Wagner and Associates Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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Conveniently located to serve Indianapolis

The Ideal Nose Is Waiting for You

Conveniently located to serve Indianapolis

The Ideal Nose Is Waiting for You

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed to alter the shape of the nose. The surgery is also used to cure breathing problems caused by structural defects. It is a fairly common procedure, and many people undergo it to change the size, shape, or overall look of their nose.

Eligibility

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for a rhinoplasty, as it is important for the patient’s face to have stopped growing and maturing in order to undergo the surgery. Patients whose faces are not fully developed might need additional surgeries in the future.

Most patients who are coming in for the procedure need to have realistic expectations. To manage this, experienced plastic surgeons show patients images of expected results. The overall health of the patient also plays a role in deciding if the procedure is suitable or not.

Types of Rhinoplasty

There are four main types of rhinoplasty:

  • Open Rhinoplasty – This type of rhinoplasty is used to make major or minor changes in the nasal anatomy. It is typically used for major reshaping of the nose. The incisions for this procedure are made on the outside of the nose.
  • Closed Rhinoplasty – This option is more suitable for minor reshaping. The incisions for this procedure are made inside the nose.
  • Filler Rhinoplasty – During this procedure, injectable fillers are used to smoothen out areas of the nose and also to alter the shape of the tip of the nose.
  • Secondary Rhinoplasty – This is used to correct mistakes that have developed after a previous rhinoplasty.

The Procedure

A typical rhinoplasty takes a few hours to complete. It can be performed in two different ways: open and closed. In a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nasal cavity in order to gain access to cartilages and bones. An open rhinoplasty is one where the incisions are made on the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils.

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon lifts up the soft tissue of the nose and then alters the cartilage and bones underneath. Rhinoplasties can be used to enlarge noses or bolster the nasal architecture using cartilage grafted from other areas of the body. In the case of a deviated septum, surgeons will straighten it out and then remove excess projections. If the septum has been altered during the procedure, tubes and nasal splints will be placed to help with recovery.

Recovery Process and Results

The recovery time for a rhinoplasty depends on the type of procedure performed. For most rhinoplasties, the stitches used for the procedure are absorbed by the skin and do not need to be removed. Open rhinoplasties will have stitches that have to be manually removed a few days after the procedure.

Patients will experience swelling around the nose and eyes for a few days or weeks after the surgery. Some even have trouble smelling as a result of the swelling. All of these symptoms will recede a few weeks after the surgery. Most patients can perform light activities within a few days of the surgery but will require weeks to resume normal activity.

Set Up an Appointment for a Rhinoplasty Consultation

Dr. Jeffrey Wagner is a skilled and highly knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeon. With his years of experience with rhinoplasty, Dr. Wagner is the ideal choice for your procedure. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.