Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) information and procedures. View patient before and after pictures of rhinoplasty. For many people, a prominent, asymmetric, bumpy or undesirable nose leads to extreme self-consciousness. One of the most common of all cosmetic procedures, rhinoplasty is used to improve the appearance and possibly the function of the nose.

If you're considering rhinoplasty, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

If you are self-conscious about your nose, this surgery can open up new possibilities for changing your appearance and your self-image. Rhinoplasty can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on what you and your surgeon prefer. Incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the rim of the nose. Soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures, and the cartilage and bone causing the deformity are reshaped.

The exact nature of that sculpting depends on your particular problem, and should be discussed at the consultation. If the nose is being reduced in size, the nasal bones are carefully fractured toward the conclusion of the procedure. Breathing problems may be improved by a procedure called septoplasty, in which the obstructions are removed. Another type of soft-tissue surgery, alar narrowing, is used to adjust the width of the nostrils.

There are two major ways to perform a rhinoplasty: the closed and the open techniques. The open technique includes an incision across the colummella, the small skin between the two nostrils. One major advantage of this technique is the ability to completely visualize the internal structures of the nose, and place sutures precisely where they may be required. With this type of rhinoplasty, the swelling takes significantly longer to subside and some of the tissues may be unnecessarily disrupted. The scar is most often quite small and fades rapidly. The closed technique does not require an external incision, heals more quickly and does not disturb the tissues as much as the open technique.

If the nose is being reduced in size, a splint will have been applied and the nose will be packed lightly with a medicated gauze. Sometimes, only tape supports the nose while it is healing. The stitches are self-absorbing and do not require removal.

If an incision is made across the columnella, or vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils, skin stitches are placed which require removal in 3-5 days. The need to do this is usually identified and discussed fully prior to the procedure, and is usually necessary in only about 5-10% of people.

There will be some swelling and stuffiness for several weeks, but patients usually resume normal light activity after a few days. It will take several weeks before the nose is completely healed to allow full physical activity.