How is a Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?

If you are considering a nose job, you may be wondering how the procedure is performed. There are many variations on the surgical techniques used for rhinoplasty procedures. Before undergoing surgery, expect to discuss the procedure in detail with DrMarcells so you know what will be involved in your particular case.

Planning Surgical Details

Rhinoplasty is a surgical reshaping of the nose. Procedures are performed to address cosmetic issues, functional issues or both. There are many different effects possible through rhinoplasty, and the results may be subtle or dramatic, depending on your needs and wishes.

This procedure can be used to make the nose thinner or wider, make the bridge more prominent, make the nostrils thinner, turn down an upturned tip, correct a hump or twist in the nose, or otherwise reshape this central facial feature. Because of the wide variety of effects possible, this procedure can be performed in many different ways. In fact, no two rhinoplasty procedures are exactly alike.

 Beginning the Procedure

Whether performed for reconstructive reasons, cosmetic reasons, or a mixture of the two, rhinoplasty surgeries begin in essentially the same manner. The first step is administration of general anaesthesia. Patients are not awake during the rhinoplasty surgery, which usually takes between two and three hours.

Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, Dr Marcells begins by creating incisions through which the structure of the nose can be reshaped. There are two main incision techniques available: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty, with pros and cons associated with each method.

 Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty surgery relies on incisions placed inside each nostril. There is no external incision. These incisions, known as endonasal incisions, reduce the risk of scarring. However, they also limit the surgeon’s ability to see the underlying nasal structure. As such, they are best used for rhinoplasty surgeries requiring relatively minor reshaping. Most revision rhinoplasty surgeries must be performed using the open rhinoplasty technique.

 Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty uses an incision across the skin between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to see all of the underlying structure of the nose, and enables more dramatic results. The only surgical difference between the two methods is the incision pattern utilised.

 Surgical Methods

Once the necessary incisions have been made, Dr Marcells begins the work of reshaping the nose. This is accomplished through relatively slight sculpting of the bone, cartilage and soft tissues of the nose. Depending on the goals of the procedure, this may include resetting the dorsal (nose) bone, trimming away tissues, or augmenting the natural tissues with grafts of donor tissue or bone. It frequently involves sculpting the natural tissues into a more streamlined or aesthetically pleasing silhouette. DrMarcells will trim, augment and sculpt the nasal tissues to achieve the desired effect. This open structure technique allows DrMarcells to address all breathing, functional and cosmetic changes whether as a primary or revision procedure.

After Surgery

Once this surgical reshaping is complete, the incision may be closed with sutures, though some internal incisions do not require sutures. Two silicone splints are then placed in each nostril, which allows you to breathe through your nose straight away. An external cast is used to support its new shape. Upon recovering from the effects of anaesthesia, patients are free to return home, where they will begin a recovery phase.

Though no two nose jobs are alike, this basic surgical process will be followed during all rhinoplasty procedures. Are you wondering which surgical techniques might be used to sculpt your nose? For a more exact explanation of how your rhinoplasty surgery will be performed, discuss the specifics with DrMarcells. Your first consultation is a great opportunity to learn more about what will happen during your rhinoplasty procedure.