The nose is the most prominent focal point and characteristic feature of the face. This is due to its central location and outward projection. The large, small, long or wide nose immediately attracts attention. People with unattractive noses are usually self-conscious and may even avoid being photographed. Nasal deformities are either congenital or traumatic in nature.

Rhinoplasty, one of the most frequently performed operations in plastic surgery is designed to modify the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty can effectively reduce the size of the nose in all dimensions, as well as correct deformities by adding tissue where volume is inadequate. Angles can be changed and new shapes created. Large humps can be shaved to give a more natural looking and aesthetically pleasing profile. Women with round and shapeless nasal tips can have the tip cartilages trimmed and refined, giving a more feminine shape to the nose. Long and downward facing noses can be shortened and lifted. Lifting is done more conservatively for men to maintain the masculine shape compared to women who look much more attractive with slightly upturned noses. The wide nose and wide nostrils are reshaped by rearranging of nasal bones and wedge excisions.

The plunging tip deformity is seen in individuals who have strong muscles extending from the nasal tip to the upper lip. In these patients, the nasal tip is pulled down during laughing or smiling. This condition is easily corrected by the resection of these muscles. Rhinoplasty is performed through the nostrils thus leaving no external scars. Occasionally Open Rhinoplasty is necessary to correct very difficult or previously operated noses. The drawback of this technique is the possibility of a permanent scar at the bottom of the nose. I rarely use the open technique.

Patients who have breathing difficulty due to previous nasal surgery, nasal trauma or existing developmental internal nasal deformity can benefit from Septal and Turbinate corrective surgery. This is performed entirely through the nostrils simultaneously with cosmetic Rhinoplasty. The operation corrects septal deviations and reduces the size of the turbinates thus removing two major nasal airway occlusion causes. In many cases, depending on the patient policy guidelines, correction of the deviated septum and enlarged turbinates may be covered by insurance.

Rhinoplasty is performed usually under general anesthesia. Recovery time for Rhinoplasty, with or without Septoplasty and Turbinectomy, is 7 to 10 days. Patients are advised to stay away from anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, Advil, Ibuprophen and Motrin, starting 2 weeks prior to surgery and continue avoiding such medications 10 days post-operatively. Exercises and sun exposure should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

My goal in performing Rhinoplasty is to create the most natural looking results and to preserve the ethnicity of the patient. I plan the operation based on the patient's aesthetic goals and technical feasibility of the procedure.