What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can be performed at the age of 14 years for girls/15 years for boys. Earlier, the nose is incompletely developed. Although unusual, deformity can occur after surgery due to continued growth. During the initial consultation we discuss the patient's goals regarding nasal improvements and other surgical options. Also discussed are risks of the procedure, expenses and length of recovery.

Routinely, the nostrils are not packed. If extensive reconstructive surgery to enhance breathing is performed, packing may be necessary to maintain the new internal anatomy positions. Some experience difficulty with nasal breathing because of internal swelling and mucous drainage. The columella is the anatomy at the base of the nose separating the nostril openings. If this structure is too visible, either frontal view or profile, it is referred to as a hanging columella.  Thought of as undesirable, this characteristic can be nicely enhanced with rhinoplasty. Though not impossible for someone to have an allergy to absorbable sutures, it is rare. More probable is a spitting stitch. The absorbable suture, instead of dissolving as planned, presents at the skin surface with an associated small opening in the incision and a scant amount of fluid that may be confused with an allergy or infection. The stitch is removed and the wound heals without difficulty.

Techniques are always evolving. The main feature of repair for the septum continues to be either removal or reshaping of the deflected area of the septum or migrating it to a new position or orientation to improve air flow. Cauterization is frequently used to remove polyps. Internal approach (all incisions are inside the nose) is used most frequently for the primary, uncomplicated rhinoplasty. External approach (an external incision is created across the columella) provides better visualization, increased precision and improved predictability in secondary more complicated rhinoplasty procedures.