“Rhinoplasty” is a blanket term that encompasses both the aesthetic and functional restoration of the nose. This is an age-old operation that dates as far back as ancient Egypt.  Each of us has a unique nose, so hence, every rhinoplasty operation is truly unique.  For instance, a patient with a prominent nasal hump will undergo a vastly different operation than a patient with a crooked nose after prior trauma.  Nevertheless, both will still undergo a “rhinoplasty.” In essence, a plethora of techniques are employed in rhinoplasty to correct numerous nasal deformities. Oftentimes, these techniques are combined with the goal of achieving a harmonious and natural correction of the nose.

 

Rhinoplasty can be performed via an open or closed approach. In a closed approach, no external incisions are made and the incisions are placed within the nose (intranasal incisions).  Besides the advantage of the absence of an external incision, the closed approach results in less swelling and swifter recovery compared to an open approach. However, the open approach is more preferable for major structural correction, considering it offers unparalleled surgical visualization and precision as well as excellent long term predictability of results. The external incision of the open approach spans the columella, the dividing bridge of the skin separating the two nostrils. This incision is then continued intranasally allowing for the skin of the nose to be lifted from the underlying cartilages and bones that provide structure to the nose. The upper third of the nose is composed of the nasal bones; the upper and lower lateral cartilages make up the lower two-thirds of the nose. These paired bones and cartilages are bound to the nasal septum, which divides the right and left nasal passages in the midline. In rhinoplasty, these cartilages and bones are selectively manipulated to achieve a desired nasal shape. Common conditions treated with rhinoplasty include:

 

• Prominent nasal hump (dorsal hump)

• Poorly defined or bulbous nasal tip

• Underprojected or overprojected nose

• Droopy nasal tip (nasal tip ptosis)

• Deviated and crooked nasal shape

• Prominence of the nostrils

• Deformities after prior rhinoplasty

 

After rhinoplasty, patients go home with a splint which serves to both reduce postoperative swelling and maintain the desired shape of the nose as the cartilage and bones heal. The splint is to be kept dry and it is removed the week after surgery. Patients are to apply Vaseline and saline spray to the dissolvable nasal sutures. Patients may start light exercise after one week and can resume heavy lifting and strenuous activity in 2 weeks. Contact sports are to be avoided 4-6 weeks after surgery.  Though the degree of swelling varies for each patient, the swelling may last for up to one year after surgery.

 

Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bhatt, who serves the Aiken and Augusta metro region (and beyond).