Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose.

Rhinoplasty can:
reduce or increase the size of your nose
change the shape of the tip or the bridge
narrow the span of the nostrils
change the angle between your nose and your upper lip
correct a birth defect or injury
relieve some breathing problems

BEST CANDIDATES
Healthy people looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. Teenagers should have completed their growth spurt (at least 14 or 15 for girls; older for boys), and should be socially and emotionally well adjusted.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Factors that can influence your surgery: structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, facial shape, skin thickness and age.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery, and to help you out for a few days.

ANESTHESIA
Your surgery will be performed at an outpatient surgical facility, or at Dr. Efird's office, with either local or general anesthesia. With local anesthesia, your nose will be numbed and you'll be lightly sedated. You'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and will feel no pain. With general anesthesia you'll be asleep during the operation.

THE SURGERY
During surgery, which takes a few hours, the sin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, the desired shape is sculpted and the skin is then redraped over the framework. Incision are usually made just inside the nostrils. Sometimes, a small incision is made across the columella (the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils).

RECOVERY
After surgery, a splint is applied to maintain the new shape of your nose. Nasal packs may be placed inside your nostrils. For the first 24 hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache and you may have a dull headache. For the first day, you will need to stay in bed with your head elevated. Swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase for two or three days. Cold compresses will reduce this swelling. Most swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks. A little bleeding is common during the first few days.
Nasal packing will be removed after a few days, and by the end of two weeks, all dressings, splints and stitches should be removed.

HEALING
Most patients are able to return to school or work a week after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for 2 - 3 weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned for 8 weeks. Subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip.