What Happens During a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Are you interested in rhinoplasty? A nose job could be the very thing that you are looking for. It is popular due to the way it can reshape and resize your nose, providing more aesthetically pleasing facial balance and proportion. Rhinoplasty can also address breathing problems, such as a deviated septum.

Steps of a rhinoplasty procedure

When a patient has decided to undergo rhinoplasty, a plastic surgeon will require blood work. Patients may need to stop or adjust any medications, stop smoking and avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs. When the patient is ready for the procedure, the surgeon will typically adhere to the following steps.

Anesthesia

The surgeon will give the patient medication to provide comfort during the surgery. The medications typically include general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The plastic surgeon will make recommendations on which type is right for the patient.

The incisions

Surgeons will either perform an open or closed procedure for rhinoplasty. In a closed procedure, the surgeon will make the incisions inside the patient’s nose. In an open procedure, the incision is placed across the patient’s columella. This is the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through the incisions, the surgeon can lift the skin covering the patient’s nasal bones and cartilage and will have access to the structure of the nose.

The reshaping process

Surgeons will reshape the nose depending on the patient’s needs. For an overly large nose, the plastic surgeon will remove cartilage and bone to reduce the size. Sometimes, rhinoplasty can involve adding cartilage grafts. The cartilage from the patient’s septum is generally used for the grafts. The surgeon may opt to use ear or rib cartilage.

If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeon will straighten it. To better improve breathing, a surgeon may reduce the projections inside the patient’s nose.

Closing the incisions

After the surgeon completes sculpting the patient’s nose to the desired shape, they will place nasal skin and tissue over the nose once more. The incisions are then closed. Sometimes, the surgeon will place additional incisions in the creases of the nostrils to change their size.

Splints, gauze and bandage placement

A surgeon may place a splint or gauze packing inside the nose. A splint and bandage are placed on the outside of the patient’s nose to provide extra support and protect the nose’s new structure while it is healing.

Recovering from rhinoplasty

The initial swelling from rhinoplasty will generally go down within a couple of weeks. However, patients may need to wait at least a year to see the final results of the new nasal contour. During this time, the patient may notice some gradual changes in their nose’s appearance as it refines to its permanent look.

During the recovery process, surgeons will give patients a specific list of instructions. This list may include information on how to properly care for the surgical site. It can also cover medications to aid healing and reduce infection. The surgeon will also give a time frame for following up with the surgeon.

Considering rhinoplasty?

Are you considering rhinoplasty to fix breathing problems or adjust the appearance of your nose for a more pleasing face? Talk to a doctor or plastic surgeon. Understanding the procedure, from the incision to recovery, can help you make an informed choice about getting a nose job.

Request an appointment here: https://paulcdillonmd.com or call Paul C. Dillon, MD Inc at (847) 429-3185 for an appointment in our Schaumburg office.

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