A rhinoplasty is more commonly known as a nose job. It can be done for medical reasons like repairing damage to the nose caused by injury or a birth defect, or it can be done for cosmetic reasons. Either way, it involves changing the nose’s shape. Rhinoplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient can be put under general or local anesthesia.

What does Rhinoplasty involve?

There are two main types of rhinoplasties: open and closed. In an open rhinoplasty, a small cut is made on the columella, which is the little column of skin between the two nostrils. In a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions are made inside the nose.

Rhinoplasty treatments vary depending on what the problem is. If the nose is too big, cartilage or bone may be removed. In other procedures, cartilage grafts may be added to the nose. The cartilage used will usually be taken from the septum or middle of the nose, but it might also be taken from the ear or a rib.

If the patient has a deviated septum, it can be fixed. A deviated septum is one which is crooked. The condition is quite common — but a severely crooked septum make it hard for the patient to breathe. A deviated septum can be congenital or it can be caused by an injury. During surgery, cartilage or bone may be removed to produce even breathing spaces in the nostrils. At the end of the procedure, the incisions will be closed. The average Rhinoplasty takes around two hours.

What is the recovery like?

The patient will wear a nasal splint for the first week after surgery. There may be bruising and swelling that lasts for a couple of days or more. There will also be some minor swelling of the nose. The patient will look fairly normal two or three weeks after the surgery, but complete healing will take several months. Recommendations will be provided to ensure a safe recovery.

If you have suffered nose damage or you are not satisfied with the appearance of your nose, contact the office of Dr. Wendell Perry. We will be happy to provide an evaluation and customize a treatment plan that will leave you satisfied. With an experienced provider, you can get the results you want. Contact us today to get started.