Closed Nose Reshaping Introduction

Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Often, the structure or size of the nose is not proportionate with the other features on the face. Nose reshaping procedures can help to correct the disproportionate appearance of the nose by altering the size or shape of the nose, the span of the nostrils, or the angle between the nose and the upper lip. In addition, nose reshaping procedures may be performed to correct a nasal birth defect or injury as well as chronic breathing problems. It is important to realize that individuals considering a nose reshaping procedure should be at least fifteen years of age, as this procedure should only be performed after the nose has finished developing completely.

Nasal Anatomy

Before you learn how nose reshaping procedures work, it is important that you understand the anatomy of the nose. The framework of the nose is primarily made of bone and cartilage. The upper portion of the nose is supported by bone. Dorsal humps, which are areas of built up cartilage or bone, can form along the dorsum, or ridge of the nose. The lower portion of the nose is supported by different plates of cartilage that extend laterally from the center of the nose, determining the shape and appearance of the nasal tip.

How a Closed Rhinoplasty Works

During a closed rhinoplasty procedure, the physician makes small incisions inside the nostrils to gain access to the bone and cartilage. In contrast to an open rhinoplasty, the skin is not lifted away from the framework of the nose. Using very small instruments, the physician will reshape the nose by removing or adding bone, cartilage, and tissue to achieve the desired appearance. While some physicians prefer the closed technique due to shorter procedure and recovery time, both types of procedures can produce excellent results.

Surgery Preparation

A closed rhinoplasty procedure may last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment area will be cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Your physician may choose to administer a local anesthetic and a sedative, in which the nose and surround areas are numb and you are in a relaxed state during the procedure. In contrast, the procedure may be performed with general anesthesia in which you are asleep.

Reshaping the Tip of the Nose

To begin the procedure, the physician will generally make two small incisions inside each nostril in order to gain access to the cartilage and bone. In patients whose nasal tip is wide or bulbous, the physician may choose to remove a portion of the alar cartilage from the tip of the nose. Depending on your anatomy and the extent of treatment necessary, the physician may choose to use sutures to bend or pull the alar cartilages inward to create a narrower tip or adjust its position.

Removing the Dorsal Hump

One of the primary goals of nose reshaping is often to reduce the appearance of a dorsal hump. The dorsal hump usually consists primarily of cartilage and some bone. In order to remove the dorsal hump, the physician may choose to use an osteotome, which is a chisel-like device used to cut bone. Using the osteotome, the physician carves away areas of cartilage and bone. Following the removal of the dorsal hump, your nose may have what is known as an open roof, which is an open space between the nasal bones. The physician may use a fine surgical rasp to smooth the ridges of the nasal bones. In addition, they will perform an osteotomy to reposition the nasal bones and close the open roof.

Osteotomy

An osteotomy involves breaking the nasal bones in order to reposition them. Although it is not always necessary, an osteotomy can be performed to correct a high nasal dorsum with a dorsal hump, close an open roof after the removal of a dorsal hump, or create a narrower base of the nose. Using an osteotome, the physician will carefully create breaks in the nasal bones by tapping the device gently along a designated path. Once broken, the nasal bones are shifted upward to close the open roof.

Incision Closure

Once the physician has finished reshaping the nose, the incisions inside the nose will usually be closed with dissolvable stitches. The physician may place nasal airway splints inside your nostrils that provide support and stabilize the nose as it heals. Steri-strips will be applied to the outside of your nose. If the nasal bones were broken during the procedure, a nasal splint will be applied as well. The bandages and splint help the tissues heal and conform to the new cartilage and bone structure.

Close Nose Reshaping Recovery

As with any surgical procedure, you will likely experience some pain, bruising, and swelling, particularly in the upper portion of your face and around your eyes. These symptoms will begin to dissipate within the first few days following surgery. Stitches, bandages, and the nasal splints may stay in place for approximately five to seven days. Although the majority of the swelling will subside within a few weeks, some minor swelling may persist for a few months.

Closed Nose Reshaping Results

Depending on your rate of recovery, the bruising will begin to fade and you will be able to return to work within seven to ten days following your procedure. As you begin to heal and the swelling in your face subsides, you will start to notice the effects of your nose reshaping procedure. However, like other surgical procedures, the final results may continue to evolve for up to one year. Although nose reshaping procedures are not intended to achieve perfection, by adjusting the proportion and profile of your nose, nose reshaping can help to significantly enhance your self-confidence and appearance.

Why Choose an ASPS Member Surgeon?

As any licensed physician can perform cosmetic surgery, it's crucial to find one who is properly trained and certified. Choosing a physician who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the first step to ensure quality care and outcomes. Each ASPS Member Surgeon has at least five years of surgical training—with a minimum of two years experience specifically in plastic surgery. All ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Protect yourself by choosing a physician who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.