Rhinoplasty is usually performed
as an outpatient surgery and the procedure normally takes two
to three hours. Most incisions are made on the inside of the
nose. Dr. Rajagopal understands that an ideal nose should be
in harmony with the rest of the face. She takes particular care
to refine and reshape the nose according to patient's ethnic
background, age and skin type. Often chin
enhancement will be recommended in conjunction with rhinoplasty,
since a chin implant will improve facial balance and projection.
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.
After Your Rhinoplasty
Surgery
A lightweight splint is applied to
maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is usually
removed within a week. Nasal pads may be inserted at the time
of surgery to protect the septum. This packing is removed
within two to three days. Before and even after the packing
is removed, there is frequently some stuffiness of the nose.
Pain connected with the surgery is minimal
to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Bruising
around the eyes occurs but begins to fade within a few days.
Discoloration usually disappears in two to three weeks. Swelling
can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated
position when reclining. Cold compresses may be recommended.
Some slight swelling may be present for as long as four months
to a year.
Getting Back to Normal
After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Although patients are usually up and
around a day or two after the rhinoplasty procedure, strenuous exercises,
particularly those which might elevate blood pressure, should
be avoided for several weeks.
If you have any questions regarding rhinoplasty, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal in the San Francisco Bay Area, California,
please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Laser Center at 415-392-3333.
See also:
Newest Blog Entry
Rhinoplasty (9/18/2008)
As a plastic surgeon, the most satisfying part of my job is seeing the excitement and increased self-confidence people feel when they look in the mirror and see the face they've always dreamed of having. Perhaps there is no other procedure that can provide such an immediate and dramatic result as rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a simple procedure that can drastically improve the appearance and proportion of your nose-- creating facial symmetry and enhancing the natural beauty of your other features.
Rhinoplasty can change:
- nose size
- nose width (at the bridge)
- nose profile (by eliminating any bumps or depressions on the nasal bridge)
- nasal tip (of noses that are bulbous, drooping, or too upturned)
- nostril size
- nasal asymmetry
- The surgical procedure takes only one or two hours and requires only one treatment. The results of a nose job are permanent.
I see many people who have felt self-concious about their nose for years, and getting rhinoplasty is one of the best decisions they've ever made. They're only regret is not getting a nose job earlier. If your nose is something that you've always been self conscious about, I encourage you to consider rhinoplasty. Wouldn't it be amazing to have the face you've always dreamed about?
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