Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose) Manhattan

Rhinoplasty – Introduction

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose. Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum.

Rhinoplasty – The Goals

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

• Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
• Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
• Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
• Contour a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping or upturned
• Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
• Narrow and reshape the nostrils
• Correct asymmetry or deviation

Rhinoplasty – Candidates for Surgery

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

• Are at least 13 years old and have finished facial growth
• Are healthy
• Do not smoke
• Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
• Have realistic goals for the procedure.

Rhinoplasty – The Procedure

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. It can also be performed in Dr. Monasebian’s fully accredited outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Monasebian will employ one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, Dr. Monasebian gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He then sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum. If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Monasebian will also adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.
The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.

Rhinoplasty – Recovery and Results

For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week. The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day. Contact lenses can be worn immediately, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to six weeks. Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.

Rhinoplasty – Revisional Surgery

Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). Dr. Monasebian has, however, performed revisional rhinoplasty with excellent results to improve the function and appearance of the nose.

Forehead Lift and Browlift

A forehead lift or “browlift” is used to correct a drooping browline (eyebrow area) reducing the horizontal lines and furrows (worry lines) that often make a person appear angry, sad or tired. The procedure creates a refreshed, youthful appearance to the forehead area above the eyes. When performing a forehead lift procedure, muscles and tissue areas that droop or cause creases are removed or corrected to smooth the skin on the forehead to reduce frown lines and raise the eyebrows. There are two surgical methods, and during your initial consultation the procedure that works best for you will be recommended. The first is the most conventional method where a surgical incision is hidden just above the hairline. Browlifts are also performed using an endoscope which enables the procedure to be performed with a minimal number of incisions. While the traditional method can sometimes attain more lift, both methods create smoother, flatter skin on the forehead.

For additional information on browlifts, visit www.plasticsurgery.org