|
The goal of the Rhinoplasty procedure is to improve the appearance of the nose without drawing attention to it. An unattractive nasal size or shape can be congenital or the result of trauma or injury to the nose. During Rhinoplasty surgery, patients experiencing problems with nasal airflow can undergo a Septoplasty procedure at the same time to improve airflow. Septoplasty surgery is an insured procedure under current Ministry of Health guidelines.
Anyone who is bothered by the appearance of their nose and who is skeletally mature can pursue Rhinoplasty surgery. Skeletal maturity is typically reached around the age of 16, which is when the nose is fully developed. Rhinoplasty surgery can reshape the entire nose, including narrowing the width of the nose, softening the tip, reducing the length and height, decreasing the size of the nostrils, and changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. Rhinoplasty surgery is a facial enhancement that lasts a lifetime and results in a nose that blends more smoothly and less noticeably into the rest of the face.
Procedure
There are 2 techniques used in Rhinoplasty surgery:
• Closed Rhinoplasty
• Open Rhinoplasty
Closed Rhinoplasty Procedure
In the Closed Rhinoplasty, all incisions are hidden inside the nose. All of the structural changes to the nose can be made through these hidden incisions. Patients whose nose does not require extensive correction of the nasal tip can usually be done using the Closed Rhinoplasty technique.
Open Rhinoplasty Procedure
In an Open Rhinoplasty, all but one of the incisions are hidden inside the nose. In addition to the hidden incisions, a single incision is also placed across the columella (the piece of skin between the two nostrils). An Open Rhinoplasty is performed when Dr. Barr needs to remold/reshape the tip of the nose.
During the Rhinoplasty procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape from the inside of the nose. The skin is then redraped over the new framework. This surgery can be performed either under general anaesthesia or with local anaesthesia combined with sedation. Rhinoplasty surgery usually takes 1 or 2 hours, though more complicated procedures may take longer.
Post-Operative Course
Patients are discharged the same day with a customized, molded, plastic cast on their nose which will protect it from injury while it heals over the next 7 to 8 days. Patients will develop some swelling around the eyes which will begin to diminish 2 or 3 days after surgery. The cast will be removed 7 to 8 days post-operatively.
If sutures were used (an open rhinoplasty) they will be removed at that time. Sutures used to close the hidden incisions inside the nose dissolve without removal.
Patients are required to maintain only light activity for approximately 1 week following surgery. Activity level can then be increased slightly. Normal heavy activity can be resumed 3 weeks after surgery. Patients must refrain from contact sports until 6 weeks after surgery.
Concurrent Procedures
Any type of aesthetic surgery can be combined with nasal surgery.
|
