New Jersey Rhinoplasty – Procedure and Recovery

• Overview
• Types of Rhinoplasty
• Surgery & Recovery
• Additional Resources

Overview

A nose out of harmony with the rest of the face can be significant to a patient and alter their self image. The goal of nasal surgery is to achieve an improved, but natural contour, while correcting any internal deformities that may be causing breathing difficulties.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) was the sixth most popular cosmetic surgery in 2011, with 126,107 rhinoplasties performed on both men and women across the country.

See New Jersey Rhinoplasty Photos

Understanding the Anatomy of the Nose

From an anatomy perspective, the nose is a complicated structure. Skin is draped over the nasal framework, which is what gives the nose its shape and support. The upper 40% of the framework consists of paired nasal bones which are not movable. The lower 60% of the nose is made of cartilage and is movable. The two nasal passages are separated by the nasal septum which is composed of both bone and cartilage.

Dr. Parker changes the shape of a patient’s nose by changing the shape of their nasal bones and cartilage. He may also correct breathing problems at the same time by correcting the patient’s deviated nasal septum and other related internal nasal structures.

Types of Surgeries

A “closed” rhinoplasty, using incisions hidden on the inside of the nostrils, is indicated for relatively minor shape adjustments to the nasal bone and cartilage.

An “open” rhinoplasty uses a small and inconspicuous incision underneath the tip of the nose and between the nostrils. This is connected to incisions inside the nostrils. These cleverly hidden incisions allow Dr. Parker to “open” the nose and sculpture the underlying bone and cartilage very precisely under direct vision.

A “tiplasty” involves improving only the tip of the patient’s nose. Almost always, Dr. Parker will use an “open” approach to achieve the most natural, symmetric tip he can.

Working out a Surgical Plan for Each Patient

During your consultation, Dr. Parker will explain to you his recommended surgical plan to improve the appearance of your nose. His discussion with you will be supplemented by reviewing computer images of what your nose should look like after surgery.

Surgery and Recovery

Rhinoplasty is most safely performed with general anesthesia. Surgical time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the degree of complexity. Patients are discharged about an hour after surgery. There is usually little pain. Sutures and a light plastic splint used to protect the nose are removed within a week. Swelling and discoloration subside within ten days (click to see Rapid Recovery Rhinoplasty patients). Camouflage make-up can be applied after seven days of completed Rhinoplasty. New Jersey patients may return to normal activities at seven to ten days and resume exercise at two weeks.

Together, the nose and chin determine your profile. Chin augmentation is sometimes suggested at the time of rhinoplasty to achieve better facial balance.

Rhinoplasty procedures are commonly combined with eyelid rejuvenation, brow lift, chin augmentation or a face lift. The patient shown here had a lower lid blepharoplasty performed in addition to a closed rhinoplasty.

This allows the patient to have multiple areas corrected during one surgery with only one anesthesia and recovery. Usually, the recovery is similar when one or more procedures are performed.

• Learn about rhinoplasty issues and treatments
• View before and after photos of rhinoplasty patients
• View our animated rhinoplasty procedure information
• Watch stories from real New Jersey facial surgery patients
• Read New Jersey facial surgery stories