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Procedures > Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures > Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

Surgery of the nose, also known as rhinoplasty, improves the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and self-confidence. While the shape of your nose is usually the result of heredity, the appearance may have been altered in an injury or during prior surgery. Surgery of the nose can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities in the nose, including the septum and inferior turbinates. It is important to choose a Chicago cosmetic surgeon with both the experience and credentials for this procedure as it is a technically difficult surgery that requires surgical finesse and an artistic eye.

What can a rhinoplasty accomplish?
  • Change in nose size, in relation to the other facial structures
  • Nose width reduction, at the bridge
  • Nose profile alteration, removal of visible humps or depressions on the bridge
  • Nasal tip correction, alteration of tip that is large or round (bulbous), drooping, or too upturned
  • Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned can be corrected
  • Nasal asymmetry and septal deviation correction

Is a rhinoplasty right for me?

Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Rhinoplasty is a good option for you if:

  • Your facial growth is complete
  • You are 15 years of age or older if female; 18 years of age or older if male
  • You are physically healthy
  • You do not smoke
  • You have specific, but realistic goals, in mind for the improvement

What happens during a rhinoplasty?
  • Step 1 - Anesthesia

    Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, and your anesthesiologist, will recommend the best choice for you.

  • Step 2 - The Incision

    Surgery of the nose is performed either using a closed approach, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open approach, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through these incisions, the soft tissue that covers the nose are elevated, allowing access to reshape the cartilaginous and boney structures of the nose.

     
    Rhinoplasty Incision  

  • Step 3 - Reshape the Structure of the Nose

    Surgery of the nose can reduce or augment nasal structures with the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. Most commonly, grafts of cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally a piece of cartilage from the ear, and rarely a section of rib cartilage, can be used.

  • Step 4 - Correct the Deviated Septum

    If the septum is deviated, it is now straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.

  • Step 5 - Close the Incision

    Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue are redraped and incisions are closed. Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.

  • Step 6 - See the Results

    You should be able to the results within a week of the surgery. Splints and internal tubes will likely support the nose as it begins to heal for approximately one week. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your nose surgery. Call your Chicago plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, if you have any concerns.

         
    Rhinoplasty Before       Rhinoplasty After

    What should I expect during the recovery period?

    After your procedure is completed, a splint, internal tubes or packing will likely be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing. In most cases, nasal packing will be removed within 48 hours. There may be some bruising around your eyes and nose in the first week after surgery. We offer post-surgical make-up assistance we offer to help you conceal bruising during your recovery period.

    You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Chicago cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig.

    What are the risks of nose reshaping surgery?

    All plastic surgery carries risks along with the many rewards as no surgery is risk free. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, will explain the risks in your consultation so you can make an informed decision based on your unique situation.