Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person's nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.
Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum.
Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:
The best candidates for rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Dr. Hanz uses one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, Dr. Hanz gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.
If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Hanz will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.
The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.
Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). However, skilled plastic surgeons can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.
For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week.
The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day.
Contact lenses can be worn immediately, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.
Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient's nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.
» Contact us for more information on rhinoplasty.
Facial trauma can be caused by an accident, injury or illness, leaving patients with physical disfigurements that can significantly affect their everyday lives. Fortunately for these patients, there are several procedures available to restore the appearance of the face, as well as the patient's self-confidence about the way they look.
Dr. Hanz's facial procedures offer patients the ability to reconstruct their facial features after a traumatic event, as well as relieve pain and restore function. Patients can also choose to enhance their appearance even further through the same procedures. Dr. Hanz will help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures is best for you after a thorough consultation and evaluation of your individual condition.
» Contact us for more information on facial trauma.
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