Nose Reshaping or Reconstruction (Rhinoplasty)

Surgeons perform nose reshaping or reconstruction to finetune features or repair structural defects. For certain disorders, nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, improves airflow so you can breathe better.

At Faith Regional Physician Services in Norfolk, Nebraska, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon performs a variety of nose procedures. Your surgeon can talk with you about changes to the shape, size, or balance of your nose in proportion to the rest of your face.

Considering Nose Surgery  

Even the smallest changes to your nose come with important decision-making considerations. At Faith Regional, you can schedule a consultation free of charge with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The doctor will talk with you about your goals and make personalized

recommendations.

At Faith Regional, we offer customized 3D photography software that can help you decide.  Using your own simulated image, your doctor will preview and discuss how specific changes might look.

For successful nose surgery, you should meet these and other criteria:

  • You’re in good health
  • You don’t smoke
  • You have a healthy lifestyle
  • Your facial growth is complete
  • You have realistic expectations and goals

Reasons for Having Nose Surgery

There are many cosmetic and medical reasons to choose rhinoplasty. If you’re having cosmetic surgery, it’s good to keep in mind that faces – and noses – are never perfectly symmetrical. Subtle differences are part of every individual’s natural appearance.

Common reasons for nose surgery include:

  • Changing nose size in relation to the rest of your face
  • Changing the width of your nose
  • Improving the profile of your nose and remove bumps or other flaws
  • Changing the tip of your nose if it’s too large, sagging, upturned, or hooked
  • Repairing large, wide, or upturned nostrils
  • Making nostrils or other parts of the nose more evenly balanced

Medical reasons for nose surgery include:

  • Deviated septum – misalignment of the septum, the interior wall dividing your nose, which can obstruct your airway and affect breathing
  • Damage from cancer and cancer surgery
  • Accidental trauma or other nose injuries

Risks of Rhinoplasty

You’ll learn more about the potential benefits and risks of specific procedures when you meet with the doctor. Every surgery has some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these and other potential complications of rhinoplasty, such as:

  • Blood clots
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Discolored skin
  • Nasal septal perforation (hole in the wall separating nasal passages)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Results not as expected
  • Skin sensation changes (numbness or pain)
  • Swelling

Steps of Rhinoplasty Surgery

Your surgeon will discuss your procedure during pre-surgery office visits, including what to expect before and after surgery. Most rhinoplasty procedures involve the following steps:

  • You’ll receive IV sedation or general anesthesia. You’ll sleep through the procedure.
  • Your surgeon may make incisions inside your nose or across the narrow strip of tissue between your nostrils.
  • The surgeon gently raises the skin covering nasal bones and cartilages. The doctor then accesses and reshapes the structure of the nose.
  • If the nose is too large, the doctor may remove bone or cartilage. For other procedures, the surgeon may perform a cartilage graft. This involves transferring cartilage from the septum or dividing wall inside your nose and reattaching it to another part of the nose. In some instances, the surgeon uses cartilage from the ear or another part of the body.
  • To correct a deviated septum, the surgeon straightens it and clears away any interior tissues that interfere with breathing.
  • The surgeon sculpts the nose structure to its desired shape and reshapes nasal skin and tissues before closing incisions. For some procedures, the doctor may use splints and gauze packing to support tissues as they heal.

After Rhinoplasty Surgery

Your surgeon will talk with you about recovery times and follow-up care. Your doctor may need to remove any stitches, splints, or gauze at a later office visit.

You’ll have some initial swelling and discomfort. It can take up to a year for the new contours to settle. You may notice gradual, subtle changes before your nose is permanently reshaped.

Your results should be long-lasting, aside from normal changes associated with age or lifestyle habits. These can include smoking, excess sun exposure, and significant weight changes.

The doctor will tell you what to expect during the normal healing process. For safe and successful results, it’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions. Report any unusual symptoms right away. You’ll have 24/7 contact information.

Your Plastic Surgery Team

Dr. Mark Shashikant

At Faith Regional, your plastic and reconstructive surgeon, a specialized nurse, and other healthcare professionals such as an advanced care practitioner may be involved in your care.

Dr. Mark Shashikant, MD 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Schedule a Consultation

You can reach us at 402-844-8167 or frpsclinics@frhs.org to schedule an appointment.