What is a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

A Rhinoplasty procedure is surgery of the nose. It is often referred to as a “nose job” or “nose surgery”. Patients who seek to have a rhinoplasty are looking to change the visible appearance of their nose. Noses come in all different sizes and shapes, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is happy with the nose they were born with. Our noses just like the rest of our face and body can change as we get older.

A rhinoplasty can change the appearance of your nose in many ways. Some people have a “hump” to the bridge of their nose that can be flattened. Other patients may feel their nose is too wide and want it narrowed. Many people do not like the way the tip of their nose looks. They may feel the tip is too big, too round, or too pointy. The tip of the nose may point downward or point too much towards the ceiling.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

There are two approaches to performing a rhinoplasty surgery. One is a “closed” technique and the other is an “open” technique. The major difference is the incisions that are made by the surgeon to gain access to the bone and cartilage that makes up the structure of the nose. With a “closed” technique any cuts to the skin are made on the inside of the nose.

With the “open” technique incisions are made on the inside of the nose as well as a small incision at the base of the nose on the visible skin area. To change the appearance of a nose, the cartilage at the tip of the nose has to be trimmed or reshaped. Sometimes the bones of the nose need to be repositioned and this requires breaking those bones in a controlled manner and then resetting them to the desired position.

Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery

Recovery time from a rhinoplasty averages about 2 – 3 weeks depending on the amount of swelling and bruising the patient may experience. In the immediate few weeks after a rhinoplasty, it is always important to be careful not to injury your nose or get hit in the nose by mistake. You will often be placed on weight lifting restrictions so you don’t strain to pick something up and possibly create bleeding or more swelling.

If these issues are ones that sound familiar to you or you are seeking more information about rhinoplasty, call our office to set up a cosmetic consultation.

The Chau Plastic Surgery Difference

Our highly esteemed, board certified, plastic surgeons understand that no two noses are the same. They will thoroughly review your likes and dislikes regarding your nose and develop a surgical plan to help you achieve the look you are looking for. Both of our surgeons have a vast range of experience and have undergone advanced training in rhinoplasty surgery. Call our office to schedule an appointment with either Dr. Bruce Chau or Dr. Barak Tanzman.

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