Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Rhinoplasty may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems. A patient who is considering rhinoplasty should carefully select his or her surgeon. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult plastic surgery procedures to perform. The difference between a good result and a poor result is a millimeter. It is essential that you choose a surgeon who is not only qualified and experienced, but a surgeon who has a strong aesthetic style and talent. Rhinoplasty surgery is as much about art as it is surgery.

Am I a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty are healthy individuals who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Age may also be a consideration. Dr. Rohrich prefers not to perform rhinoplasties on teenagers until after they have completed their growth spurt, around 14 or 15 for girls, and 15 to 17 for boys. It is also important to consider teenagers' social and emotional adjustment and to make sure they, not their parents or friends, want the surgery. Deciding to have rhinoplasty, or any elective surgery, should not be an impulsive decision but rather one that is carefully thought out.

Rhinoplasty Consultation

During your rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Rohrich will ask how you would like your nose improved. He will examine the inside and outside structure of your nose, and discuss the possibilities with you. He will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

You will learn about the rhinoplasty, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr. Rohrich better understand your expectations and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. After your consultation a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss surgery fees and schedule dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to preview computer imaging. These may help you visualize the results of each technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for your surgery.

Be sure to tell Dr. Rohrich if you have had any previous nose surgery or suffered an injury to your nose, no matter how long ago it was. You should also advise him of any allergies or breathing difficulties, of any medications or vitamins you take, of recreational drug use, or if you smoke.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

There are two types of rhinoplasty surgery, endonasal rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty. The endonasal approach is performed from within the nose with the incision inside the nostrils. The open approach, which Dr. Rohrich prefers, is performed by separating the skin of the nose from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage. This approach allows Dr. Rohrich to see the entire structure of the nose. He will then sculpt the nose to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on the nature of your problem and Dr. Rohrich's preferred technique. There are an infinite number of techniques which can be utilized to sculpt the underlying framework.

After surgery, a splint is applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Soft plastic splints may also be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum and divide the wall between the air passages in order to improve your nasal airway.