Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose, balancing it with your facial features to improve your appearance. In some cases, this surgery can also improve breathing problems caused by nasal obstruction.
A good outcome from rhinoplasty can be very satisfying; perhaps that’s the reason plastic surgeons performed more than 250,000 rhinoplasty operations in the U.S. last year.
Is Rhinoplasty The Right Procedure For You?
Nose surgery has many possibilities, and each patient usually needs something different to provide optimal results. Dr. Dry can perform rhinoplasty to meet a wide variety of aesthetic goals. The proportions of the nose can be balanced through reducing, enlarging, refining, lifting, straightening or lengthening the nose.
The goal is to reshape your nose so it naturally complements your facial structure. Although an ideal nose shape may vary for each patient, plastic surgeons have traditionally aimed to provide:
- A straight nasal dorsum
- Narrow nasal tip
- Small dip between dorsum/tip
- Natural angle between nostrils and lips
- Balanced nasal projection and width
These goals can be achieved through a variety of methods, some of which are highly advanced techniques in plastic surgery.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery?
First you will meet with Dr. Dry in Kirkland to discuss the procedure and your goals for the outcome. For example, you might study photos with the doctor and discuss the ideal angles that your nose should exhibit.
The surgery can be completed in about 1 to 3 hours. During this time, you will be under local anesthesia with IV sedation.
Surgeons use two basic methods for rhinoplasty the closed and open technique. Most patients can undergo the closed technique, in which all incisions are made within your nose. If open rhinoplasty is recommended, Dr. Dry lifts the nose skin to obtain a clear view of all nasal structures. Bone and cartilage will be reduced, augmented or refined as necessary. Dissolvable sutures and nasal packing will then be placed within the nose, along with a special splint.
How Will I Look and Feel After Rhinoplasty?
You should be able to return to work or school within 1 to 2 weeks. After the first week of recovery, you may be able to stop using pain medications and the nasal packing can be removed.
There are special considerations with rhinoplasty beyond the 2-week recovery period. First, you may have to wait, sometimes a few months, for the swelling to fully subside. Second, it may take some time for you to adjust to the changes, especially if you are older and accustomed to your facial appearance. Once you have adjusted to the change and the swelling has resolved, the results of rhinoplasty can be appreciated.
Do you have questions about rhinoplasty or nose surgery? Contact the Kirkland plastic surgery office of Dr. Gavin Dry.