Rhinoplasty

Commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure done to alter the shape of the nose. The nose can be reshaped, reduced or narrowed and a more harmonious facial appearance and nasal profile can be achieved.

What Can Be Achieved with Rhinoplasty?

• Nasal bumps, or humps, can be reduced improving the profile
• Drooping nasal tips can be rotated up changing the angle between the nose and the lip
• A wide nose can be narrowed at the nasal bridge
• Nostrils can be reshaped or narrowed
• The nasal tip (soft tissue) can be improved

How Is It Done?
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. It is sometimes performed in conjunction with correcting a deviated nasal septum for breathing issues.

There are 2 methods of rhinoplasty:

• Closed Rhinoplasty - Is the more common type of rhinoplasty. All incisions are internal and precision tools are used to perform the procedure without external scars. This procedure requires less surgical time and much less recovery. This is Dr. Mazzara’s preferred method of surgery.

• Open Rhinoplasty - This approach is slightly more complicated. It involves making incisions under the nose hidden in the shadow cast below the nose on the lip skin and joining them to internal incisions. The soft tissue and skin covering the nose is gently lifted up giving more exposure to the underlying cartilage and bones. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with significant asymmetry, revision surgery and in rhinoplasty which involves cartilage grafting and suturing. The recovery and swelling is more prolonged than the closed method.

Patient Recovery
Most patients suffer mild bruising and discomfort of the nose after surgery for several days/weeks. A nasal cast made of some tape and plastic material is placed after the operation and kept in place between 5-7 days. The shape of the nose is evident on the day the cast is removed, but still has swelling which takes a few more weeks to reduce. The patient can certainly enjoy the “new” nose after the first week, but in professional circles, the ultimate final appearance of a nose is not considered to be judged sometimes for up to one year.