Rhinoplasty Primer Part 1

What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty refers to any procedure which forms the nose. This can be a procedure aimed at changing the function of the nose (improving breathing) or changing the appearance (cosmetic rhinoplasty). In either case, the underlying structure and ability to breathe must be preserved. There is no point in creating a nose which looks perfect but does not allow air to flow.

I want to change the shape of my nose but I don’t want surgery, what are my options?
There are some options for rhinoplasty which do not involve surgery. These non-surgical alternatives are particularly suited for people with humps that desire the hump to be camouflaged. The technique involves placing temporary fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, into the nasal dorsum to camouflage the imperfection.

Can a rhinoplasty surgery address both problems with nasal breathing and the look of the nose?
Combined procedures are often undertaken to address both concerns. In either procedure, it is imperative that functional considerations be maintained. In some cases, the desires of the patient cannot be achieved because it would create the inability to breath out of the nose.

What type of anesthesia is needed for nasal surgery?
The nose is a very sensitive structure with many different nerves providing innervations. Because of this,  a deep intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is needed to undergo any type of rhinoplasty procedure. In some cases, cartilage must be taken from the rib to recreate lost structure. In these cases, an overnight stay in the hospital may be necessary.

What are some risks of rhinoplasty surgery?
There are risks associated with any procedure. The exact risks are dependent on a patient’s medical condition, type of anesthesia, and exact procedure performed. Consultation with a qualified surgeon is necessary to understand the risks and benefits of any surgery. General risks include but are not limited to difficulty breathing through the nose after surgery, developing a hole in the middle part of the inside of the nose (septal perforation), worsening the cosmetic look, bleeding, bruising (including getting bruises around the eyes), infection, and scarring.

What is the recovery time after surgery?
Recovery will again depend on the exact procedure performed.  Generally within a week most normal activities can be resumed. For some patients, a longer period is necessary before more strenuous activities can be resumed. As always, consultation with a qualified physician is necessary to determine the expected recovery from a specific surgery.

What is the first step?
The first step for anyone considering a rhinoplasty procedure is consultation with a specialist surgeon. Facial plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or otolaryngologists (ENT doctors) are a good starting point for consultation