The cosmetic procedure of re-contouring the nose is one of the most popular procedures sought by plastic surgery patients today. Reasons for such requests range from re-contouring or reshaping the external nose, to straightening a previously injured nose and/or improving the patient’s ability to breathe.
The ideal nose varies from face to face depending on skin type, ethnic background, age, and other variables. The most important matter sought today by plastic surgeons is to provide a natural looking nose that goes accordingly to the patient’s own facial appearance. The patient may elect also to have chin or cheek implants at the same time to enhance and balance their facial features.
Most of the incisions for reducing or re-contouring the external nose are made inside the nose. Occasionally a small external incision is necessary, depending on the complexity of the problem. The nasal skin is lifted away from the cartilage and bone and excess tissue is removed. Then the cartilages at the tip of the nose are sculpted to refine the nasal tip.
Sometimes instead of resecting tissues, it is necessary to place grafts that may have been harvested from the patient’s own septum or ear.
The procedure is sometimes combined with septum surgery to correct deviations of the nose. Finally, the skin is re-draped over the new framework. When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape and an internal packing is applied for 24-48 hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
You will need to keep your head elevated at all times for the first week, as this will reduce bruising and swelling. You will be able to to shower and wash your hair but keep the dressing dry. After the first week of surgery the splint is removed and a much lighter external dressing is applied if necessary.
Patients are usually able to return to desk jobs 3-4 days after the surgery, but most wait a full week to do so to allow for splint removal.
