Problem.

A nose that is cosmetically unattractive or not in harmony with other facial features.

Who is a candidate?

• An individual who desires a more attractive nasal shape.
   
• Anyone desiring their nose to be better proportion to other facial features.
   
• An individual who has an abnormal nose appearance because of birth defect, injury, or disease.
   
• An individual with a nose that has large nostrils.

Procedure description.

In-office computer imaging is extremely valuable in assessing the problem. Nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty) is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

In this procedure, Dr. Casso makes an external incision across the columella (the strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissue are then reshaped, and excess cartilage is removed or reshaped with fine sutures. Sometimes, the nasal bones are fractured in a controlled fashion to narrow the nasal bridge. A bony hump can be smoothed during this procedure. A closed or endonasal rhinoplasty employs incisions inside the nose only.

Large nostrils can be reduced with tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils.

Recuperation and healing.

With the initial discomfort controlled with oral medication, Dr. Casso will send the patient home with an external cast or splint in place. If septal surgery was also performed, the nose may have internal nasal splints. The external cast or splint is usually removed in one week, and most of the swelling and bruising subsides progressively over two to three weeks. External sutures, if any, are removed in four to six days.

Semi-final results are evident in three months, and the final results are evident in six to 12 months, which is the period necessary for complete tissue softening.

Return to Procedures.