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Do you suffer from life-long nasal problems such as difficulty breathing? Perhaps a traumatic injury from your youth has left your nose a crooked? Or, maybe you just don’t feel like your nose matches the rest of your face. Whatever your reason for nose surgery (also known as rhinoplasty), you will want as much information as you can get to make the best decision for what’s right for you and your nose.

Here, we take an in-depth look at rhinoplasty.

What Can Nose Surgery Do for You?

Rhinoplasty can address several concerns you may have about the appearance and function of your nose. Cosmetically, nose surgery can correct certain issues such as a disproportionate or crooked nose, a bulging bridge, a large bump or hump, and a drooping tip. Medical concerns can also be addressed with nose surgery. A deviated septum could be the cause of breathing difficulties or chronic snoring and rhinoplasty may be a viable solution to these problems.

Nose Surgery: An Open or Closed Case

As far as the procedure goes, there are two different techniques used to achieve your desired nasal outcome. Each one has its advantages and drawbacks, but both are very effective.

Open Rhinoplasty: In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made to the skin between the nostrils on the outside of the nose. This helps to expose the underlying cartilage and tissue, giving your plastic surgeon a better perspective on how to proceed. A special zig-zag incision is made on the underside of the nose to keep scarring at a minimum. Open rhinoplasty can offer more dramatic improvement, can achieve more detailed refinement and is best for redefining the nasal tip.

Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside of the nostrils using the closed approach. This aids in avoiding any visible scarring on the surface of the nose’s surface, is potentially a shorter operation, and may require less downtime. While this less-invasive approach has many great advantages, it can be more challenging and present difficulties in certain cases. At UCI Plastic Surgery, we generally perform closed rhinoplasty for first-time nose enhancement.

Nose Surgery on the Mend

While closed rhinoplasty may have a slightly shorter recovery time, you can expect to need between 10 and 14 days to recover from both an open or closed nose surgery. After your initial recovery, you are able to start getting back into your usual routine. In the meantime, you’ll probably experience some stuffiness, soreness, bruising, and discoloration. Be careful and take it easy. The most vital thing you can do to fully recover as quickly as possible is to relax and give your body the time and energy it needs to heal.

Nose Surgery at UCI Plastic Surgery

You can learn even more about rhinoplasty and all of the benefits it brings by scheduling a consultation with one of our knowledgeable and dedicated plastic surgeons. At UCI Plastic Surgery, we are committed to evaluating your specific needs and helping you determine what’s best for you and your nose.