Rhinoplasty
About Rhinoplasty Surgery in New York
Am I suitable for nose surgery?
Only a consultation can establish this. Dr. Klapper will determine a few things. You will be asked about your general medical history, which will include questions about any previous nasal surgery or injury. If you require corrective surgery to the nose as a result of a previous rhinoplasty it is important to wait at least 1 year before any further surgery is attempted.
Inquiries will also be made as to your breathing patterns and whether you suffer with any nasal obstruction. Many times this can also be addressed at the same time as a rhinoplasty. Dr. Klapper will then want to know why you are unhappy with the shape of your nose. The most common request is to reduce the size and alter the shape of a large nose, but occasionally an increase in profile is requested. During any surgery, the greatest risk is that the surgeon will not give you what you want. This problem can be greatly obviated by ensuring that Dr. Klapper knows exactly what is you want. So, at the very least, try to let Dr. Klapper know what it is that you don't like about your nose. This way he can try to explain to you what can or cannot be done. Remember Dr. Klapper will always give a nose that he feels is attractive and proportional in size and shape to the rest of your face.
Many people like to bring in photographs, at the time of consultation, of a nose which they would like to have. This can give the surgeon a feel for the type of nose you may like to acquire. It is important to realize however, that every individuals nose is different and so one cannot expect to have a very small, delicate nose made from, for example, one that has a large amount of thickened skin. If this is the case, Dr. Klapper will always try to make this clear to you.
What does rhinoplasty involve?
The operation is usually performed through incisions inside the nostrils. Occasionally there are external scars, particularly when reducing nostril size (alar base reduction) or if complicated tip work is required. If alar base reductions have been performed then the scars will be found between the edges of the tip and the cheeks. These are generally well hidden by the natural shadow cast by the position of the nose. In complex tip surgery, you may require an external incision carefully placed in the columella (the lower middle segment of skin situated between your nostrils) but you will be informed appropriately.
Any bump on the bridge is removed with a delicate chisel to give a new profile. The nasal bones, depending on the circumstances, are then usually broken and reset in a careful way to allow them to meet in the midline and narrow the bridge line. If any breathing difficulties exist, then the septum (structure separating the two nasal compartments) is altered accordingly.
Finally the tip of the nose, comprising of cartilage beneath the skin, is adjusted in size and shape to refine the nose so that it matches the new profile. When the surgery is complete, small dissolvable stitches are used inside the nostrils and small jelly nasal packs are inserted. These packs are used to control any bleeding which may arise after the operation as well as to ensure that the lining of the nose adheres and heals correctly. Indeed it is exceedingly rare for significant bleeding to occur following a rhinoplasty. Finally a plastic splinit is placed on the bridge.
What type of anaesthetic is used?
A rhinoplasty may be performed using either a general anesthetic or local anesthesia with twilight sedation.
How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?
A rhinoplasty take approximately 1 hour to perform.