Rhinoplasty is performed to improve the appearance and/or breathing function of the nose. It requires the skillful hand of a qualified plastic surgeon who understands the principles of facial balance and harmony. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose — for example, the shape, size, bridge, tip or nostrils — or you have problems breathing, then Dr. Szczerba at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute can help. He is exceptionally talented when working with such prominent and complex features as the nose, and combines his refined surgical skills with artistic principles to improve facial harmony and balance. Read more about rhinoplasty and how a skilled Chicago cosmetic surgeon can help enhance the appearance of your nose
Surgery Candidates
Rhinoplasty candidates should be at least 13 years of age or older (according to the guidelines of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons), in good health and preferably non-smokers. Rhinoplasty candidates should have strong personal motivation for wanting the surgery and not be influenced by anyone else. Rhinoplasty candidates are usually encouraged to look through before-and-after photographs to identify the specific elements of the nose that they would like to change.
You may be a Chicago nose surgery candidate if you have:
- A crooked or off-center nose
- A bump or a hump on the bridge of the nose (when viewed from the side profile)
- A wide base
- A tip that droops
- A large or bulbous tip
- Nostrils that flare
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
The Office Visit Prior To Surgery
The office visit prior to surgery is very important in the planning process of rhinoplasty; it’s the perfect time to tell your plastic surgeon the changes of the nose you are trying to achieve. At the Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute, the plastic surgeon will then take a thorough medical history, take photographs and perform an exam of the inside and outside of your nose. The photographs are then imported into a computer program that allows morphing your nose to your specific preferences. With those ideas in mind, the plastic surgeons at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute can determine what type of rhinoplasty to recommend: an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty. Additional procedures to ensure improved or proper breathing despite the external changes of the nose are also discussed at this time.
The Procedure
General anesthesia and IV sedation are often used during rhinoplasty surgery. To keep our patients safe and comfortable during the procedure, we utilize licensed anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. The procedure can be performed using either the open or closed surgical technique as determined in your visits prior to surgery. During an open rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes an incision between the tissue separating the nostrils called the columella. The skin of the nose is then gently lifted from the underlying cartilages allowing direct visualization of the changes the plastic surgeon is performing. During a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes the incisions hidden inside the nose gaining access to the underlying structures without disrupting the skin of the nasal tip.
The surgeon then reshapes and sculpts the cartilage of the nose, repositions the bones and, if need be, performs internal nasal procedures such as reshaping the septum called a septoplasty and or turbinate reduction to improve breathing. Pieces of cartilage from the septum (the partition in the middle of the nose) can be used to support and straighten the nose. After sculpting the bones and cartilages of the nose, the surgeon redrapes the skin and closes the incisions with sutures or stitches.
Recovery
Dr. Szczerba will most likely place a splint or use packing to hold the nasal tissue in place while the nose heals from the procedure. It is critical for the rhinoplasty patient to follow all post-operative instructions for an optimal outcome. This includes resting at home and keeping the head elevated for a certain period of time, and carefully tending to the incisions. Patients should take about a week to 10 days off of work, and avoid bending, lifting or strenuous activity during the recovery period. Patients will experience some bruising and swelling, which will dissipate in time; it may take several months for all the swelling to disappear. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check progress, remove the stitches and answer any questions about the recovery period.
Benefits and Risks of Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance of a patient’s nose. Dr. Szczerba has refined his surgical technique over the years so he produces beautiful, long-lasting results. Rhinoplasty may also alleviate breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum or other nasal abnormalities. However, as with any surgery, there are risks. Risks include infection, poor wound healing, anesthesia complications, bleeding, nose asymmetry, numbness in the skin and rupture of small surface vessels. There is also a slight risk that the outcome of the surgery will need further improvement, requiring additional surgery. If you are concerned about these risks, speak with our Chicago rhinoplasty surgeons and learn about the measures they take to avoid or minimize them
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss rhinoplasty with our plastic surgeons, please contact Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute.
