When is Rhinoplasty Recommended?

Rhinoplasty is appropriate for patients over the age of 18 who are unhappy with
some aspect of the appearance of their nose. While certain factors may qualify a teenager for rhinoplasty, it is generally recommended to wait until the nose has completely finished growing. Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, including:

• The length or width of the nose
• Bumps on the bridge of the nose
• A crooked nose
• Nostrils that are disproportionately small or large
• A pointy, pinched, or bulbous tip

Rhinoplasty surgery is also a common treatment for breathing difficulties due to structural problems, such as a deviated septum, or trauma, including a broken nose.

What is Open Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty refers to the type of incision used during the surgery. With open rhinoplasty, an incision is created across the underside of the nose, known as the columella. This type of incision allows Dr. Horn greater access to the underlying tissue and cartilage. With an open incision, he can more easily reshape the nose to the patient’s preferences. Because the incision is located on the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils, it is small and rarely visible.

What to Expect During the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Depending on the specific needs of the patient, rhinoplasty can take one to two hours to complete. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. To begin, Dr. Horn carefully makes an incision across the columella and lifts the skin away to access the tissues underneath. From there he can carefully reshape the cartilage and remove excess tissue or place implants to achieve the desired size and shape.

Open rhinoplasty grants greater access to the nasal structures than a closed technique, which allows Dr. Horn to achieve optimal results.

Once the reshaping process is complete, Dr. Horn will suture the incision and place a splint to stabilize the nose. Gauze is placed in the nostrils to minimize bleeding and improve contouring. The splint remains in place for up to a week, and the gauze is typically removed within two days following surgery. Most patients return to work within a week and are back to their normal activity levels within four weeks. It can take up to several months or more for the results of a rhinoplasty to become fully visible.

Results and Treatment Benefits

Open rhinoplasty offers several benefits over a closed technique, which uses incisions placed within the nostrils. The primary benefit is to provide greater access to the underlying area. This allows Dr. Horn to more precisely sculpt the nasal structures. Additionally, although the incision is placed on the outside of the nose, with proper techniques, it is nearly invisible.

Rhinoplasty surgery can provide patients with improved facial symmetry and more proportionate features. For many patients, the procedure can also result in significant improvements in breathing capabilities. Patients who undergo rhinoplasty typically feel more confident in their appearances and experience a boost in their quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, or if you suffer from breathing difficulties, contact us today to schedule a rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Horn.

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