Rhinoplasty Nose Reshaping Surgery

Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, & Peoria, AZ

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to alter the size, shape, or contour of the nose to enhance appearance and/or breathing. Modern rhinoplasty emphasizes a natural appearance which matches the patient's facial features. Patients who have a nose which is not proportionate to other facial features, is misshapen from injury or disease, or is not attractive to the patient are candidates for the procedure.

Rhinoplasty Options

The surgery may be performed through either "open" or "closed" incisional techniques. In addition to the internal incisions used in the closed technique, the open approach makes a small external incision on the columella (that tissue separating the nostrils, just above the lip). Dr. Angelchik currently does most rhinoplasty surgery through an open approach especially in cases requiring extensive modification to the nasal tip or if the nose is crooked. The advantage of the open technique is greater precision and direct visualization of anatomical structures during the procedure. With an open rhinoplasty the surgeon has much better visibility of the skeletal structures and can modify them with more control and less disruption of key areas which contribute to the support of the nose. The columellar scar fades and is inconspicuous.

Rhinoplasty Examination

At your consultation, an examination is performed and options for the nose surgery are reviewed. Computer simulation may be performed to assist in outlining goals for surgery and setting realistic expectations. This 2-dimensional simulation is just that, and not intended to represent the exact appearance after surgery.

Rhinoplasty Procedure

The surgery is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. At the end of surgery, splints are placed inside the nose with built-in airways so that the patient can breathe through the nose. Taping and splinting on the skin of the nose is done to control shape and swelling and to protect osteotomy sites where the nasal bones have been cut and moved. External sutures on the columella are removed at 6-7 days along with all the splints. Taping on the skin is left for another week. After this time, you may be asked to tape at night to control swelling on the bridge of the nose.  Antibiotics, pain medication, antibiotic ointment, a Medrol Dosepak for swelling, and saltwater nasal spray are prescribed for use after surgery. Discomfort is usually moderate and well controlled with oral medication.

Bruising usually occurs and resolves over 1-3 weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school at 2 weeks, sometimes sooner. Pressure on the bridge of the nose is avoided for 8 weeks if the nasal bone has been moved. Any kind of contact sports or activities that risk injuring the nose should be avoided during this time, but patients may otherwise exercise after 2 weeks. Sun avoidance is important while bruised. There is more swelling with an open rhinoplasty. Swelling resolves over a year or more. About 80% of swelling is gone by 6 weeks. 10% of patients require a touchup procedure.

Learn more:

• Major rhinoplasty complications are rare.
• Deciding If Nose Surgery Is Right For You
• Nose surgery Recovery

In addition to rhinoplasty, Dr. Angelchik also performs other facial procedures in his Phoenix area plastic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats facelift, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, laser resurfacing and brow lift and forehead lift patients. Contact our Glendale Facial Plastic Surgery Practice to arrange a consultation to discuss your rhinoplasty needs with Nose Surgeon Dr. Angelchik today.