Nose Surgery
A rhinoplasty, or “nose job”, is the surgical reshaping of the nose to create a more aesthetic appearance. Some breathing problems may also benefit from this process. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. It can help improve facial balance and make you feel happier about your appearance.
Are you self-conscious about your nose? Do you dislike the bump you may have? Do feel as though your nose is too large for your face? Rhinoplasty may be something to consider.
You may be a good candidate for nose surgery if you want to:
- Your nose has a bump
- Your nose curves, perhaps from a previous accident
- Your nose always feels stuffy
- Your nasal tip is wide or irregular in some way
About Nose Jobs
Rhinoplasty, a “nose job”, usually involves reducing the size of the nose as well as reshaping portions of the nose. Sometimes, however, certain areas need an increase in size. The upper part of the nose is called the dorsum. If this has a hump or is too wide, the area can be flattened and / or narrowed. Irregularities from a prior injury can be improved with bony or soft tissue repositioning. If the nasal tip hangs too low, it can be elevated. It can be narrowed as well, if felt to be overly wide.
Factors such as skin condition and thickness, bony structure, surrounding facial features, and prior injury may all influence both your choices and outcomes from nose surgery. Dr. Tepper will work with you to create an individualized surgical plan that will best suit your face.
Rhinoplasty surgery lasts two to three hours to complete, and at times, longer. It is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia.
Incisions are made within the nostrils and often times are connected with a small incision across the columella. The tissue can be lifted off of the underlying cartilage, something referred to as an open rhinoplasty. This allows for trimming, reshaping or grafting of cartilage to help achieve the desired shape.
The dorsum, or upper portion of the nose, can be flattened or changed as needed. The nasal bones can be gently fractured and repositioned, making the nose narrower, and to sometimes help prevent and “open roof” deformity. The midline septum may be included in the procedure. Sometimes known as a septoplasty, surgery on the septum may involve removing the central portion of this cartilage structure to help straighten a nose that curves, or to obtain cartilage for grafting purposes. It is always important to remember that after rhinoplasty, it may take a year or two before the final appearance is realized.
Nose surgery is designed to offer improvements, but surgery is never an exact science. Efforts to correct a nose that is curving may only be partially successful. The same applies to the reshaping of the nose. Revision surgery may be something that is desired or required.
BeforeAfter 
Recovery
Almost all patients go home the same day. Head elevation is very important. Patients wear a splint for approximately a week and must keep it dry, so it doesn’t’ fall off. Patients must refrain from nose blowing or any manipulation of the nose.
Mild oozing may occur from the nostrils for a day or two, and this is normal. A small piece of gauze, called a “mustache dressing” can be applied and changed as needed.
Over the counter saline mist nasal sprays may be used to humidify the nose but this should first be discussed prior to inserting anything in your nose.
You may experience some bruising around the nose and eyes. This usually subsides after a week or two, and makeup can often help cover this.
Most people feel pretty good by the second week. Normal activity can be resumed after 3 weeks but physical or contact activity should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks and may be influenced by the specific procedure performed.
