Rhinoplasty in New York, NY
Men and women who are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their nose often struggle to feel confident in their appearance. A poorly proportioned nose is impossible to hide and can be a significant source of anxiety for many people. Genetics or nasal trauma can lead to an enlarged nose, nasal humps, crooked bridges, drooping tips, or breathing obstructions. Whether your unacceptable nasal structures are naturally occurring or the result of an accident, there is a solution to provide you with the appearance you desire. Rhinoplasty improves the shape of the nose by sculpting the nasal cartilage for a more balanced facial appearance.
Candidates
Patients seeking rhinoplasty should be in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Nose surgery can significantly improve your facial appearance by targeting the deformed nasal structures. Teens considering rhinoplasty should have fully developed facial features, which usually occurs between 15 and 17 years of age. You can benefit from rhinoplasty if you suffer from one or more of the following:
- A nose that is too large or too small
- A nose that is imbalanced with your facial features
- A nasal bridge that is crooked or irregularly shaped
- Indentations or humps in your nasal bridge
- A drooping nasal tip
- Disproportionately sized nostrils
- Breathing obstructions
Rhinoplasty Procedure
All rhinoplasty procedures are performed with the patient under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The outer layer of skin is separated from the underlying cartilage structures of the nose. Cartilage is then removed, added, or repositioned to custom-shape your nose. The size of the nostrils may be corrected, and the projection of your nasal tip can be improved.
Open Incision
Open rhinoplasty uses an incision along the base of the columella, which is the fleshy part of the nose that separates the nostrils. An open incision may be utilized when more extensive correction is required because it provides a clearer view of the nasal structures. The open technique may result in a small scar at the base of the nose.
Closed Incision
Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nasal passages. It provides a more limited view, but an experienced surgeon can expertly sculpt the nasal structures with this technique. Many surgeons and patients prefer closed rhinoplasty because it doesn’t leave any visible scars.
Septoplasty
If you have trouble breathing through your nose or have troublesome snoring, you might have a deviated septum. The misalignment of the barrier between the nasal passages (the septum) can be natural or the result of trauma. A deviated septum can impair the breathing function of one or both nostrils. Septoplasty can be performed to straighten the septum and improve breathing abilities.
Recovery and Results
Recovery
You will experience bruising and swelling of the nose and face following your surgery. Swelling can cause some minor discomfort and temporary difficulties breathing through the nose. Splints are used to support your healing nasal structures. You will need to rest with your head elevated for several days following your procedure to minimize swelling. Most patients can return to work within two weeks of their procedure and can resume their regular exercise routine after four weeks. Significant swelling will subside after six to eight weeks. Minor swelling may persist for several months and can affect the appearance of your nose.
Results
Rhinoplasty results are permanent and provide patients with life-long correction of their nasal appearance. For the best results, it is important to follow all of your aftercare instructions carefully. While patients who undergo open rhinoplasty may develop a small scar at the base of their nose, it is likely to fade over time.
If you are looking to improve your facial appearance by correcting a poorly shaped nose, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Cha today. Contact our office at (212) 717-2222 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.