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Surgery of the
Nose (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty,
or surgery to reshape the Nose, is one of the most common of
all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or
increase the size of your Nose, change the shape of the tip
or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change
the angle between your Nose and your upper lip. It may also
correct a birth defect or injury, or help some breathing
problems.
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Who
is best for Rhinoplasty? |
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Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your
self-confidence. The change may be very evident or
very
subtle, depending mainly on the thickness of your skin. Bone
and cartilage are the structures that are generally modified
in form during surgery. These structures underlie the skin
covering of the Nose; therefore, it is this skin covering
that limits how apparent these modifications are to the Eye.
Rhinoplasty
can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for
reconstructive purposes, to correct birth defects or
breathing problems.
Age may
also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate
on teenagers until after they have completed their growth
spurt, around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It
is important to consider teenager's social and emotional
adjustment, too, and to make sure it is what they really
want.
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Anesthesia |
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Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general Anesthesia,
therefore you will sleep through the procedure.
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Surgery |
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Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated
procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the
Nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and
cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The
nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and the
surgical technique. Finally, the skin is red raped over the
new framework.
This surgical
procedure may be performed from within the Nose, making the
incisions inside the nostrils. In some cases, especially in
more complicated ones or in secondary procedures, an "open"
procedure is indicated; small incisions are made across the
columnella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the
nostrils. The resulting scars from an open procedure are
barely noticeable after a few months after the surgery.
When the
surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your
Nose maintain its new form and to help reduce the swelling.
Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in
your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall
between the air passages.
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Your
new Appearance: |
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In the
days following surgery, when your face is bruised and
swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking
better. Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day,
your Nose will begin to look better and your confidence will
improve. Within a few weeks, you will no longer look as if
you've just had surgery.
Still,
healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling
may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final
results of Rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or
more. If you have met your goals that were discussed in
consultation previous to surgery, then your surgery will be
a success.
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