Surgical Procedure

Most of the incisions for reducing or recontouring the external nose are made inside the nose. Occasionally, an incision will be made across the base of the columella, the strut between the two nostrils. The nasal skin is lifted away from the cartilage and bone and the excess tissue is removed or repositioned. Instead of resecting tissue, occasionally it will be necessary to place grafts or implants into depressed areas to reshape the nose satisfactorily. Such grafts may be taken from the septum, the ear, or occasionally, from a rib. As mentioned, most nasal implants are made from silicone rubber.

The nasal tip cartilage will be refined and the nose shortened if necessary .The excessive skin left by the reduction of the underlying bone and cartilage is elastic and usually readapts itself to the new framework quite well.

An important aspect to the predictability of a desired result is the thickness of the patient's skin and underlying tissues; thick skin will not drape out as well post-operatively over the new framework as will thinner skin. Conversely, while minor irregularities of the cartilage or bone can be expected to be hidden by thicker skin, they may become clearly visible in the thin-skinned individual.

A chin augmentation or reduction may be performed either through an external (beneath the chin) or internal (inside the lower lip) incision. Your surgeon will discuss the various methods, which may be used to enlarge or reduce the chin.

The operative time is approximately one and a half hours in length. The operation is usually performed under a light general or deep sedation. An anesthesiologist will be present to administer the general anesthesia and to assist with monitoring to ensure your safety. The procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital.