Rhinoplasty
The Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Rhinoplasties, commonly called nose jobs, are a popular surgical procedure for both cosmetic and health reasons. Modern rhinoplasty allows cosmetic surgeons to sculpt the nose precisely, altering its size and shape to bring it into better proportion and harmony with the rest of the facial features. Rhinoplasty is also an effective treatment for many breathing problems caused by birth defect or injury to the nose. Any given rhinoplasty procedure will be custom designed for the patient's unique needs and goals, and specific elements of the procedure may include one or more of the following:
- Removal of cartilage or bone to reduce the overall size of the nose
- Addition of material to increase the size of the nose
- Procedures to reshape the tip or the bridge of the nose
- Procedures to narrow the nostrils
- Procedures to correct the angle of the nose
Surgical Techniques for Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty procedures can be performed either as open or closed surgery, depending on the type and extent of the rhinoplasty.
Closed rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty procedure is performed through a small incision or incisions made to the inside of the nostril. This type of procedure is available only for relatively minor procedures.Benefits to closed rhinoplasty include shorter recovery times, and less swelling and bruising than with open rhinoplasty, and no visible scarring.
Open rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty procedure is performed through incisions both on the inside of the nostrils and a small incision on the underside of the nose, between the nostrils. (This area is called the columella.)Because the open rhinoplasty procedures affords the surgeon much greater access to the area, it is the more frequent option for more involved procedures and procedures in which a greater precision is required. Open rhinoplasty procedures do generally involve more bruising and swelling after the operation, and the recovery time is somewhat longer than that for closed rhinoplasty procedures. The scarring, however, is minimal, and is not visible to normal view.
Frequently Asked Rhinoplasty Questions
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