Rhinoplasty can be an option for those who want to make changes to the shape or function of their nose. Whether you’re looking to address breathing issues or enhance the appearance of your nose, our rhinoplasty surgeries can offer a solution.
Different techniques can result in subtle or significant changes to the nasal structure, depending on what the patient is looking for, and we have experience in all different types of rhinoplasty at the Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute (CASI). Serving patients in Rosemont and Chicago, IL, our expertise allows us to provide patients with the options that best suit their situation.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure focused on reshaping or repairing the nose. It can address cosmetic concerns such as the size, shape, or symmetry of the nose. It can also correct structural issues that may cause breathing difficulties. The procedure involves modifying the bone, cartilage, and skin to achieve the desired outcome.
Types of Rhinoplasty
- Closed Rhinoplasty: Closed rhinoplasty involves making all surgical incisions inside the nostrils, avoiding visible scars. This method is suitable for minor adjustments and typically results in shorter recovery times and less swelling. It is ideal for patients needing subtle changes without extensive restructuring.
- Open Rhinoplasty: Open rhinoplasty requires an incision on the columella, providing better access to the nasal structures. This type of nose surgery is often chosen by a rhinoplasty specialist for complex cases needing significant reshaping. While recovery may be longer, it allows for precise modifications and dramatic results.
- Revision Rhinoplasty: Revision rhinoplasty is for patients who are dissatisfied with previous rhinoplasty results or have complications. This procedure is more challenging due to scar tissue and altered anatomy, requiring expertise in revision rhinoplasty. It aims to correct issues like asymmetry, breathing difficulties, or unsatisfactory aesthetics from the initial surgery.
- Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Non-surgical rhinoplasty, or liquid rhinoplasty, uses injectable fillers to reshape the nose without nasal surgery. It’s ideal for minor cosmetic adjustments, offering immediate results with no downtime. However, the effects are temporary, lasting from several months to a year or more depending on the filler used.
The Rhinoplasty Treatment Process
Anesthesia Options
During nose reshaping procedures, patients can choose between local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The decision is based on the surgery’s complexity and the patient’s preferences. Local anesthesia with sedation numbs the area while general anesthesia puts the patient fully asleep, ensuring they experience no discomfort during the procedure.
Reshaping the Nose
During nose surgery, the surgeon reshapes the nasal structure by modifying the bone, cartilage, and sometimes soft tissues. This step is tailored to the patient’s goals, whether it’s reducing a hump, refining the nasal tip, or correcting structural issues. Precision in reshaping is crucial to achieving a balanced and natural-looking result.
Closing Incisions
After the nasal surgery, the incisions are meticulously closed using fine sutures. In closed rhinoplasty, the stitches are placed inside the nostrils, making them invisible. In open rhinoplasty, the external incision on the columella is carefully sutured to minimize scarring. Proper incision closure is vital for healing and achieving the desired aesthetic outcome.
Post-Surgery Care
Post-rhinoplasty care includes instructions for managing swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Splints or packing are usually used to keep everything in place during the initial stages of healing. Patients are typically advised to keep their head elevated, avoid strenuous activities, and follow a prescribed medication regimen for the pain.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from a nose job varies but generally includes a week of initial downtime with gradual improvement over several weeks. Swelling and bruising subside over time, revealing the final results. Patients can expect to see the full outcome of their rhinoplasty surgery within six to 12 months as the nose settles into its new shape.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
Bone Adjustments
Rhinoplasty often involves bone adjustments to achieve the desired nasal shape. Osteotomies are precise cuts made in the nasal bones to reposition them, often used to narrow a wide nose or correct asymmetry. Dorsal hump removal involves shaving down the bony bump on the nasal bridge, resulting in a smoother profile.
Cartilage Adjustments
Rhinoplasty surgery frequently requires modifications to the cartilage for both functional and aesthetic improvements. Key cartilage adjustments include:
- Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve airflow and alleviate breathing issues. This adjustment can significantly enhance nasal function.
- Tip Plasty: Refines the shape of the nasal tip by reshaping the lower cartilage. It can adjust the tip’s angle, projection, and symmetry, providing a balanced appearance.
- Grafts: Additional cartilage grafts may be used to reinforce or augment certain areas of the nose. These grafts, often taken from the patient’s septum or ear, help achieve a more defined and stable structure.
Nasal Lining Adjustments
Nasal lining adjustments are part of nose reshaping to ensure the internal structures align correctly and function well post-surgery. This involves carefully repositioning or trimming the nasal mucosa, the soft tissue lining the nasal passages. Proper adjustment of the nasal lining helps maintain clear airways and supports the overall structural changes made during the procedure.
Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?
Rhinoplasty offers a versatile solution for both cosmetic enhancements and functional improvements, making it a sought-after procedure for nose augmentation and correction. With various techniques available, patients can achieve their desired outcomes through precise surgical interventions.
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute (CASI), we provide expert rhinoplasty services for patients in Rosemont and Chicago, IL. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us at (847) 853-9900. You can also choose to fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today.
