Rhinoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure, but sometimes will require 1 night stay in the hospital.

 

During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. After detaching the skin from the underlying bone and cartilage, the surgeon reshapes the nose. Depending on what changes will be made, the surgeon will either remove bone or cartilage or add synthetic material or tissue from another part of the body. Some of the most common procedures include bump removal, tip reshaping and shortening.

 

Bump Removal: Extra cartilage and bone are removed from the bridge of the nose.

Tip Reshape: The cartilage at the end of the nose is reshaped to improve the nose tip.

Shortening: A portion of the cartilage in the middle of the nose, called the septum, may be removed to shorten the nose.

 

Once the desired changes have been made, the skin is replaced and the incisions are sutured. A splint is applied to the nose to protect and maintain its new shape. The nostrils may be packed with dressing or soft plastic splints for additional support.

 

Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. After the procedure, the nose and face may be swollen, sore, and bruised for a few days. Headaches and slight bleeding are also common. Most people can go back to school or work in a week.

 

Risks

You can expect swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose after rhinoplasty. Other problems which may arise include:

 

   •  Bleeding

   •  Infection

   •  Incomplete improvement, requiring additional surgery

   •  Normal risks of general or local anesthesia

 

Risks can be minimized by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.

 

This information should be used only as a guide to your medical procedure. All specifics will be discussed with the surgeon at your consultation. For more information about our package for nose job at Saint Luke's, contact us by using the “Ask a Question” form on this page.