Rhinoplasty

Also known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty can improve not only the nose’s appearance but breathing function as well. Even slight and subtle changes to the nose’s shape and proportion can lead to dramatic changes in the overall appearance of the face and nasal breathing. Many seek rhinoplasty due to genetic traits that can result in a larger nasal tip, humps or depressions along the profile, asymmetry, or a wider bridge. Others seek to correct damage caused by injury.

The Procedure

During the surgery, the cartilages of the nose can be reshaped, sutured, partially removed, or resuspended. Cartilage grafts can be used to bolster specific parts of the nose. If a revision rhinoplasty is performed, additional cartilage may be harvested from the ear or rib. Often, the bony parts of the nose will need to be corrected by highly targeted fracturing and resetting. Full recovery time can take up to a year. Swelling can last several months, after which the cartilage will continue to evolve and assume a more permanent shape.