Nose - Reshaping Surgery and Rhinoplasty

Why Nose Re Shaping?

The goal of nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is to improve the nose aesthetically (without creating a “surgical” look) in order to create harmony with other facial features. It can make a significant contribution to increasing one's confidence. Additionally, some patients have a chin augmentation in conjunction with rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features. Rhinoplasty is usually performed with general anaesthesia but is also possible under local anaethetic with sedation. Most patients go home the same day.

Conditions & Treatments

In rhinoplasty, the majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. Certain amounts of bone and cartilage are then removed or rearranged to provide a newly shaped nose. If the patient has a deviated septum (cartilage and/or bone causing obstruction inside the nose), septal surgery, called septoplasty, is also performed. The incision is placed entirely inside the nose. The septoplasty removes portions of cartilage and/or bone that are causing the obstruction. The incisions are then closed with fine suture, followed by placement of a splint to the outside of the nose. The splint helps retain the new shape while the nose heals.

Usually no packing is placed inside the nose during surgery but in some cases if used it is removed the next morning following surgery. The nasal splint is usually removed seven days after surgery. At that time, tape is applied to the nose for another seven days and then removed. The majority of the bruising and swelling usually resolve two weeks after surgery. Cold compresses are used to help reduce the bruising and discomfort.

Aftercare

Although discomfort is minimal, pain medication is available if required. Vigorous activity is avoided for four weeks following surgery. Sun exposure and risk of injury must be avoided. If you wear glasses, tape is used to avoid putting stress on the nose.

All surgery has risks as well as benefits and this will be discussed in your consultation.

Rhinoplasty Course for Plastic Surgeons

Course for surgeons on Nose Reshaping. Techniques and panel discussion on complex Rhinoplasty by Mr Uppal and colleagues.
Wexham Park Hospital Pan-Thames Training Day - 2011