Nose Reshaping or Rhinoplasty
Nose Reshaping, Nose Job, or Rhinoplasty
Nose reshaping, nose job, or rhinoplasty is an operation designed to refine the shape of the nose.
Am I a suitable candidate for a nose job?
The nose is a complex three-dimensional structure and is arguably the most prominent feature of our face. We are often judged, subconsciously, by the shape of our nose.
Patients who are dissatisfied with certain features of their noses, such as its length, width, and bumps may be suitable candidates for this procedure. The nose is prone to injury. Anyone who has a deformity as a result of injury may benefit from nose reshaping.
How is a nose reshaping procedure performed?
Nose reshaping surgery is individually tailored for each case in order to address the specific features to be corrected. The nose reshaping operation plan is derived from lengthy discussions between the patient and surgeon.
The nose reshaping operation is performed under a general anaesthetic.
The surgeon places incisions within the nostrils. On occasion an open tip nose reshaping is required which requires an additional incision in the collumella (bridge of skin between the nostrils).
At surgery the surgeon will reconfigure the bone and cartilage structures of the nose and may need to import cartilage (from for example the septum or rarely from the ear) in order to reshape the nose.
Common complaints of the nose:
Those of most concern to patients are:
- Mis-shapened nose
- Nasal deviation
- Nasal tip too big or drops of end of the nose
- Nasal Obstruction
- Mis-shapened nose
The Solution
Rhinoplasty is an operation designed to refine the shape of the nose. Patients who are dissatisfied with certain features of their noses, such as its length, width, and bumps may be suitable candidates for this procedure.
Recovery after nose reshaping or rhinoplasty
The nose reshaping operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes about 2 hours to complete.
At the end of the operation nasal packs will be placed in each nostril that will be removed the following morning. A firm splint will be moulded to the outside of the nose which will help to stabilise the reconstruction until healing is established. This splint will be removed at one of your follow up visits 10 days after your surgery.
In patients who have undergone an open tip rhinoplasty the sutures in the collumella will be removed 5 days after surgery. At this stage expect to be swollen and bruised but you will feel comfortable enough to be with close friends and family.
Over the course of the next two to three weeks much of the swelling will reduce and by the 6th week of surgery you should be able to return to strenuous exercise. By the third month you will start to appreciate the results of the surgery.
Risks of nose reshaping or rhinoplasty
Bruising, swelling and nasal stuffiness are common after rhinoplasty and take some weeks to settle. The nasal packs are used to reduce the chance of bleeding or a haematoma of the septum of the nose.
To reduce the risk of infection antibiotics are administered at the time of your surgery but if you experience increased pain, swelling or redness you should contact us for review. In some patients rhinorrhoea (runny nose) may persist or be severe enough to warrant nasal spray medication.
Nose reshaping is a very intricate operation requiring meticulous care. Small irregularities or asymmetry may detract from a favourable outcome of the surgery.
