Turpin

Who is a candidate:	A rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to reshape the nose. A rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the shape of the tip or bridge, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.

Procedure:	Incisions are usually made inside your nose to provide access to cartilage and bone which can be cut or reshaped to change its external appearance. Sometimes an open technique is used which requires an incision on the underside of your nose in the columella skin between the nostrils. Your nose can be reduced or built up by adjusting its supporting structures. If you have breathing problems because of obstruction in the nasal airways, adjustments in the septum can be made to improve your breathing. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from the supporting structures of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is then redraped over the new framework. A splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs are rarely needed, but a soft plastic splint may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum.

Healing:	After surgery, your face will be bruised and swollen. Some swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. Final results may not be apparent for a year. Most rhinoplasty patients are able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery.