Nasal reshaping of the nose is a procedure known as rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve the shape or function of your nose. The nose can be rotated, shortened, lengthened, straightened, narrowed, or adjusted to meet your aesthetic goals. Functional surgery can help you breathe with less resistance overall, in appropriate circumstances. Dr. Sparano offers free graphic morphing with every consultation to help with communication and discussion of expected postoperative results.

Rhinoplasty is arguably the most complex surgical procedure performed in plastic surgery. It requires exactitude, intricate planning, and delicate handling of tissues to balance the various forces that give the nose its shape and function. Given Dr. Sparano’s previous Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery training, along with his fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he is extremely well-equipped to handle the most difficult cases in form and function. Dr. Sparano is often consulted even by other plastic surgeons to handle the functional difficulties that result from overly aggressive previous reduction rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Sparano’s most common cosmetic surgical operations. He has performed many, and works with the patient preoperatively to discuss in detail how best to reshape the nose for a natural and beautiful result, while at the same time optimizing a patient’s capacity to breathe well and without obstruction.

Dr. Sparano believes any patient considering rhinoplasty should think carefully about the kind of surgeon they are choosing. Each patient should choose carefully a surgeon who balances both form and function, and who understands the intricate anatomy of the nose and how it works. Rhinoplasty should only be performed by surgeons who embrace the operation frequently.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a good operation for physically healthy men and women interested in improving the appearance of their nose. Patients who experience a difficult time breathing may also consider rhinoplasty to reshape portions of the nasal anatomy for better overall breathing. Rhinoplasty should not be performed on children.

How old must someone be to have a rhinoplasty?
A general recommendation is that children be beyond the years of significant facial growth before a rhinoplasty can be safely performed. For girls, this is generally around age 16-years, and for boys around 17-years.

Where is rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasty is generally performed in an outpatient surgical center and most patients return home hours after the procedure is performed.
 

What type of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is most often performed with general anesthesia, but sometimes can be performed with lighter intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.
 

How long does the surgery take?
The surgical time will vary based on the complexity of each particular case. Simple procedures can be performed in less than one hour while more complex procedures can take up to four hours. Combined functional and aesthetic reshaping most often takes about three hours.

What is the difference between an “open” and “closed” rhinoplasty?
The primary difference between open and closed rhinoplasty is with regard to the location of the incision used to access the structures of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions located inside the nose, while open rhinoplasty involves a small incision on the skin of the underside of the nose between the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty is the preferred approach in complex cases as it offers greater exposure and access for careful and intricate manipulation of the tissues.

Are there scars after rhinoplasty?
Any surgical incisions result in scars. Whether any scar will be visible depends on its location, and how well the healing pathway progresses. After a closed rhinoplasty, no visible scarring will result as the only incisions utilized are inside the nose. There may be a fine, hidden scar after open rhinoplasty as the incision is made on the skin between the nostrils.  

Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
Patients will often describe mild or moderate discomfort, but rarely pain. Any pain is usually easily controlled with smaller dosages of medication.
 

After my rhinoplasty, will I need someone at home to help me through recovery?
It is advised that someone be with you for the first night or two after your procedure.  

What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?
Swelling and bruising are common during the first week after rhinoplasty. Patients usually feel most comfortable in bed for the first day after surgery. Patients feel progressively better each day afterward.

Is nasal packing necessary after rhinoplasty?
Dr. Sparano rarely uses nasal packing for any of his nasal surgeries. It is infrequently necessary.

How much time off from work or school should I plan for?
Patients typically are able to return to work or school within one week after surgery.

How soon can I exercise after rhinoplasty?
After the first week of recovery, light exercise can be resumed. Strenuous exercise and weightlifting must be avoided for three weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for six weeks. 

When are stitches removed after rhinoplasty?
When non-absorbable sutures are used, they are removed within the first week after surgery.

What can be done if I don't like the results from my rhinoplasty?
After sufficient time for post-operative swelling to take its course (usually about 6-12 months), revision rhinoplasty procedures can usually be performed.

Does insurance ever cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
When rhinoplasty is performed as a cosmetic procedure only, insurance companies are not involved in the associated expenses. When there is a component of nasal obstruction that can be addressed as a portion of the rhinoplasty procedure, some of the expenses may be covered by your insurance company.