Dr. Davidson's Homepage

Nasal Disease Handbook

Anatomy & Physiology

Bloody Noses

Common Cold

Cystic Fibrosis

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Environmental Control for Allergy

HIV

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal Steroids

Nasal Surgery

Nasal Tip Infection

Rhinitis - Allergic

Rhinitis - Cold-Induced

Rhinitis - Irritative

Rhinitis - Vasomotor

Rhinoplasty

Sinusitis

Sinusitis - Chronic

The Aging Nose

The Crusty Nose

Tobramycin

Tonsillitis with Halitosis

RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is the operation which changes the appearance and shape of the nose. For some it is performed to improve breathing. For example, an individual who has suffered a nasal fracture resulting in a crooked nose may have a significantly impaired airway, and the only means of restoring the airway is to perform a rhinoplasty. Many people do not feel that their nose compliments their overall appearance, and for some this becomes a major focus. The shape of the nose can be changed and the operation to do this is called a rhinoplasty. This is performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgery can be performed through the nostrils or, in many cases today, a very small incision is made in the columella (that is, the soft tissue at the bottom of the nose). The remainder of incisions are all made intranasally and so external scars are not a problem. The cartilages can be thinned and reshaped. The bones will be rasped smooth and moved to a straighter or more aesthetic position. For those who desire it and have chosen their surgeon well, the results are normally wonderful. Surgery does not always go perfectly and some patients have unrealistic expectations. I can only advise you to discuss all these matters thoroughly with your surgeon. Make sure that you are happy with him or her as a caring physician and be sure that you and they are committed to each other so that should problems occur, the two of you will work on this together.

Some will say that revision rhinoplasty is necessary in as many as 10% of surgeries. This along with infection, bleeding and scarring are some of the risks and complications of rhinoplasty.

It is always a tragedy when the patient goes to the surgeon with a small bump and a slightly larger than desired tip, with the unrealistic belief that the rhinoplasty will turn them into a ravishing hollywood model. There is only so much that can be done. The nose certainly can be reshaped, but that will not change one's personality. It will not change one into an instant success story. It should however, provide an improved nasal appearance. The vast majority of people who undergo rhinoplasty are very pleased with the outcome. For those interested, it is strongly encouraged that you consult an ear, nose and throat doctor skilled in rhinoplasty or a plastic surgeon with interest and ability in nasal surgery.