Rhinoplasty (Nasal Reshaping)

Rhinoplasty, or nasal reshaping, is surgery used to correct unwanted conditions of the nose, such as a large nasal hump or enlarged nostrils, to improve the look and shape of your nose. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed on patients, and is suitable for female patients as young as 15 or males as young as 17.

If you are considering rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Fortes for a consultation so he can first evaluate the structure of your nose and face and discuss with you your appearance expectations. Factors such as the structure of your nasal bones, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin and your age will affect the outcome of your surgery.

Computer imaging also will help you and Dr. Fortes determine the results of your surgery based on the size and shape of your nose.

The surgery can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours to complete. For the first day following surgery, patients should plan on staying in bed with the head elevated.

Following surgery, patients must avoid hitting or rubbing their nose for approximately eight weeks, as well as limit exposure to the sun for two months. Depending upon the procedures performed, a splint may be applied to the nose to help maintain its shape after surgery. Soft plastic splints may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the airway and are removed in five to seven days.

Most patients can return to work or school within seven to 10 days following surgery and can resume exercise and other strenuous activities after about two weeks.

Snoring, Difficulty Breathing

Breathing or snoring problems might be a sign that you are a candidate for nasal surgery - a procedure called septoplasty. The septum, which is the dividing wall between the air passages, may become deviated or crooked, causing a nasal obstruction that makes breathing difficulty and causes snoring. To improve the nasal airway, the shape or position of the septum may be corrected with surgery.

During your consultation with Dr. Fortes, he will determine if you are a candidate for septoplasty. A nasal deformity may be a sign of a more serious medical condition and may be covered by your health insurance.

During septoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils and nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum after surgery.

The surgery can be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours to complete. For the first day following surgery, patients should plan on staying in bed with the head elevated.