Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures in Philadelphia

Rhinoplasty Cosmetic Surgery

Unfortunately, nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) like facelifts has a bad reputation. They are only known by the unnatural results or "nose jobs." Natural looking results should provide subtle changes which fit the patient's features and are frequently not noticed or discussed. Much has improved in nasal surgery-making results more predictable and the postoperative course easier.

Today, general anesthesia is commonly used by our surgeons for nasal surgery with strong but short acting drugs; patients can be completely and safely asleep during surgery and yet be ready to go home an hour or two after the procedure. Gauze packing in the nose following nasal surgery used to be standard and clearly prevented the patient from breathing through their nose after surgery. Currently, nasal packing is infrequently employed. If packing is felt to be necessary, then absorbable material can be used which dissolves in two to three days and makes removal unnecessary. One thing that used to characterize rhinoplasty was over-resection removing too much bone and cartilage during the procedure resulting in an excessively small nose. Today's rhinoplasty is typified by finesse in achieving a unique result which fits the individual patient. Plastic surgeons rely less on removal and more on sculpting of excess cartilage. The benefit of this approach is that rhinoplasty results are more predictable and natural.

Your Surgical Options

Rhinoplasty today can be performed either through a closed approach-through small incisions just inside the nose or an open approach which uses an incision at the base of the nose to provide additional exposure and allow the surgeon to see a patient's bone and cartilage in an undistorted manner. Based on the shape and size of the patient's nose and the patient's expectations for a postoperative result, your surgeon will discuss with you which approach he feels is best to achieve your goals and expectations. Preoperative pictures will be reviewed with you in the office to help delineate your surgical plan and expected postoperative result. Improved appearance can be achieved without disrupting nasal air flow. It is now common practice to perform other procedures at the time of rhinoplasty to actually make breathing better postoperatively.

Nasal surgery remains a challenging and gratifying undertaking. In general results are predictable and natural. Working with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon you should be able to achieve the changes in nasal appearance you are seeking.

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