Rhinoplasty

A nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not “fit” with other features or has an abnormal appearance due to injury, birth defects, or disease may be recontoured through rhinoplasty. The best candidates for this procedure are those seeking improvement rather than perfection. Correction of breathing problems may also be done in conjunction with this procedure. The nasal size may be reduced or increased in size, the shape of the tip or bridge may be changed, the nostrils widened, and the angle changed between the nose and upper lip.

There is a reciprocal relationship between the nose and chin length. With a larger nose, the chin may appear smaller. Dr. Burke uses a combination of digital computer imaging and radiography to help evaluate this relationship. Through this imaging, one may visualize their goals. In some cases, one might consider a chin implant in order to enhance the results.

View Rhinoplasty results photos

Who is a Candidate

• If you have an abnormal appearance of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.
• A nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not “fit” with other facial features.

Intended Result

• More attractive nasal shape.
• Nose in better proportion to other facial features.

View Rhinoplasty results photos

Procedure Description

• The procedure is usually done under conscious sedation as an outpatient.
• If airway correction is done simultaneously or extensive grafting is necessary, the procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and an overnight admission may be arranged.
• Standard Rhinoplasty: Incisions are made inside the nostrils. The nasal bones, cartilage and soft tissues are reshaped to improve the external contour.
• Open Rhinoplasty: May be used for difficult or larger noses. Involves external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues may be reshaped under direct vision.
• Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils.

Recuperation and Healing

• The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in 5-7 days.
• Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication .
• The majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks. External sutures (if any) are removed in 7 days. Internal sutures dissolve.
• The final result is evident in 12 months.

Other Options

• Additional procedures that may enhance the results are: chin enlargement, cheek enlargement, liposculpture, and lipotransfer.

Note

• The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.