Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures
Surgery of the nose can be classified as either functional or cosmetic. In general, surgery to improve nasal function involves correcting nasal airway obstruction from either a deviated septum, excessive size of internal bones (turbinates), or collapsed nasal passages. Cosmetic improvements in a rhinoplasty are performed to refine the tip of your nose, straighten the dorsum (the length of your nose), reduce the size of your nostrils, augment the dorsum by increasing the bridge or angle of your nose, reduce a prominent dorsal hump, narrow the width of your nose, or change the size of your nose. Rhinoplasty improves the function and appearance of your nose and in some cases; patients choose rhinoplasty to simply enhance their other facial features.
Referring to whether an external incision is used or not, there are two types of rhinoplasty procedures: open and closed. During an open rhinoplasty, Dr. V will make an incision across the columella, or the column of tissue dividing your nostrils. This incision will extend into the inside of your nostrils enabling her to retract the skin by separating it from your bone and cartilage. The open approach offers the benefit of improved visibility of the anatomy making it easier to correct the asymmetries resulting in more accurate tip refinements. The open approach incision heals well and is usually unnoticeable.
A closed rhinoplasty procedure is similar to open rhinoplasty however the skin of the nose is not lifted away. This method involves internal nostril incisions as incisions are made only on the inside of your nostrils. Loosening the skin from the cartilage and bone and performing the procedures underneath the skin is the technique that makes up the closed rhinoplasty technique. A closed rhinoplasty may require less recovery time than an open rhinoplasty however both types of surgery can produce excellent results.
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The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Typically, a rhinoplasty will take approximately three hours to perform. An overnight stay is recommended for more extensive procedures as post-operatively, swelling of the nose and bruising around your eyes may occur. These symptoms will gradually decrease over several weeks and cold compresses are encouraged for 24 to 48 hours after surgery to help minimize swelling and discomfort. Activities that may cause injury to your nose should be avoided six weeks following your surgery.
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