Millions of people simply do not like the shape of their nose. It may be too big, too small, have flared nostrils, have a bump on the bridge, or a bulbous tip. Indeed, so many people are unhappy with their nose that close to 219,000 underwent rhinoplasty in 2017. This may have been due to either cosmetic or functional reasons, however. Here are some things to learn about rhinoplasty:
Types of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a challenge for many cosmetic surgeons, for it is at much an art form as it is a surgical skill. The doctor needs to resculpt the tissue, bone and cartilage of the nose in a way that is symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing, and most of all pleasing to you. There are two basic types of rhinoplasty. Some surgeons use the closed procedure, and others use the open procedure. You and your surgeon will agree on which procedure to use during your consultation.
In the closed procedure, the doctor operates inside of the nose. Because of this, you will not have scars from the surgery. During an open procedure, the surgeon makes an incision across the strip of tissue between your nostrils. This strip is called the columella. This allows the surgeon to raise the tissue that covers the nose. The surgeon is able to keep your nose symmetrical.
Resculpting the Nose
Though some surgeries make the nose smaller, other surgeries are meant to augment a nose that the patient thinks is too small for their face. In that case, the surgeon uses grafts of bone or cartilage harvested from other places in the body. Cartilage can come from the septum, the wall between the nostrils or the ear. Bone can come from the elbow, hip or other areas. This removes the risk of the graft being rejected by the body as foreign.
Recovery
Though there’s some initial swelling and bruising, it goes away after a few weeks. You should keep your head elevated as much as you can and even sleep with your head elevated. All this takes is piling some pillows against the head of your bed. You should avoid places that are hot and humid and avoid alcohol for at least two weeks. Lip balm or vaseline is also good since you’re going to be breathing through your mouth for a few days.
Interested in Rhinoplasty? Call Us
If you are dissatisfied with your nose and want surgery to resculpt it, contact us today to schedule your consultation! Boulder Plastic Surgery is conveniently located in Boulder, CO.