Rhinoplasty is a procedure designed to alter the shape of your nose.

Broadly speaking, rhinoplasty can be divided into ?open? rhinoplasty or ?endonasal? rhinoplasty. In both types of rhinoplasty, incisions are required inside the nostrils extending from the midline to laterally. With ?open? rhinoplasty, there is an additional horizontal scar across the mid-part of the columella, or the middle support of the nose joining the tip of the nose to the upper lip.

There are a large number of anatomic variables in rhinoplasty, as well as different steps to approach the correction. Corrections can be made to the nasal bones, the septum (midline cartilage), the alar cartilages (cartilage of the nostrils). Alterations can be made to increase or decrease the length, width, projection and shape of each of these elements, but the overall balance of the nose must be judiciously maintained.

The operative plan may require the use of cartilage grafts from the mid-part of the nose or from behind the ear. If nasal bone surgery is carried out, a post-operative splint will be needed to help keep the nasal bones in place. Once all the required steps are completed, wound closure is achieved using dissolving sutures for the internal incisions and non-dissolving sutures for the columellar incision. Nasal packs may be used to help shape the nostrils and these will be removed within 48 hours.

Most patients will have some small amount of intermittent bleeding during the first few days after surgery, and should avoid blowing their nose during the first week after surgery to avoid interrupting healing. Patients should rest with their head elevated and avoid vigorous physical activity for approximately a month after surgery.

Rhinoplasty scars heal well and are difficult to see. Complications of rhinoplasty include bleeding, infection and loss of shape or symmetry over time. If grafts are used, these may reabsorb over time. Most patients will have some bruising especially around the lower orbit area, with swelling that will be noticeable for two to four weeks after surgery. There may be a transient loss of smell and sometimes an alteration in taste. Some patients who have narrowing of their nasal bridge carried out may notice a reduction in airflow through the nose, while others may find their breathing more audible.

The final result for rhinoplasty will take three to four months, with long-term changes to graft material taking place over a period of years. Rhinoplasty is a technically challenging procedure that requires good technique and an eye for detail. When carried out properly it will allow significant changes in a very visible part of your face, and we will work closely with you to ensure that your results are as close as possible to your aesthetic goals.

 

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Rhinoplasty is one of the complex, yet rewarding operations in cosmetic plastic surgery. Detailed pre-operative planning and assessment is essential for a good outcome. You may have semi-permanent, subtle changes in the airways of the nose and in the senses of taste and smell. Most incisions used in nasal surgery are well-hidden and heal well. "Non-surgical" rhinoplasties are not true rhinoplasties but merely selective injection of fillers ? these are extremely limited in what they can achieve.

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