The aesthetic and functional benefits of a nose surgery

Also known as rhinoplasty, nose surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. There are many reasons why someone wants to change the appearance of their nose, but there are also functional reasons why nose surgery may be advised. Read on to learn more about the many benefits of nose surgery and who makes a good candidate for surgery.

What is nose surgery?

Nose surgery changes the shape of the nose to fit a patient’s desires. Often, a patient wants to reduce the size of the nose, narrow enlarged nostrils, change the shape of the tip or remove a hump on the bridge.

Often, if a nose has been deformed due to trauma or as a result of a birth defect, nose surgery is indicated to help with the appearance as well as the structural problems to help improve breathing.

How is it performed?

Usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with or without sedation, nose surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery itself takes about 1-2 hours. To start, an incision is made at the base of the nose or inside the nostrils. The bone and cartilage are sculpted into shape. Wide nostrils are made smaller by removing small wedges on the skin from the base to bring the nostrils closer together.

If a patient has a hump on the bridge of the nose, a chisel will remove the hump. If the tip of the nose needs to be reshaped, cartilage in the tip is trimmed. The septum is also trimmed at this time, if necessary.

After surgery, a splint is placed to help the nose maintain its new shape. The splint will be removed after one or two weeks, when a smaller splint is applied.

Who is a good candidate for surgery?

There are many criteria that you and Dr. Weinstein will discuss during the initial consultation. First, it’s important that you are done growing, as your face continues to grow into your mid-teens. Otherwise, the results may be impaired by further facial growth.

It’s important that you are in good physical health and a non-smoker. Having realistic expectations for the outcome of surgery is key as well.

If you are interested in learning more about nose surgery and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, call (908) 879-2222 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinstein.

Posted in Rhinoplasty on November 30th, 2020

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