Are you unhappy with the appearance of your nose? The nose is a prominent facial feature, since it’s situated right in the center of the face, and because of this, it can have a major effect on first impressions.
It can also have a major effect on the overall appearance of the face. When the nose is out of proportion, it can appear unnatural and can affect facial harmony and balance. Adjusting aspects of the nose through rhinoplasty surgery is a way to create a more natural facial appearance.
Rhinoplasty: Cosmetic and Reconstructive
Rhinoplasty is surgical correction of the nose. There are several reasons why a person may want to get one done, and these reasons determine the type of rhinoplasty that is performed. Rhinoplasty falls under two categories: reconstructive rhinoplasty and cosmetic rhinoplasty.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is functional and is primarily done to correct breathing problems. These usually come about as a result of birth defects and nasal injuries.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is done purely for aesthetic reasons and addresses cosmetic aspects of the nose to help create better facial balance.
What Can Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Do?
Rhinoplasty can improve the shape and size of the nose drastically. It can do so by addressing specific parts of the nose. Humps on the bridge of the nose, oversized nostrils, a drooping or bulbous nasal tip, and various asymmetries can all be set right by this procedure.
What Occurs During Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty involves the use of general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. These options will make the procedure more comfortable for the patient and will prevent any pain from occurring.
Incisions are then created either on the outside of the nose (on the columella, the area between the nostrils) or on the inside of the nose (inside the nostrils). Incisions on the columella allow the plastic surgeon to lift the skin of the nose in order to make more complex changes.
Once the incisions have been made, bone, cartilage, and soft tissue can be adjusted as needed. The nasal bridge, nasal tip, and nostrils can all be improved to make the nose look more natural and attractive.
At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed with the help of surgical sutures. A splint may be used to support the healing tissues, and nasal packing may also be used depending on the specifics of the procedure.
The patient will go home and rest for a time after their rhinoplasty. The recovery process will involve being very careful with the nasal area, using cold compresses to address swelling and bruising, and taking around 10 to 14 days off from work.
Results are visible after a few weeks, when much of the post-surgical swelling has gone down. The results of the procedure are long-lasting.
Contact Our Office to Learn More
If you’re interested in rhinoplasty to bring your nose into better balance with the rest of your face, contact the office of Dr. Mary Lynn Moran, who is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
During your consultation with Dr. Moran, she will ask you about your goals for the procedure, walk you through the surgical process, and discuss pre-operative and post-operative care.
