Surgery of the Nose (rhinoplasty)

With rhinoplasty, Doctor Arons can reshape the nose in a number of ways to improve its appearance and proportion in relation to other facial features.

Many of his patients have chosen to have this surgery to alter the size and shape of the bridge and tip of the nose. Although there is no age limit for rhinoplasty, the mid-teens, a time when the nose is near full development, is the earliest recommended age. With older individuals, health is the primary consideration. Reshaping of the nose is generally performed through incision inside the nose, but there may also be an incision passing across the central portion of the nose between the nostrils.

It is sometimes necessary to narrow the base of the nose or reduce the size of the nostrils. This entails removing small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils. The resultant scars usually fade very well, and ultimately should be barely noticeable. Sometimes it is necessary to narrow the width of the nose by actually making cuts in the nasal bones. The nose is reduced, or in some cases built up, by adjusting its supporting structures — either removing or adding bone and cartilage. The skin and soft tissues then redrape themselves over this new “scaffolding.” in some instances, there may be an internal deformity of the nose that can effect breathing. This may be due to an irregularity in the septum (the central structure of cartilage and bone that separate the two sides of the nose), or the turbinates (structures protruding internally from the lateral walls of the nose). Adjustment of these structures to improve the nasal airway may be made at the same time as alteration to the external appearance of the nose.

After surgery, some pain, swelling, and bruising of the nose are to be expected, but they will gradually subside. Packing material usually remains inside the nose for one week. You will also wear a splint for approximately a week or longer. Your daily routine will be restricted for a minimum of two weeks. You should reserve judgment on your rhinoplasty for several months, even a year, until your nose has had an opportunity to fully heal and settle. Often, the best compliment you can receive from your family and friends is that your nose does not appear very different. Remember — the intention of rhinoplasty is for your “new nose” to blend in naturally with your face.