Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a type of plastic surgery designed to enhance facial harmony, the proportions of the nose and, in some cases, correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose, such as a deviated septum. If you have been considering nose surgery for cosmetic and/or functional reasons, Dr. Tyrone can attend to your needs at his Ocala plastic surgery center.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
During this procedure for cosmetic nose reshaping, a surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. The steps that follow depend on the features of the patients’ noses before the surgery and their desired look. For example, the nasal bridge can be narrowed down by moving the bone inward, tissue fillers or fat grafts can be added to areas that need more volume, and the tip of the nose can become longer, shorter, thinner or more uplifted with grafts made of cartilage. In general, the size or length of the nose can be increased or reduced by adding or removing bone and cartilage and adjusting the supporting structures inside the nose. There are two main routes for a rhinoplasty. Your doctor will evaluate your case and recommend the approach that seems most appropriate.
Open Rhinoplasty
For an open rhinoplasty, incisions are made externally on the underside of the nose, between the nostrils, and the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage is gently raised to allow access. This incision can also connect with other incisions hidden inside the nose. An open procedure can provide good visualization of the nasal structures and a more direct route for surgical manipulation. The scar at the base of the nose should be barely visible after healing.
Endonasal (“Closed”) Rhinoplasty
During a closed procedure, incisions are made in the nasal passages and stay hidden inside the nose. This makes them invisible after the surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Nose Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for nose surgery if you are uncomfortable with the feeling that your nose:
- Is too large or too small
- Does not fit with the rest of your face
- Is crooked, badly shaped or very asymmetric
- Has a birth defect that you would like improved
- Has a blockage that gives you trouble breathing
- Was damaged as a result of physical trauma
Two of the most important requirements to qualify for a rhinoplasty are a positive outlook and realistic expectations. Keep in mind that, naturally, all faces are at least a little bit asymmetric, so while rhinoplasty may provide improvement, it does not guarantee perfection. Additionally, the ideal candidate is a physically healthy nonsmoker whose facial growth is complete.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Patients who get rhinoplasties for cosmetic reasons often seek:
- To correct the radix
- To straighten a crooked nose
- Rotation or reduction of the tip of the nose
- Nose projection adjustment
- Nasolabial angle adjustment
- Width reduction
- Adjustment of flared nostrils
Patients who get rhinoplasties for functional reasons may want:
- To correct a deviated septum
- To correct enlarged turbinates
- To remove nasal polyps
- To treat nasal fractures
Preparation & Recovery
There are a few things you could do to prepare for your Ocala rhinoplasty. For instance, refraining from smoking at least six weeks before surgery promotes better healing. Similarly, avoid taking aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal medications that could cause increased bleeding. Also, because rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you at least the first night. Nonetheless, if the surgery heavily involves the septum or is a revision of previous work, it may require an overnight stay.
After the surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about aftercare, including how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and information about normal symptoms you will experience and potential signs of complication.
Immediately after rhinoplasty, you will have to wear a nasal splint to support and protect your nose from accidental bumps. Nasal packing may also be inserted to act as an internal splint, holding everything in place and keeping the airway free of crusts. Your face will probably be puffy, and your doctor may recommend cold compresses to reduce swelling and pain. Your doctor may prescribe medication for the pain and ask you to abstain from physical exercise and specific activities for a few weeks.
Rhinoplasty in Ocala, FL
A board-certified physician, Dr. Tyrone provides high-quality plastic surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to help patients achieve their ideal look and feel confident with their physical features. If you decide to get nose surgery in Ocala, FL, Dr. Tyrone will support you along every step, from the initial consultation to post-surgery recovery. Call him today to schedule an appointment!