The rhinoplasty procedure is typically performed inside the nose, leaving no visible scars. If an open rhinoplasty is necessary, a small incision may be made under the nose, in the vertical strip separating the nostrils. The length of the procedure may vary depending on the area of the nose that is being reshaped.

Immediately following your surgery at our Mishawaka offic, your plastic surgeon will place a splint over your nose to support and protect the new it while it heals. The splint will generally stay in place for about a week. You may also have intra nasal packing that will be removed the day after surgery.

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific recovery instructions including how to care for your surgical site and concerns to look for during your recovery process.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals using a computer imaging system. The imaging system provides you and the physician a better tool for communicating your desires regarding the appearance of your nose.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals using a computer imaging system. The imaging system provides you and the physician a better tool for communicating your desires regarding the appearance of your nose.

• Your nose appears too large for your face.
• You have a bump or depression on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile.
• The nose seems too wide when viewed from the front.
• The nasal tip droops or plunges.
• The tip is thickened or enlarged.
• The nostrils are excessively flared.
• Your nose is off-center or crooked.
• A previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical.
• You have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing.

Rhinoplasty is normally performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so that you may safely return home the same day as the surgery. You may have packing in the nose for 24-48 hours following the surgery, as well as a splint on the outside of the nose. The splint may be removed approximately one week later.

When the surgery is performed from within the nose, it is called a closed rhinoplasty. An open procedure involves making a small incision across the columella (the vertical strip separating the nostrils) as well as within the nose.

The technique used for your surgery depends on your surgeon's preferences, as well as your desired results.

Working through the incisions, the surgeon sculpts the nose's framework of bone and cartilage to the desired shape. The bones may be reshaped or repositioned or built up in certain areas by using either nasal cartilage or bones and cartilage from another body site or other materials.

The skin and soft tissues are then re-draped over the reshaped framework. If the lower part of the nose is being narrowed or the nostrils are being reduced, small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils may be removed through incisions that are hidden in the nose's natural creases.

After the first 24 hours of surgery, your face may feel a little swollen, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. These symptoms can be controlled by pain medication. You may notice swelling and bruising increasing the day after surgery; it will probably peak in two to three days. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. Cold compresses may alleviate some swelling and make you feel better.

Some patients experience a small amount of bleeding during the first few days following surgery and stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon may ask you not to blow your nose for a week or more until the tissue has had time to heal. Your surgeon will go over any specific questions you may have at your consultation.