To reshape one’s nose is a highly personal choice. Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape your nose to better suit your other facial features. This procedure may include removing visible humps or depressions on the bridge, improving the nasal tip, size and position of the nostrils and nasal asymmetry. Dr. Ritrosky uses only direct-vision techniques for greater precision and accuracy.
Procedure Description:
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under intravenous anesthesia. Open Rhinoplasty is frequently used for difficult or larger noses. This involves one external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision. Open Tip-Plasty is used if only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or external open approach. Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of Rhinoplasty. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in one week.
Recuperation and Healing:
The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in one week. Initial discomfort is controlled with oral pain medication. The majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks. External sutures (if any) are removed in 4-6 days. Internal sutures dissolve. Semi-final result is evident in 3 months. Final result is evident in 12-14 months which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening.
Other Options:
Additional procedures that would enhance the result are: Peels, Dermabrasion, and Chin Enlargement.