Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic surgery of the nose, or rhinoplasty, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the nose. The nose is the most central, most prominent feature of the face and a major factor in defining balance and harmony among facial features. When the nose is out of proportion with other facial features, or the nose does not complement the face, it can affect self-image and confidence. If you are bothered by the size or shape of your nose, then cosmetic surgery of the nose may be right for you.

Specific features addressed by Dr. Waslen during your consultation include nose size, width, profile, nasal tip, nostrils, and nasal asymmetry. In some cosmetic cases, the characteristics of the nose are not the only factors contributing to facial imbalance. The facial structure – especially a small chin, weak cheeks and/or lower jaw – may also contribute to imbalanced facial proportions. In these cases, surgery of the nose may be performed in conjunction with placement of facial implants to achieve overall facial harmony.

Through the use of photography and specialized computer resources, our unique digital imaging tool allows you to actually preview achievable surgical results with Dr. Waslen during your consultation. For more information, please see our Digital Imaging link.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed using a small incision made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through the incision, the soft tissues that cover the nose are gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Surgery of the nose can reduce or augment nasal structures with the use of a cartilage graft. Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed. Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.

Complications from Rhinoplasty are infrequent though may include bleeding, infection, skin numbness, scars and reaction to anesthesia.

A cast or tapes are used to support the nose for 5-7 days as it begins to heal. After surgery, some bruising and swelling will occur, but this will generally disappear within 7-10 days. It is often possible to return to work within one to two weeks.

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