Introduction
Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Often, the structure or size of the nose is not proportionate with the other features on the face. Nose reshaping procedures can help to correct the disproportionate appearance of the nose by altering the size or shape of the nose, the span of the nostrils, or the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In addition, nose reshaping procedures may be performed to correct a nasal birth defect or injury as well as chronic breathing problems.
Nasal Anatomy
Before you learn how nose reshaping procedures work, it is important that you understand the anatomy of the nose. The framework of the nose is primarily made of bone and cartilage. The upper portion of the nose is supported by bone. Dorsal humps, which are areas of built up cartilage or bone, can form along the dorsum, or ridge of the nose. The lower portion of the nose is supported by different plates of cartilage that extend laterally from the centre of the nose, determining the shape and appearance of the nasal tip.
How a Closed Rhinoplasty Works
During an open rhinoplasty procedure, Dr Miroshnik makes small incisions across the columella and inside each nostril. In contrast to a closed rhinoplasty, these incisions allow him to lift the skin away from the bone and cartilage of the nose. In doing so, Dr Miroshnik can clearly examine the nasal framework and make precise adjustments to its shape and structure. Using very small instruments, he will reshape the nose by removing or adding bone, cartilage, or tissue to achieve the desired appearance.
Due to the greater access and direct view that is obtained by open rhinoplasty, it is the preferred choice for nasal surgery if complex tip reshaping is required.
Surgery Preparation
An open rhinoplasty procedure may last approximately two to four hours. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment area will be cleansed and an anesthesia will be administered. Dr Miroshnik may occasionally choose to administer a local anaesthetic and a sedative, in which the nose and surrounding areas are numb and you are in a relaxed state during the procedure. However, usually the procedure is performed with general anaesthesia in which you are asleep.
Incisions
To begin the procedure, Dr Miroshnik will generally make two incisions. A small incision is made across the columella, which is the tissue that lies between the nostrils at the base of the nose.
Using a retractor to expose the inside of your nose, he will then make a second incision, known as a marginal incision, which extends from the columella incision into each nostril. With a pair of surgical scissors, Dr Miroshnik will carefully dissect the skin along the columella incision to begin lifting the skin away from the underlying framework.
Lifting the Skin
Using surgical scissors and a series of retractors, Dr Miroshnik continues to carefully dissect the skin away from the underlying cartilage. The skin is also dissected away from the nasal bone, in order to fully expose the framework of the nose.
This allows Dr Miroshnik to make precise adjustments to its shape.
Reshaping the Tip of the Nose
An open rhinoplasty often best allows alteration to the shape of the tip of the nose. In patients whose nasal tip is wide or bulbous, Dr Miroshnik may choose to remove a portion of the alar cartilage from the tip of the nose. Depending on your anatomy and the extent of treatment necessary, he may choose to use sutures to bend or pull the alar cartilages inward to create a narrower tip or adjust its position.
Removing the Dorsal Hump
One of the primary goals of nose reshaping is often to reduce the appearance of a dorsal hump. The dorsal hump usually consists primarily of cartilage and some bone. In order to remove the dorsal hump, Dr Miroshnik may choose to use an osteotome, which is a chisel-like device used to cut bone. Alternatively, the hump may be removed using a series of fine surgical nasal rasps.
Here the animation shows an osteotome carving away areas of cartilage and bone. Following the removal of the dorsal hump, your nose will usually have what is known as an 'open roof', which is an open space between the nasal bones. Dr Miroshnik may use a fine surgical rasp to smooth the ridges of the nasal bones before performing additional osteotomies to reposition the nasal bones and close the open roof.
Osteotomy
An osteotomy involves breaking the nasal bones in order to reposition them. Although it is not always necessary, an osteotomy can be performed to correct a high nasal dorsum with a dorsal hump, close an open roof after the removal of a dorsal hump, or create a narrower base of the nose.
Using an osteotome, Dr Miroshnik will carefully create breaks in the nasal bones by tapping the device gently along a designated path. Once broken, the nasal bones are shifted upward to close the open roof.
Incision Closure
Once Dr Miroshnik has finished reshaping the nose, the incisions inside the nose will be closed with dissolvable stitches. He may place nasal airway splints inside your nostrils that provide support and stabilise the nose as it heals. Steri-strips will be applied to the outside of your nose. If the nasal bones were manipulated during the procedure, a nasal splint will be applied as well. The bandages and splint help the tissues heal and conform to the new cartilage and bone structure.
Recovery
As with any surgical procedure, you will likely experience some pain, bruising, and swelling, particularly in the upper portion of your face and around your eyes. These symptoms will begin to dissipate within the first few days following surgery.
The nasal splint usually stays in place for approximately seven days. Although the majority of the swelling will subside within a few weeks, some minor swelling may persist for a few months.
In general, recovery time and residual swelling is a little longer for open rhinoplasty procedures when compared to closed.
Nose Reshaping Results
Depending on your rate of recovery, the bruising will begin to fade and you will be able to return to work within seven to ten days following your procedure. As you begin to heal and the swelling in your face subsides, you will start to notice the effects of your nose reshaping procedure. However, like other surgical procedures, the final results may continue to evolve for up to one year.
By adjusting the proportion and profile of your nose, nose reshaping can help to significantly enhance your self-confidence and appearance.
BACK TO TOP
