Nose Surgery Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects deformities of the nose by removing, rearranging, or reshaping bone and cartilage.
Goals of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can help patients achieve any of the following:
- Balance the size of the nose with other facial features
- Modify the width of the nose at the bridge (dorsum)
- Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
- Contour a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping, or upturned
- Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
- Narrow and reshape the nostrils
- Correct asymmetry or deviation
- Improve breathing through the nose
- Address dissatisfaction with a previous nose surgery
The Rhinoplasty Consultation Process
Discussing Your Goals
Dr. Wigod will discuss your desired changes with you in detail. He will then perform a complete examination of your nose, including the internal nasal passages, to detect any airway concerns.
Developing Your Surgical Plan
Before proceeding to surgery, you and Dr. Wigod will develop and agree on a plan tailored to meet your goals.
How Rhinoplasty Surgery Is Performed
- Incision — made under the nasal tip, continuing along the edge of the nostrils, to elevate the nasal skin from the underlying bone and cartilage.
- Reshaping — the bone and cartilage are reshaped as needed.
- Re-draping — the skin is carefully re-draped over the newly shaped structure. Shape may be supported with cartilage grafts.
- Closure and splinting — the nose is closed and internal and external splints are applied.
Related and Combined Procedures
- Septoplasty may be needed if you have a deviated septum contributing to breathing difficulty, or if cartilage grafts are required.
- Closed rhinoplasty (incisions inside the nose only) may occasionally be used for cases involving only a dorsal hump with limited tip work.
- Chin augmentation may be combined with rhinoplasty to balance the nose with a weak chin and improve overall facial profile.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Splint Care
- Your external plastic splint should remain undisturbed and dry until removal at 1 week post-op.
- You may also have an internal nasal splint, also removed at 1 week.
- Some oozing after surgery is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Skin sutures are removed at 1 week post-op.
Recovery Guidelines
| Guideline | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Cold packs | Use periodically as needed |
| Sleep position | Head elevated for about 1 week to minimize swelling |
| Bruising | May occur; usually resolves in 1–2 weeks |
| Walking | May begin immediately |
| Sweating/vigorous activity | Avoid for 2 weeks post-op |
| Diet | Soft foods for the first week post-op |
| Breathing difficulty | An antihistamine may help |
| Final result timeline | Not fully visible until minimum 6 months to 1 – 3 years post-op |
Chin Augmentation
Why the Chin Matters Aesthetically
The chin is an often-overlooked aesthetic unit of the face. Enlarging a small or weak chin to balance the nose and the rest of the face can make a significant difference in facial profile.
Benefits of a Proportionate Chin
A well-proportioned chin can:
- Make the nose appear smaller by comparison
- Help redistribute loose neck skin (when combined with a neck lift)
- Create a more masculine appearance for male patients
Chin Implants
A chin implant can achieve these goals in a way that is:
- Durable
- Cost-effective
- Minimally invasive
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation or learn more about Nose Surgery – Rhinoplasty, please visit our contact page or call our office at (208) 377-9515.