What Can the Surgeon Accomplish by Performing Nose Reshaping Surgery?
The surgeon performing a rhinoplasty can change the size or shape of the nose in a variety of ways. Dr. Rajagopal can reduce or enlarge the size of the entire nose, or she can change only the nasal tip by widening or narrowing it or by giving it an upward or downward tilt. The cosmetic surgeon can also straighten a crooked or bumpy nose.
What Happens During Nose Reshaping Surgery?
The nose reshaping surgery can last between one and four hours.
When Dr. Rajagopal performs the rhinoplasty procedure, she makes incisions inside the nose – through which she can cut the bone and cartilage, enabling her to reshape the nose.
- To remove a nasal hump, she uses a special file or chisel.
- To create a narrower nasal bridge, she draws together the bones of both sides of the patient’s face.
- To reduce the size of the nasal tip, she removes or re-shaves cartilage.
- To improve the angle between the nose and the upper lip, she elevates and trims the septum, which is the partition that divides the two chambers of the nose.
- To narrow the base of the nose, she removes the skin from both nostrils at the center.
What Should Patients Expect After the Nose-Reshaping Surgery?
After the procedure, Dr. Rajagopal may apply a light internal dressing or nasal pads, in order to protect the septum. She will also place a splint on the exterior of the nose, in order to help maintain the new shape.
She will remove the internal dressings in 2 – 3 days and will remove the exterior splint in 7-10 days.
What Should Patients Expect Once They Go Home?
Once home, patients may notice some bruising and swelling of the nose as well as the area around the eyes. This typically subsides within a week, and any discoloration usually disappears in 2 or 3 weeks. Patients may notice some swelling for between 4 and 12 months. To help reduce swelling, patients should place the head in a slightly elevated position while reclining. They may need to use cold compresses, as well.
After undergoing the rhinoplasty procedure, patients can experience mild pain, which may last a few days. They can manage the pain with oral medication.
After the surgery, patients normally return to their normal routine after a few days. However, they should avoid strenuous exercise — especially any activities which might elevate blood pressure — for several weeks.
Patients should always consult the doctor if they have any questions or concerns.
If you have any questions regarding rhinoplasty or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
The rhinoplasty procedure is determined by the type of correction to be made. In most cases involving a reduction in size or shape of the nose, the removal of a hump or the improvement of an angle, incisions are made inside the nose. Working through these incisions, Dr. Rajagopal is able to cut bone and cartilage (the soft, movable tissue inside the nose) to reshape it.
To remove a nasal hump, a special file or chisel is used. A narrower nasal bridge is then formed by bringing together the bones on either side of the face. In patients in whom the size of the nasal tip is too large, cartilage is removed through the inside incision. The angle between the nose and the upper lip can be improved by elevating and trimming the septum, the dividing wall between the two chambers of the nose.
In some cases, it is necessary to narrow the base of the nose. This procedure involves removal of skin from both sides of the nostrils at the center, in order to improve the contour of the noses of some patients. It is sometimes necessary to add tissue. These procedures can last from one and a half to two hours or more, depending upon the extent of surgery.
If you have any questions regarding Rhinoplasty, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.