Rhinoplasty Procedures
San Diego Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Dr. Maurice Sherman is a San Diego rhinoplasty surgeon who specializes in: revision rhinoplasty, youth rhinoplasty, mature rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty and more. If you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sherman to discuss your options for rhinoplasty surgery please call (800) 237-3706 today.
Intro to Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is surgery to alter the shape or function of the nose. Rhinoplasty techniques can be performed to achieve a cosmetic result, a reconstructive/functional result, or a combination of both.
What are the advantages of having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Some of the cosmetic benefits of a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery is to remove the "hump" on the nose, narrow the tip, or shorten the nose. It can help with breathing problems also.
Who is a good candidate for a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
- If you have a nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not "fit" with other facial features.
- If you want a more attractive nasal shape.
- If you want your nose to be in better proportion to other facial features.
- If you have an abnormal appearance of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.
What does a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery procedure involve?
- Most incisions can be made inside the nose, where they are invisible. The skin is lifted from it's underlying bone and cartilage support system. Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are then reshaped.
- Open Rhinoplasty: Frequently used for difficult or larger noses. Involves one external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision.
- Open Tip-plasty: If only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or external open approach.
- Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of Rhinoplasty.
An important factor to consider is the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip which can be altered for a more youthful look or to correct distortion. The primary goals of nasal surgery are to have a nose that functions well and looks natural. An aesthetically pleasing nose falls within the ideal "external triangles" and is correctly proportioned to other facial features. A properly functioning nose has adequate, unobstructed breathing space within the "internal triangles".
How long does a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery take?
It can take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending upon the extent of your surgery.
How long does it take to recover from a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
You will go home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in one week. Majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks. External sutures (if any) are removed in 4-6 days. Internal sutures dissolve.
When can I expect to see results from my Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Semifinal results are evident in 3 months. Final results are evident in 12-14 months which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening.
When can I go back to work/resume my normal activities after having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
Most people are walking in two days, and back to work or school in a week. No strenuous activities are allowed for two to three weeks.
How long will the results of a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery last?
The results are permanent unless you injure your nose.
What are my alternatives to having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
There are no alternatives however, additional procedures that may enhance the result are a Chin Implant.
What are the risks involved with having a Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery?
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.