Rhinoplasty

The most attractive nose is one that fits your face and is pleasing to you. It is a natural-looking nose that enhances a harmonious balance with your other facial features. Rhinoplasty may dramatically alter one's appearance, and it is also frequently performed to improve breathing. Rhinoplasty is therefore sometimes considered both cosmetic as well as functional, and as such, some patients may qualify under insurance benefits for assistance with the cost of the procedure. Rhinoplasty can be performed on men and women of almost any age. You may be a good candidate if you have any of the following conditions:

• Your nose appears too large for your face
• There is a hump on the top of the nose when viewed from the front
• The nose appears too wide when viewed from the front
• The nasal tip droops or plunges
• The tip is wide, enlarged, or asymmetric
• The nostrils are excessively flared
• Your nose is off-center or crooked
• A previous injury has changed the appearance of the nose
• You have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing

The external shape of the nose is created by the relationship of skin, bone and cartilage which make up the anatomy of the nose. To change the shape of the nose, your surgeon will alter the shape of the bone and cartilage underlying the skin with carving, suturing and removal of excessive structures. The skin will then be redraped over the altered internal anatomy at the conclusion of your rhinoplasty procedure to create the new look. To identify the aesthetic goals of the surgery and to ensure that the result will reflect the best shape for you, Dr. Samuels will study the relationship of the nose to other facial features, especially the lip and chin. The chin may need to be altered in some cases to achieve the best proportion and balance. You will be given the opportunity to view the anticipated changes to the nose through computer imaging at a second office visit.

The surgery is performed at The Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Center at Jewish Hospital or Baptist Hospital East with one overnight stay. The new nasal contours will be appreciated within several weeks, but the final result is evident in several months.