Commonly used terms – nose job, smaller nose, bump reduction, hump reduction, surgery for big nose, surgery for crooked nose.
Rhinoplasty is the name of the operation to correct deformities of the nose. Its primary purpose is to improve the appearance and, in some instances, to improve nasal breathing.
The procedure is accomplished by removing any excess bone and/or cartilage and reshaping the remainder. After alteration of these supporting structures, the skin is allowed to re-drape over the newly shaped framework to give the nose its new appearance. The changes may be subtle or dramatic depending on the needs of the patient.
My goal is to produce a nose that appears natural, functions properly, and is in balance and harmony with the rest of the face. The “operated look” is one that should be avoided. The patient’s wishes in regard to the type of nose desired are always considered, but there are limiting factors. Skin texture and thickness, previous injury, individual variations in healing, and facial proportions and contour play an important role in what can and should be achieved. All of this will be discussed with you during your consultation.
What is the earliest age at which rhinoplasty can be performed?
I prefer to wait until skeletal growth has ceased. This is usually around 14-15 years in girls and 15-16 years in boys. Exceptions are made in problem cases.
What determines the type of nose a patient should have?
This is determined mainly by the proportions and relationships of the other facial structures. Gender plays a role, in that females traditionally have smaller, softer, appearing noses than males.
Is it necessary to pack the nose?
Usually not. Even if there is, I try to avoid packing and use a small soft splint. If packing should be required, I usually use the type that can be easily removed the next day.
Is there much pain?
It is surprising how little discomfort there is associated with rhinoplasty. Most of the discomfort is caused by not being able to breathe through your nose. Usually oral pain medication the first day or two is all that is necessary for any discomfort.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Surgery is performed under a light general anaesthetic. You will be sound asleep. This allows the anaesthetist to have complete control of the airway and keep any drainage from getting into your lungs. It also keeps you from moving around during the surgery so I can do a better job. Since it is a light general anaesthetic, you awaken easily with less side effects.
How much swelling will there be?
Although medicines are given prior to surgery to keep swelling to a minimum, it varies with different patients. Some swelling and bruising of the nose around the eyes is expected. This reaches its peak 48-72 hours following surgery and then starts subsiding. Icepacks to the eyes will help during that time.
Swelling will still be present when the cast is removed at one week. After 10-14 days, most of the visible swelling will have disappeared, but there will be a feeling of numbness and stiffness of the tip of the nose, which means some swelling persists. It will take this swelling several months to subside completely but it will not be noticeable to anyone but you. In patients with thick, oily skin, swelling is slower to resolve.
What are the limitations after surgery?
Patients can usually go back to sedentary work/school one week after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity (any activity which increases your heart rate) for two weeks. After two weeks you may gradually increase your activity so that you are back to your regular routine at three weeks. You should avoid sun exposure (use sunscreen), getting your nose hit, and letting glasses rest on your nose for 8 weeks.
How soon after surgery can glasses be worn?
Glasses can be worn while the cast is on. After it is removed, they can still be worn but should not rest on the nose for 7 more weeks. We will show you how to do this. Contacts can be worn as soon as the swelling goes down around the eyes so that they can be easily inserted and removed.
Are there ever incisions on the outside of the nose?
Occasionally a small incision is made on the column of skin between the nostrils on the underneath surface of the nose. This incision usually heals very well and is not visible at conversational distances. If the base of the nose is too wide, it is narrowed by making incisions in the creases on both sides where the nostril and cheek join. The resulting scars are hidden in the creases.
*Any surgery or medical procedure carries risks and individual results may vary. Consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified doctor.
The procedure is accomplished by removing any excess bone and/or cartilage and reshaping the remainder. After alteration of these supporting structures, the skin is allowed to re-drape over the newly shaped framework to give the nose its new appearance. The changes may be subtle or dramatic depending on the needs of the patient.
My goal is to produce a nose that appears natural, functions properly, and is in balance and harmony with the rest of the face. The “operated look” is one that should be avoided. The patient’s wishes in regard to the type of nose desired are always considered, but there are limiting factors. Skin texture and thickness, previous injury, individual variations in healing, and facial proportions and contour play an important role in what can and should be achieved. All of this will be discussed with you during your consultation.
What is the earliest age at which rhinoplasty can be performed?
I prefer to wait until skeletal growth has ceased. This is usually around 14-15 years in girls and 15-16 years in boys. Exceptions are made in problem cases.
What determines the type of nose a patient should have?
This is determined mainly by the proportions and relationships of the other facial structures. Gender plays a role, in that females traditionally have smaller, softer, appearing noses than males.
Is it necessary to pack the nose?
Usually not. Even if there is, I try to avoid packing and use a small soft splint. If packing should be required, I usually use the type that can be easily removed the next day.
Is there much pain?
It is surprising how little discomfort there is associated with rhinoplasty. Most of the discomfort is caused by not being able to breathe through your nose. Usually oral pain medication the first day or two is all that is necessary for any discomfort.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Surgery is performed under a light general anaesthetic. You will be sound asleep. This allows the anaesthetist to have complete control of the airway and keep any drainage from getting into your lungs. It also keeps you from moving around during the surgery so I can do a better job. Since it is a light general anaesthetic, you awaken easily with less side effects.
How much swelling will there be?
Although medicines are given prior to surgery to keep swelling to a minimum, it varies with different patients. Some swelling and bruising of the nose around the eyes is expected. This reaches its peak 48-72 hours following surgery and then starts subsiding. Icepacks to the eyes will help during that time.
Swelling will still be present when the cast is removed at one week. After 10-14 days, most of the visible swelling will have disappeared, but there will be a feeling of numbness and stiffness of the tip of the nose, which means some swelling persists. It will take this swelling several months to subside completely but it will not be noticeable to anyone but you. In patients with thick, oily skin, swelling is slower to resolve.
What are the limitations after surgery?
Patients can usually go back to sedentary work/school one week after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity (any activity which increases your heart rate) for two weeks. After two weeks you may gradually increase your activity so that you are back to your regular routine at three weeks. You should avoid sun exposure (use sunscreen), getting your nose hit, and letting glasses rest on your nose for 8 weeks.
How soon after surgery can glasses be worn?
Glasses can be worn while the cast is on. After it is removed, they can still be worn but should not rest on the nose for 7 more weeks. We will show you how to do this. Contacts can be worn as soon as the swelling goes down around the eyes so that they can be easily inserted and removed.
Are there ever incisions on the outside of the nose?
Occasionally a small incision is made on the column of skin between the nostrils on the underneath surface of the nose. This incision usually heals very well and is not visible at conversational distances. If the base of the nose is too wide, it is narrowed by making incisions in the creases on both sides where the nostril and cheek join. The resulting scars are hidden in the creases.
*Any surgery or medical procedure carries risks and individual results may vary. Consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified doctor.
