Nose Surgery

(Rhinoplasty)

Nose-reshaping surgery, called rhinoplasty, is one of the most common and long-established of plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty 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. It's often performed for cosmetic reasons – for a person whose self-respect suffers because of what he or she perceives to be an unattractive appearance – but just as often for medical reasons: for reconstructive purposes after injury or to correct birth defects or breathing problems.

Dr. Sheng's goal is always to achieve a natural-looking result that harmonizes with the rest of your facial features. In some cases, this may mean adding to the nose rather than reducing its size. In any case, Dr. Sheng will take the time to understand your desires and plan a suitable outcome.

The procedure usually takes an hour or two under general anesthesia and you'll be asleep throughout the operation, though no two situations are identical. The doctor might perform the surgery from within the nose, making incisions inside the nostrils, or from the outside, making a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. He then separates the skin from its underlying bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. Then the skin is redraped over the new framework. Finally, a splint will be used to help the hone and tissue maintain its new shape during the early stages of healing. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to support the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

For a day or two, you'll probably feel a dull headache, some pain in your nose, and a puffiness in your face. The doctor will prescribe medications to relieve these discomforts. Swelling and bruising around your eyes is likely to appear and persist for several days; cold compresses should help. By the end of one or two weeks, the doctor will have removed all splints and stitches.

You'll be up and about within two days, and you'll probably be able to return to school or work in about a week. You'll want to avoid sports and other strenuous physical activity that could set back your recovery, of course.

This has been only a general overview of nasal surgery. To find out more, you should talk over the specifics of your case with Dr. Sheng. Simply call his office at (310) 288-0269 to make an appointment. He will be happy to take the time to make sure you are fully informed.

Copyright © 2003 Francis C. Sheng, M.D. All rights reserved.