Rhinoplasty
RHINOPLASTY
Not everyone has a perfect nose. What graced your lovely face as a child can dance off to one side, with distortion and heaviness. It may be a family nose, but why does it have to be yours?
We all have a body image stored in our psyche. We recognize ourselves just as others recognize us. That image can become distorted. Our nose continues to grow as we age. The shape may change subtly over time, or rapidly with an injury. When we fail to recognize ourselves, or just don’t like what we see, it’s time to consider a rhinoplasty.
Closed vs. Open
The nose is made up of bone, cartilage, and skin. During rhinoplasty, we reshape the underlying bone and cartilage and drape the skin to make the new nasal shape. This operation can be performed closed with entirely internal incisions (within the nostrils) or open with a combination of internal and external incisions. The choice depends on the surgeon’s decision of what they need to get the best and most long-lasting result, and the patient’s anatomy.
Perhaps the most important feature in performing a rhinoplasty is determining the patient’s expectations. To that end, surgeons have relied on a number of different techniques. Some draw on the patients. Some make drawings of the patients, some show prior patients, and some look at the pictures that the patients provide as a guide to what they want. The best approach is to demonstrate the hoped for result with computer imaging. Seeing what the surgeon thinks they would like to achieve is a pretty good way to see if the patient agrees.
Risks can occur in any operation. A rhinoplasty could reduce the size of the nasal airway. This is usually not an issue, but has to be considered with a competitive athlete. Infections are very rare, and the need for secondary procedures is uncommon.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons announced that 243,000 rhinoplasties were performed in 2012. This is a very common procedure and is in great demand.
How a rhinoplasty is performed in any individual patient is based on the patient’s desires, expectations, and anatomy. No two patients are exactly alike, so no two operations are exactly alike. With Dr. Geldner’s superior skill, 25 years of experience, and his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our Chicago plastic surgery patients’ expectations.
This young woman wanted to change her appearance. She was dissatisfied with her nose. We performed an open structure rhinoplasty.
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This patient wanted to improve the structure and function of her nose. We simulated her wishes using computer imaging. Using an open approach, we...
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This young woman wanted to change the appearance of her nose. We used computer simulation to determine the changes that she wanted. She underwent an...
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This 34 year old patient always had a twisted nose with an overly broad tip. She wanted something smaller without the twist. We performed an open...
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“Thank you so much for the thoughtful care you gave our daughter. Your understanding and support of her goals allowed her to move smoothly through her surgery. Please know that we count you among those who have helped her along the way to her success.”
~ Patient Review
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the appearance and functionality of the nose. It can address various cosmetic concerns such as size, shape, and proportion of the nose, as well as functional issues like breathing difficulties.
Cosmetic Improvements:
- Reshape the Nose: Rhinoplasty can refine the nose’s overall shape, including the bridge, tip, and nostrils.
- Adjust Size and Proportion: The procedure can make the nose larger or smaller, ensuring it is in harmony with other facial features.
- Correct Asymmetry: Any unevenness or deformities can be corrected to create a more balanced appearance.
Functional Improvements:
- Improve Breathing: Rhinoplasty can correct structural issues like a deviated septum, which may obstruct airflow and cause breathing difficulties.
Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure, and the specific changes will depend on the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, tDr. Geldner will discuss these goals in detail and create a personalized surgical plan.
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are individuals who have specific cosmetic or functional concerns about their nose and are in overall good health. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Cosmetic Concerns: Candidates may be unhappy with the size, shape, or symmetry of their nose, including features such as a prominent hump, bulbous tip, or wide nostrils.
- Functional Issues: Some candidates seek rhinoplasty to correct breathing problems caused by structural abnormalities like a deviated septum.
- Good General Health: Candidates should be free from serious medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can interfere with the healing process, so candidates are typically non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure.
- Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure is crucial for satisfaction with the results.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will assess your nasal structure, discuss your goals, and determine if rhinoplasty is the right option for you. He will also explain the procedure, expected results, and recovery process in detail.
Recovery after rhinoplasty involves several stages, and following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is essential for optimal results.
Immediate Post-Operative Care:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes are common and typically peak within the first few days. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help manage these symptoms.
- Nasal Splint: A nasal splint may be applied to support the nose during initial healing and is usually removed within a week.
First Few Weeks:
- Activity Restrictions: It’s important to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for several weeks to prevent increased blood flow to the nose and minimize swelling.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Geldner is crucial to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Long-Term Healing:
- Final Results: While initial improvements can be seen once the splint is removed, final results may take up to a year to fully manifest as residual swelling gradually subsides.
By adhering to Dr. Geldner’s post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments, you can ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results from your rhinoplasty.
Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision and take appropriate precautions to minimize them.
Common Risks:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are normal parts of the healing process and typically subside within a few weeks.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Following proper post-operative care instructions can help minimize this risk.
Specific Risks:
- Nasal Obstruction: Some patients may experience difficulty breathing through the nose if internal structures are not properly aligned.
- Scarring: While most rhinoplasty incisions are made inside the nostrils, external incisions (if necessary) can leave scars. These are usually minimal and well-concealed.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of uneven results, which may require additional corrective surgery.
- Numbness: Temporary numbness around the nose or upper lip is common and usually resolves within a few weeks.
Rare Complications:
- Anesthesia Risks: There are inherent risks with any anesthesia, which will be discussed with you during the pre-operative consultation.
- Septal Perforation: In rare cases, a hole in the septum (the wall between the nostrils) can occur, which may need further treatment.
Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Geldner significantly reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Geldner will provide detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from your rhinoplasty.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty
Watch a presentation that explains the procedure, preparation and recovery details.