Guide to Rhinoplasty

This Guide to Rhinoplasty is intended to be a concise explanation of the most common surgeries in plastic surgery. Specifically, we'll discuss the details of the nose, chin, and forehead surgeries. Many patients choose to undergo a nose surgery for cosmetic reasons, and this surgery can be an important part of their recovery. In particular, patients with nasal fractures, inflamed sinuses, or oversized glandular tissue can benefit from rhinoplasty. If you're considering this procedure, this article should help you understand what to expect. A rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure that involves changing the shape, size, and position of the nose. The surgeon will make an incision from one side of the nose to the other, making an "opening" of about one inch inside of the nostril. The tip of the nose will be covered with skin and cushioned with sutures or a nose plug. The surgeon will then use a form of nasal splint to secure the skin and cartilage as he/she maneuvers the nose through its change in position. The success rate for a rhinoplasty procedure is somewhere between one and three percent. However, this very low incidence is due to several factors. First of all, most patients are not born with perfectly shaped nasal bones, so they usually require plastic surgery to compensate for their deficiencies. Another factor is that some people experience delayed closure of the nostrils or sagging skin around the edge of the nose, which can cause their snoring to stop. Finally, some people have an unnaturally large nose, and their surgeon might need to perform an extensive amount of plastic surgery in order to "de-sag". All of these potential complications should be considered when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon, as the possibility of complications is always an option. The next guide to rhinoplasty is deciding on the appropriate nasal plan. If the nose does not pass the expectations of the patient, then it is often necessary for the surgeon to modify or completely reconstruct the nose. Many plastic surgeons prefer to perform a "snake" shaped nasal plan, with the base extending downward toward the tip, and the curve of the nose remaining natural. Other patients choose to modify the tip of the nose by making it smaller, or increasing the size of the base. Once you have decided on your surgeon, you and your surgeon will go over the surgical procedure in detail. While you will both want to make sure you're comfortable, this may also be a good time to get the OK for pre-surgical imaging. In this step, a plastic surgeon will take an x-ray picture of your nose and may even ask you to come into the office beforehand to make sure that the nose looks normal. Many plastic surgeons recommend that this pre-operative step to be taken before any major surgery, in order to catch any problems right away. Doing so may help the surgeon to avoid any unnecessary modifications to the procedure. The last part of your rhinoplasty is the post-operative recovery process. This will involve healing of your nasal bones and cartilage, as well as possibly changing the shape of your nose. You'll be prescribed various medications, and your plastic surgeon will advise you on how best to care for yourself after your recovery. A good guide to rhinoplasty should discuss the importance of nasal hygiene and good nutrition after your surgery. The importance of follow up care is also important, as your success at rhinoplasty depends heavily on you being able to return to a normal life with a healthy nose.