Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Denver

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person's nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It is almost always performed as a cosmetic procedure but rarely is done for birth defects, such as a cleft lip rhinoplasty.

With rhinoplasty, functional procedures might also be performed, such as a septoplasty or other procedures to improve airway breathing. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can even be performed with endoscopic sinus surgery.

Goals of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

• Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
• Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
• Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
• Contour a nasal tip that is too large, "boxy," drooping or upturned
• Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
• Narrow and reshape the nostrils
• Correct asymmetry or deviation

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

• For females, at least 13 years old or past menarche; for males about 16-18 years old
• Have finished facial growth
• Are generally healthy
• Do not smoke
• Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
• Have realistic goals for the procedure

Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty also called the endonasal technique, incisions are made inside the nose, which is the preferred technique of Dr. Bershof. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside the nose but also crosses the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. Dr. Bershof generally uses the open technique for revision rhinoplasties often referred to him from other doctors. With either method, the skin covering is gently lifted off the underlying nasal anatomy and the exposed cartilage and bone are sculpted. Although most rhinoplasties are considered reduction rhinoplasty, that is, structure (cartilage and bone) is removed, occasionally structure is added such as a cartilage graft from the septum of ear.

If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Bershof usually performs the septoplasty first, then the rhinoplasty on the same day. Dr. Bershof often works with otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons) who perform functional endoscopic sinus surgery first followed by Dr. Bershof's cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Primary rhinoplasties generally take 2 hours or so to perform, but can take longer if functional airway and sinus procedures are included.

Recovery and Results after Rhinoplasty

For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within a few days and return to work or school in 1-2 weeks.

The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the weeks and months pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day.

Contact lenses can be worn soon after surgery unless there is some retrograde eyeball swelling which may take several days to resolve, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.

Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient's nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age, as well as inherent facial symmetry/asymmetry that cannot be corrected with rhinoplasty.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.