Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)

The nose, the main balancing feature of the face, is the foundation upon which all the other facial features are bridged and thus any changes made to the nose can affect the overall look of the face.

Cosmetic surgery can address a number of concerns which the patient may have. Not only can the Surgeon reduce the overall size and narrow or widen the width of the nose, but even improve the angle between the nose and the upper lip, improve the tip or remove an unwanted bump. Unbalanced, crooked or curved noses can be straightened and made more symmetrical.

Not all nose surgery boasts dramatic results as in the case of a large bump being removed. The removal of a slight bump or reduction of an oversized tip may result in improvement which does not attract a great deal of attention.

Your surgery should improve your appearance without drawing attention to itself. Remember, the idea is not to create a new nose, but rather to improve and enhance the one you have.

There is no standard procedure for Rhinplasty. It is important for the Surgeon to take into account those nasal features the patient would like changed and then to carefully examine the nose and overlying deviation of the nasal septum (the cartilage and bony structure that support the nose and separate it internally into two sides) which cause difficulty in breathing. If this condition is present it is corrected at the time of surgery.

The Nose Surgery Procedure

The nose surgery procedure alone takes approximately from 1 - 1 1/2 hours to perform. The procedure is performed primarily through incisions inside the nose. If external incisions are necessary the scars are small and inconspicuously placed.

During the procedure the Surgeon separates the skin of the nose from the underlying bone and cartilage and allows the natural elasticity of the skin to reshape over the new framework. The surgery will be performed under general anaesthetic.

After surgery a small splint is placed on the nose to maintain and protect it's new shape. It is worn for approximately 7-10 days and should not be removed or allowed to get wet. In some cases a nasal pack may be inserted into the nose to support the inside.

After surgery any pain or discomfort you experience can be controlled with medication.

The Healing Process

Moderate bleeding from the nose is normal and swelling / bruising around the eyes generally occurs within the first 24 hours after surgery.

Iced gauze pads placed over the eyes will help to reduce swelling (but become ineffective 24 hours after surgery).

The outside of the nostrils should be cleaned with cotton swabs soaked in warm water. DO NOT probe inside the nose with anything and blowing or sneezing through the nose should be avoided for the first 7-10 days.

It is normal for there to be moderate swelling over the bridge and tip of the nose once the splint has been removed. This can be hidden using light make-up. By this time though most swelling and bruising which you experienced around the eyes will have subsided.

As a general rule if one can still feel a firmness in the nasal tip, it is probable that there is still considerable swelling.

Massaging the nose will help the swelling subside. After the splint is removed you may wash your entire face thoroughly.

Avoid bumping your nose and try not to roll on it while you sleep.

Restrict resting your glasses on the bridge of your nose until the soreness and swelling subsides.