rhinoplasty

Overview
Rhinoplasty is the term used for refining the external and internal
structures of the nose. Rhinoplasty comes in two main flavors:
1) Functional and 2) Cosmetic. A functional rhinoplasty improves
breathing by addressing aberrations of the internal framework and
support structures. A cosmetic rhinoplasty, on the other hand, refines
the external structures underneath the skin in order to improve the
aesthetic appearance. Both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty are
amongst the most commonly performed facial plastic
surgery procedures.

Functional rhinoplasty can have a huge impact on a person’s life
since it offers increased ease of breathing and relief from airway
obstruction. There are a myriad of different reasons why the airway
can be obstructed; therefore a consultation with Dr. Marcus is
essential to elucidate the etiology of the problem and determine the
proper technique for correcting it.

Unlike functional rhinoplasty, a cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses more on the aesthetic aspects of a person’s nose. A cosmetic rhinoplasty
can make an enormous impact on a person’s overall appearance and can be very impactful on a person’s self esteem. Seldom do you
hear a compliment about what a great nose somebody has, but instead you hear about a person’s beautiful eyes, great smile, or full lips.
For better or for worse, the nose is the central aspect of the face and it can easily detract from other, more appealing features. The nose
should offer facial harmony and allow more poignant features to pop; the nose should not be obtrusive or a distraction to the rest of a
person’s face.

Dr. Marcus is an award-winning facial plastic surgeon whose passion lies in rhinoplasty. He is board certified and his professional
training and experience have allowed him to travel and lecture on rhinoplasty throughout the nation. He feels that rhinoplasty is the most
intricate and elegant of facial plastic surgery procedures and he therefore focuses great amounts of attention on it.

Goal
The goal of rhinoplasty is two-fold. 1) The patient should have an adequate airway and be able to breathe without difficulty. 2) The nose
should be elegantly balanced with the rest of the face to allow overall facial harmony.

Procedure
Rhinoplasty can be performed as an open or a closed procedure depending on the complexity and the ultimate goal. An open procedure
involves only one small hidden incision on the outside of the nose and the rest of the incisions on the inside of the nose. The incision on
the skin is underneath the nose between the nostrils and it is termed a “mid-columellar” incision; once healed, it is not noticeable.
A closed rhinoplasty has all the incisions hidden inside the nose where they cannot be seen. Both the open and closed rhinoplasty has
its individual merits and the right procedure is dependent upon the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Recovery
The recovery from a rhinoplasty typically lasts about a week. If the bones are broken, the recovery involves wearing a nasal cast for one
week. The swelling is variable but is usually more significant with an open procedure. If there is any numbness, this usually resolves
quickly. The nose will be tender for the first several weeks but this is more than adequately treated with mild narcotic pain medication.