Nasoplasty

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

ne of the central themes in plastic and reconstructive surgery is how form should follow function. Nowhere is this more apparent than in nasal surgery. We are often called upon to consult with patients regarding both the appearance and function of their nose. Many are not satisfied with the shape, size, or general aesthetics of their nose. So--- What makes an attractive nose? Mostly, it is a nose which is in harmonious balance with your other facial features. If this balance is upset, then a rhinoplasty may help.

It is important to realize that the function of the nose has been studied extensively. With routine, plastic surgeons counsel patients with deviated or collapsing airways which are obstructing normal air flow. These may be congenital or secondary to injury. An experienced nasal surgeon can discuss how these changes have affected your nasal anatomy and breathing patterns. What's more is that many of these problems have specific treatments which can be carried out at the time of a rhinoplasty. So, the techniques employed in each rhinoplasty should be carefully tailored to the individual.

A good candidate for aesthetic rhinoplasty might have any one of a number of "problems" with their nose. These would include a hump or depression on the nasal bridge, a wide tip or bony base, flared nostrils, a narrow tip or bridge, or deviation of the nose. Examination should review patient concerns regarding appearance as well as explore any functional complaints. Patients selected for elective nasal surgery should be in good health. Preoperative computer imaging with your surgeon on hand may help visualize possible operative results. All medications and allergies should be reviewed, especially any chronically used nasal preparations.

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, but simpler procedures may require only sedation with local anesthesia. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed in two manners---open or closed. The decision as to which technique is to be used is surgeon and deformity dependent. I typically use an open technique, so at the time of surgery, a small incision is made in the skin between the nostrils. Through this incision, the skin of the nose is elevated permitting the surgeon a direct view of the structures to be altered. Cartilage may be harvested from the nasal septum as it is straightened, and this cartilage can be used to specifically treat the aesthetic or functional problems outlined in the preoperative consultation. As the surgical correction is completed, the incisions are closed, the nostrils may be supported with a gel foam packing, and a plastic splint is placed on the nasal bridge to stabilize repositioned nasal bones.

After surgery, pain is managed with oral pain medications; and antibiotics are used until the packing is removed. Bruising is not uncommon, especially if the bones have been repositioned. The packing is removed in about three days and the splint in a week. Decongestants and anti-inflammatories are helpful in the immediate postoperative period.

The new nasal shape may be swollen to varying degrees for several weeks, but a dramatic change in nasal contour is readily apparent. Activity is limited at first, but after two or three weeks, restrictions are lifted. As each month passes, you will notice gradual improvement until healing is complete. Most patients undergoing rhinoplasty are very pleased with their results, and as their permanent result is achieved, they begin to understand how functional improvement goes hand in hand with an aesthetically pleasing form.

The Plastic Surgery Group, P.C., in Chattanooga, Tennessee offers the latest plastic surgery procedures, including nasoplasty. For more information on the plastic surgery procedures we offer, visit our plastic surgery procedures page or call our plastic surgery staff at (423) 756-7134 or (800) 634-3334. You can also e-mail us your questions and we will be in touch with you shortly.