Rhinoplasty San Jose | Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the nose and sometimes to improve breathing function. During surgery, the new, refined appearance is created by reshaping the nasal cartilage and bones. Several changes to the nose’s appearance can be achieved with rhinoplasty, including an overall increase or reduction in size, removal of a hump, a change in the shape of the tip or bridge of the nose, a change in the angle between the nose and upper lip, and a narrowing of the span of the nostrils. The best candidate for rhinoplasty is a man or woman who is physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the appearance and/or function of the nose. It is generally recommended that surgery be postponed until children have finished growing, around the age of fifteen for girls and eighteen for boys, as continued growth of the nose can alter the results achieved through surgery.

Rhinoplasty is typically performed with either a combination of local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia. The incisions are often made inside of the nose, which is referred to as ‘closed rhinoplasty’, though an external incision made on the underside of the nose is sometimes required, which is referred to as ‘open rhinoplasty’. No visible scarring results from closed rhinoplasty, while open rhinoplasty will result in a well-concealed, fine-line scar. Open rhinoplasty is often preferred in more complicated cases. One the incisions are made, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage, which is then reshaped and sculpted to create a new framework and refined appearance. The skin is then redraped over the framework and the incisions are sutured closed. The surgery typically takes between one and two hours to complete, though more complicated procedure can take longer.

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After rhinoplasty, the nose is bandages and a small cast is applied. The cast will remain in place for the first week. The stitches are removed within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising is common, most of which subsides within the first month. Some discomfort may also occur and this can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients find that they can return to work within one to two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, though more strenuous activities should be avoided for two to three weeks and sunburn should be avoided for eight weeks. Full healing from rhinoplasty surgery can take a full year. This is the amount of time needed for all of the swelling to fade, though it is typically not noticeable after the first month, and for the final result to be achieved.

The potential complications that can occur with rhinoplasty include adverse anesthesia reaction, infection, nosebleed, small burst blood vessels on the skin, and the need for additional surgery. The results of rhinoplasty are permanent.

Contact Dr. Mingrone to learn more about rhinoplasty surgery or to schedule a consultation.

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