While the term “nose job” has the connotation of being for cosmetic purposes only, for some, this is not the case. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that involves surgical reconstruction and shaping of the bone and cartilage of the nose, sometimes for cosmetic purposes and sometimes for functional purposes. Rhinoplasty can make it so you can breathe more easily while running on Newport News Park, or it can reconstruct the nose after facial trauma. Below we review everything you need to know about this procedure.
Types of Rhinoplasty
There are several different subtypes of rhinoplasty that may be performed based on what the problem is or what your goal is. These include:
- Nasal septoplasty. This procedure is performed to straighten a deviated nasal septum, which is the wall that separates the nostrils.
- Inferior turbinate reduction. This surgery addresses the membrane-covered bony structures in the nose that sometimes become enlarged.
- Nasal valve repair. This procedure strengthens or enlarges narrow places within the nose.
- Cartilage grafts. This can be used to straighten or support the nose during rhinoplasty or nasal airway surgery.
How Rhinoplasty Is Performed
Rhinoplasty is performed in an ENT clinic, surgical facility or hospital. Prior to the surgery, you’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss your medical history, get an examination and review your goals for surgery.
For the surgery, you’ll be put under either local or general anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable, the surgeon will make incisions under and inside the nose. They will then remove cartilage or shave the bone to create a new shape to the nose.
After Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon will place a splint to keep the nose in place and stabilize it. You should keep this on for at least five days, though the packing inside the nose can be taken out after a day or two.
If your surgeon uses absorbable stitches, they will dissolve on their own in time. If they use traditional sutures, they’ll need to be removed about a week after surgery.
Follow all your doctor’s postoperative instructions carefully and be sure to take any medications as prescribed. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy today.