| Nose Reshaping / Rhinoplasty What is nose reshaping?
Cosmetic nose reshaping is also known as rhinoplasty. The procedure can
reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the angle
between the nose and upper lip, and/or change the tip or bridge of the nose. It can also
correct some breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty involves the resculpting of the bone and cartilage. When operating on the
nose, the surgeon can either work from within the nose by making an incision inside the
nose, or work from the outside by making a small incision across the tissue that separates
the nostrils. The latter is known as an "open" procedure.
Possible complications associated with rhinoplasty:
repetitive surgery
Although not common, sometimes a second procedure may be required to correct a minor
deformity that occurs as a result of the initial rhinoplasty.
- surgery complications
As in any surgery there is a risk of infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Nosebleeds
can also occur after surgery.
- burst blood vessels
Sometimes small blood vessels may burst causing tiny red spots on the nose to surface. The
spots are usually minor in appearance but can be permanent.
- scarring
With the "open" procedure there is the possibility of scarring on the base of
the nose.
About the procedure:
- Location options
include:
- surgeon's office-based surgical
facility
- outpatient surgery center
- hospital outpatient
- hospital inpatient
- Anesthetic options include:
- local anesthesia
- general anesthesia
- Probable length of procedure: about
two hours
- Probable recuperation period:
- usually up and around in a few days
- usually return to school or sedentary work a week
or so
- surgeon will provide guidelines for resuming
normal activities
- Short-term side effects of surgery:
- splint applied to nose to help
maintain new shape
- nasal packs or soft plastic splints
may be placed in nostrils to stabilize septum
- face will feel puffy
- nose may ache
- dull headache
- swelling around the eyes
- bruising around the eyes
- small amount of bleeding in first
few days
- small burst blood vessels may appear
as tiny red spots on the skin's surface
- Healing is a slow and gradual
process. Some swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip of the nose. Final
results of nasal surgery may not be apparent for a year or more.
- When a traditional open surgical
technique is used, or surgery is performed to narrow flared nostrils, small scars will be
located on the base of the nose. The scars usually are not noticeable. Scarring is not
visible when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose.
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