Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty Surgery

Also known as nose reshaping or a “nose job”, rhinoplasty surgery is done to improve the shape, size and symmetry of a person’s nose. In reshaping the structure of the nose, your cosmetic or plastic surgeon is able to open the nasal canal by removing blockages caused by malformed bone, cartilage and skin.

Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgery in Canada

If you suffer from one or more of the following issues you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery:

  • Breathing problems or a blocked nasal canal (deviated septum)
  • Crooked nose
  • Prominent bump on the bridge of the nose
  • Hooked nose
  • Bulbous nose
  • Overly broad or wide nose
  • Overly large nose
  • Small nose

 

Rhinoplasty surgery is popular with women and individuals who feel that their appearance or well-being could be improved from the correction of a blocked nasal canal; or improved shape and size for the symmetrical balance between their nose and face. Rhinoplasty should only be performed on a nose that is completely developed.  As such, it is not recommended for persons younger than sixteen years of age.

Be sure to speak with your qualified cosmetic or plastic surgeon to ensure that your surgical plan includes the correction of all necessary issues (including dermal fillers) to provide you with the best possible transformation.

 

Rhinoplasty Surgery Methods

As a popular cosmetic procedure, the industry has developed a number of different methods for conducting rhinoplasty surgery. Each method has been designed to address specific issues while minimizing scarring, ensuring that the method selected is tailored to meet your needs. There are two main methods of conducting rhinoplasty; open or closed. Additionally, there are a number of specific procedures which may be completed to address specific issues such as tiplasty and septoplasty. The selection of which method is appropriate for you will be dependent on the specifics of your case and your individual goals and expectations. Your cosmetic or plastic surgeon will recommend the method of rhinoplasty surgery that will best achieve the results you are looking for, with the least amount of scarring possible.

Open Rhinoplasty

In this method, a small incision is made under the tip of the nose in the tissue between the nostrils. This approach allows the cosmetic or plastic surgeon better access to the underlying nasal structures, enabling him/her to then sculpt your nose into the desired shape. The resulting scar is well hidden at the base of the nose, and with proper care, will diminish over time. Generally speaking, open rhinoplasty is used in cases where more extensive reshaping is required.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In this method, all incisions are made directly inside the nostril. This approach allows the cosmetic or plastic surgeon to access and correct more minor profile issues while being able to avoid the necessity of scarring as a result of opening up the columella (tissue between the nostrils).

Tiplasty

While not a method of rhinoplasty, “tiplasty” is a common way of referring to cosmetic or plastic nose surgery that primarily only involves the tip of the nose. Tiplasty may be completed using either the open or close approach.

Septoplasty

Again, while not a method of rhinoplasty, “septoplasty” is a common way of referring to cosmetic or plastic nose surgery completed for the correction of issues related to the nasal septum (structure between the nasal passages). This type of surgery corrects the functional form of the nose rather than its cosmetic or aesthetic appearance.

Dermal Fillers

In addition to direct surgical intervention, many cosmetic and plastic surgeons will use dermal fillers in order to help provide an aesthetically pleasing profile to the nose. In some cases, very minor issues can be completely reshaped with non-surgical dermal fillers, providing improvements that can last from eight months to a year. By strategically injecting a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler to smooth out bumps in the nose, reshape the nasal tip and improve nasal symmetry. While the results are temporary, the improvement they can provide is immediate.
Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure at a private clinic while the patient is under general anesthesia. Depending on the method of surgery that has been selected and agreed to during your consultation, your surgeon will then make a number of small, inconspicuous incisions inside the nostril and/or to open up the columella.

The surgeon will then reshape the structure of the nose by either removing or grafting on bone and cartelage in order to give you your desired nose profile. At this time, the surgeon will then make any corrections to your septum, reshaping it to open up your nasal passageways.Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape and any corrections to the septum have been made, nasal skin and tissue is redraped over the new structure and incisions are closed.

Depending on the method of rhinoplasty selected as well as the amount of work to be completed, the entire procedure can last up to 3 hours. Upon completion of the surgery you will likely be monitored for a brief period of time at the clinic and be released with detailed instructions for self-care, recovery and follow-up.

 

Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery

Today’s techniques allow for a relatively comfortable and brief recuperation after Rhinoplasty surgery. Most patients take about 1 week off from work to rest and heal at home, although they are still able to move about the house and participate in light activities. Most normal activities can be resumed within two to three weeks; however you should avoid strenuous exercise until cleared to do so by your surgeon. It is very important to carefully follow your plastic or cosmetic surgeons’ directions for self-care after surgery.

You may need to wear a nasal splint over your nose for support, to shield it from accidental bumps and aid in healing. You may also have to have a small triangular bandage beneath the tip of your nose in addition to nasal packing placed inside your nose for additional (internal) support. Some swelling and bruising are normal and the area of nose will be quite tender. It is often recommended to use cold compresses to help minimize swelling and sooth localized pain.

If pain and swelling persists, contact your surgeon to find out if your pain, redness and swelling is normal, or a sign of a problem requiring additional attention.
While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.

 

Surgery Considerations

Rhinoplasty surgery will permanently reshape the contour and profile of your nose, as such, it is very important that you have a clear vision of your aesthetic goals when you plan your procedure. As one of the most popular elective procedures in the world, rhinoplasty surgery is quite safe. However, no surgery is completely free of risk.

In general, potential risks of nose surgery include reaction to the anesthesia, bruising, swelling, loss of sensation, scarring, damage to local tissue and structures, infection, excessive bleeding, irregular contours or asymmetries, and the need for revision surgery.

Be sure to speak with your cosmetic or plastic surgeon about the benefits and limitations associated with rhinoplasty surgery, and ensure that you fully understand the procedures and their related complications prior to signing your consent form.