Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance or shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty can be used to alter the appearance of the nose following an injury (post traumatic) or because the patient is unhappy with a particular aspect of the nose which has not been injured (cosmetic).

How would this procedure help me?

A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step when considering rhinoplasty. It is important to discuss your expectations clearly and honestly and then consider whether they are realistic given the information your surgeon will give you.

How is rhinoplasty performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. The operation can be closed (the incisions are inside the nose) or open (there are incisions on the outside and inside of the nose). Your surgeon will decide which approach is appropriate.

The nose is made up of bone and cartilage in a complex three-dimensional arrangement. This arrangement can be altered surgically by reshaping, moving or removing parts of these two elements. Surgery to alter the nasal bones will require fracturing the bones, altering the cartilage in the nose by reshaping or removing cartilage.

It is very important that you are clear in your own mind what changes you wish to occur to your nose. These changes may or may not be possible and you must have a frank discussion with your surgeon.

Once the operation is complete, a pack (a dressing) is put inside the nose to reduce bleeding and a splint made of either plastic or plaster of paris, is taped to the outside to protect the new shape of the nose.

The pack inside the nose will normally be removed the day after the operation and the splint and tapes on the outside are left for 7 - 10 days. The nasal bones can still move if the nose is injured after the splint comes off so it is important to be careful for a month or two after the operation.

What happens after the surgery?

The operation usually requires at least an overnight stay, but your surgeon will confirm this. You would be expected to keep yourself propped up at home to reduce swelling for a week or so after the operation.

You would normally have the stitches removed 5 - 10 days after the operation, if there are any on the outside.