Your nose serves essential functions. It forms the cosmetic center of your face, and it also controls your ability to breathe normally. Rhinoplasty can improve both the appearance and function of your nose. Whatever your reason for seeking a rhinoplasty, this procedure can change your life for the better.
What is a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or corrects the nose. Dr. Scott Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery performs both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasties. During a rhinoplasty, the surgeon manipulates and shapes the cartilage and other nasal structures to give you the aesthetic and functional results you want.
What is the Difference Between a Cosmetic and a Functional Rhinoplasty?
When you think of rhinoplasty, you may think of someone having the procedure to improve the appearance of their nose. Some people also have a rhinoplasty to correct a problem with their breathing caused by a problem with the nose. A surgeon can correct cosmetic and functional problems during the same procedure if necessary.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Dr. Greenberg performs cosmetic rhinoplasty to give you the nose shape, size, and symmetry you want to see. Cosmetic rhinoplasty fixes aesthetic problems that may include nose width, size, or other concerns.
Functional Rhinoplasty
If you have trouble breathing through your nose, you may have an issue that functional rhinoplasty can fix. You may have a deviated septum, the tissue dividing the nostrils, which can obstruct breathing. Functional rhinoplasty may also reduce specific areas of the nose that become enlarged due to allergies, infections, or other causes.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
Your rhinoplasty will usually take between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Greenberg performs rhinoplasties in our accredited in-office surgical suite under general anesthesia. He may perform an open or a closed procedure, using incisions hidden inside the nose for a closed rhinoplasty and disguised between the nostrils for an open rhinoplasty.
What is Recovery Like From Rhinoplasty?
Your splint will come off your nose after a week, and Dr. Greenberg will remove any external sutures and check your progress. Bruising and swelling will fade over two to three weeks. Most people can return to work within a week if they have a low-activity job. You will likely be able to resume normal activities after about two weeks.
What Results Will I See From Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty results can take several months to develop completely. You will see results as soon as your splint is removed, but this appearance will evolve over the following months as your nose heals and swelling subsides. If you have a functional rhinoplasty, your breathing may seem worse for a week or two while your nose is swollen, but you will see rapid improvement.
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about what you can expect from rhinoplasty? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg and his team at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137
