Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that reshapes the nose in order to enhance its structure. At Wellspring, we routinely perform rhinoplasty procedures in our Austin office to provide improvements to the facial structure, correct a deformity on the nose, or correct breathing problems.
The specific desired results of the procedure often include a modification of the shape of the nose, a reduction in the size of the nose, a modification or reduction of the nostrils, or correction of a birth defect or injuries.
Rhinoplasty has risen to prominence is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. Most surgeons recommend that parents not have their children undergo this procedure until the age of 13 or 14 due to the fact that the nose continues to develop in children up to this age. Also, it is important for patients themselves to fully understand both the benefits and risks of the procedure. Drinking alcohol and smoking are strongly discouraged – they significantly reduce blood flow to the skin, making less oxygen available for the healing of surgery incisions, potentially resulting in necrosis, which is the death of the skin.
Some people contact us who require a revision rhinoplasty to solve issues resulting from or left unaddressed by an initial rhinoplasty procedure performed by another cosmetic surgeon.
The Procedure
If a more moderate reshaping is desired, the surgeon can apply incisions within the nose. The next step is the removal of the skin from the cartilage and bone of the nose with modifications to the cartilage and bone reshaped, removed, or increased as desired.
The procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours. The surgeon makes incisions around the nose based on the desired alterations. Most often, the nasal skin is removed and wrapped over the new structure of the nose. Typically, a nasal splint is positioned to stabilize the nose during healing and recovery.
The Goal of Rhinoplasty
Many times, a rhinoplasty is performed in combination with one or more other facial surgeries, including chin augmentation, to achieve a complete balanced appearance of the face. The goal of this nose surgery is to affect a modest alteration to the facial features that produces a harmonious blend of those features with the rest of the face. Bruising around the area of surgery, minor bleeding, and swelling is not unusual after the procedure and the healing process is generally gradual.
The results of the procedure may not become completely evident for several months or even a year after the surgery. It is always important to understand that healing time and results can vary significantly between individuals.
How It Works
Book a Consult
Book a consult at our office to determine goals and concerns.
Treatment Plan
After a thorough evaluation, choose a treatment plan with our surgeons.
Pre-Operative
Learn all about pre-operative safety preparations before your surgery.
Post-Operative
Follow your surgeon's instruction to ensure a smooth recovery.
Before & After
Check Out Our Rhinoplasty Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Healing and recovery time can vary from one patient to another. It also depends on the type of rhinoplasty procedure you receive and the extent of the procedure. However, the average recovery time can last anywhere between two weeks and a few months.
As with any cosmetic or medical procedure, there are a few minor potential risks that are associated with rhinoplasty.
- Discolouration and slight swelling around the nose
- Various sensations such as numbness, itchiness, or discomfort
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia (it’s important to provide a complete list of allergies before the procedure)
- Infection if proper aftercare isn’t administered
- Some scarring or redness
- Nasal septal perforation (a small hole in the septum) – this is rare but is treatable in most cases
- Possible need for revision surgery (this is not uncommon)
- Dissatisfaction with the end result
- Labored breathing (which can be corrected through revision rhinoplasty)
Depending on the nature of the procedure, rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis in either a hospital or a clinic. You may be required for a few extra hours post-op for observation, but you most likely won’t have to stay overnight.
Open rhinoplasty is when the facial plastic surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the nostrils and on the outside of the columella, which is the external strip of cartilage that unites the nostrils. This procedure is much easier to perform than a closed rhinoplasty because it makes it easier for the surgeon to be able to see what they’re doing.
Closed rhinoplasty is when all of the incisions are made from the inside of the nasal passage. This is the more popular option because all of the scarring—as minimal as it is—appears on the inside of the nose. The recovery time is also usually a lot shorter.
Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary rhinoplasty procedure that you can undergo if you’re unsatisfied with the results of the first procedure or to correct post-op complications that may arise.
Rhinoplasty is permanent in the sense that as long as your facial features are fully developed, then your nose won’t change shape on its own. That being said, rhinoplasty is also reversible and unpleasant results can be corrected through revision rhinoplasty if necessary.
Rhinoplasty Inquiry
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