Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure for altering the structure of the nose. Depending on the deformity, the procedure may shorten a long nose, refine a wide or bulbous tip, reduce a hump to give a smooth profile, narrow a wide nose, or straighten a crooked nose. It may be performed to open blocked nasal passages (functional rhinoplasty), generally covered by insurance.

A successful rhinoplasty results not only in the desired appearance, but also the desired function of the nose. That is, it is important to maintain the ability to breath through the nose while altering its shape.

INCISIONS: The incisions are hidden inside the nose or on the columella underneath the tip of the nose to avoid visible scarring. Dr. Clark does not generally use nasal packing or plastic intranasal stents, so the discomfort of removing them is avoided.

ANESTHESIA: Rhinoplasty is usually performed in the operating room, under local anesthesia, local with sedation, or general anesthesia.

RECOVERY: Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis. An external dressing of tape and custom-made thermoplastic is left in place for 5-7 days to protect the nose. You will be asked to use nasal saline spray to keep the inside of the nose moist while it heals. A humidifier by your bedside helps keep the throat from drying out while you sleep. The amount of swelling (especially of the tip) varies from person to person, but is usually minimal. Some slight bruising under the eyes may occur in some cases. You may resume light activity after a few days, with normal activity (including jogging and weight training) at about two weeks after surgery. Resuming contact-type sports should be discussed with Dr. Clark beforehand.