Rhinoplasty Techniques, Recovery, and Results

Many patients who are uncomfortable with the appearance of their nose look into rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, to help restore their confidence and enhance their facial profile. While rhinoplasty is an excellent option that can provide you with a more balanced and harmonious appearance, there are many factors that can affect the way the procedure is performed. For this reason, it is essential to seek a skilled cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Henry, to determine the best method for achieving the results that you desire.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

Changing one facial feature, even just slightly, can make a big difference in your appearance. This is especially true when it comes to your nose. Sometimes patients have issues with the size or shape of their nose. Other times, they would like it to be straighter or more symmetrical. Whatever the reason, rhinoplasty can enhance the appearance of your nose by resculpting it to a more beautiful shape. You may need rhinoplasty if you struggle with:

• Wide nostrils
• Trouble breathing due to a deviated spectrum
• Bumps along the bridge of your nose
• An asymmetrical or large nose

Determining the Right Technique for You

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Each method is unique and requires a high level of expertise to shape the underlying bone, cartilage, and tissues using state-of-the-art technology. There are different approaches to this surgery that will be defined by your unique needs. Let’s take a moment to look at the two primary techniques, which are open and closed rhinoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is best performed on patients who require extensive correction to their nose. An incision is made along the middle strip of skin between the nostrils, also known as the columella. This technique allows the surgeon access to the various underlying structures.

• The disadvantages of open rhinoplasty are visible scarring and a chance of the nostrils looking asymmetrical after surgery.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty is generally performed when minor adjustments are needed. The incisions required for this technique are hidden within the nostrils, hiding any potential scarring.

• One of the disadvantages to closed rhinoplasty is that the surgeon is limited in what he or she can do in terms of access to the cartilage and bone.

Your Recovery and Results

Following your surgery, you will need to rest for several days, avoiding any physical activity. Swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness will occur but should resolve after a few days. A splint will be placed along the treated area to protect your nose while it heals. You will be able to return to work 10 days after your surgery. As with all surgical procedures, there are some possible risks and side effects involved, including:

• Scarring at the base of the nose
• Permanent nerve damage
• Under- or over-correction of the nose that may necessitate further surgery
• Hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Recurring nosebleeds

The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of rhinoplasty are many. Rhinoplasty alone can drastically change the overall appearance of your face, creating balance and symmetry while also improving your self-esteem.

Patients interested in rhinoplasty and who wish to undergo this procedure can schedule a consultation with Dr. Henry by calling our office at (415) 924-1313 or by filling out our online contact form.