Nose Surgery

Procedure:

Reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing humps, changing the shape of tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum.

Length:

Surgery takes approximately one to two hour, rarely longer if it is a major revision.

Anesthesia:

General or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.

Inpatient/Outpatient:

This is an outpatient procedure.

Possible Side Effects:

Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes, and/or nose and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.

Risks:

Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible.

Recovery:

The patient may go back to work after one week. More strenuous activities may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or becoming sunburned for at least eight weeks. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB protection is useful. The final results may take up to one year and sometimes longer to achieve. (Why longer? The nose seems to be the part of the body that takes the longest to completely assume the final appearance after cosmetic plastic surgical procedures. This is related to the time required for reestablishment of lymphatic drainage pathways which are responsible for the resolution of swelling).

Results:

Permanent