The decision to undergo Rhinoplasty (“Nose Job”) is an exciting one. It is my belief, that an educated patient allows you to determine your personal goals, and enables you to make an informed decision about your surgery. I have developed this website as a patient information source. Hopefully, this site will prepare you for your consultation.

If you feel that your nose is not in proportion to the rest of your face, you may want to consider Rhinoplasty. By enhancing the general appearance of your nose, you will achieve a more natural aesthetic balance between your nose and other facial features.

Procedure

Nasal surgery or Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It may be performed to reduce the dorsal hump, modify the nasal tip, narrow the nostrils, reduce the width of the nose, change the angle between the nose and the upper lip, and straighten or narrow the nasal bridge. Patients undergo nasal surgery for one of three reasons:  1) to correct a crooked nose or deformity as a result of injury  2) have difficulty breathing as a result of nasal passage obstruction  3) for cosmetic reasons (to enhance the shape of their nose). A deviated septum is a curve in the septum tat restricts airflow through one nostril. Septoplasty is an internal nasal operation that is used to straighten or reshape the septum. It is performed on patients who have difficulty breathing as a result of a mal-positioned septum. A Septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose, and can be performed alone or in addition to a Rhinoplasty.

Surgical Approaches for Rhinoplasty:

Reduction Rhinoplasty:
A Reduction Rhinoplasty is used when bone or cartilage are removed in an effort to change the shape of the nose. This form of Rhinoplasty is the most commonly performed.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty:
Used to enhance the nose by adding cartilage, bone, or implant material when nasal deficiency (loss of structure) is encountered.

Closed Rhinoplasty:
Incisions are made inside the nose, and cartilage and bone are removed, shaved, or repositioned to improve contour.

Open Rhinoplasty:
Incisions are made inside the nose along the nostrils and across the columella (vertical strip between the nostrils), and cartilage and bone are removed, shaved, or repositioned to improve contour.

The surgical approach will be decided at the time of consultation depending on individual patient needs and your specific anatomy.

Additional procedures and other options:

Chin Augmentation can improve facial balance as well, and often enhances Rhinoplasty. In some cases a chin implant alone can provide facial balance, correcting the optical illusion that a nose is larger than it appears due to a weak or regressive chin. This will be discussed at the time of initial consultation.

Ideal Candidates

• Patients who are doing it for the right reasons (i.e. for themselves)
• Patients with realistic expectations
• Patients with a nasal airway obstruction that impairs breathing
• Patients who have a crooked/deformed nose
• Patients with a cosmetically unacceptable nose
• Patients who are in good health

Risks and Complications

Risks and complications may include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, damage to deeper structures, numbness, asymmetry, chronic pain, skin disorders, delayed healing, nasal septal perforation, nasal airway alterations, and risks and complications associated with anesthesia. Even though complications can occur, they are rare.
Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed at the time of your consultation.

Smokers and Diabetics have a greater risk of pulmonary, and wound healing complications.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising will last for two to three weeks. Nasal packing is not routinely used. Any stitches used inside the nose will dissolve by themselves. Any stitches left outside the nose will be removed in about five days. The external nasal splint will remain in place for seven days to hold the nasal bones in place, as well as help reduce swelling. You may return to work or school by seven to ten days as well as resume light exercise. You may resume rigorous exercise within 4-6 weeks. As each month passes you will notice gradual improvement. The final result will be evident within one year. Rhinoplasty is permanent. Occasionally, a small touch-up procedure needs to be done to improve results.

In/Out Patient

Rhinoplasty is usually performed as an out-patient under general anesthesia. The surgery routinely takes two or less hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

Call Dr. Kole for a complimentary consultation: 215-354-1010