Description
Dr. Peter Brownrigg describes rhinoplasty and the functional and aesthetic results it can provide. Patients who are unhappy with the shape and size of their nose can benefit, as can patients with a breathing problem due to defects in the structure of the nose. Dr. Brownrigg describes the procedure and the recovery process.
View transcript
Rhinoplasty is changing the form of one's nose. It can be done for functional reasons to improve your breathing, or it can be done for aesthetic reasons to improve the appearance of one's nose. There are a variety of techniques, including closed techniques where all the incisions are hidden inside versus open techniques where small incisions might be required underneath.
Rhinoplasty would be typically required when someone either dislikes the appearance of their nose or has a functional issue and they can't breathe through the nose.
The procedure in the operating room is variable. It depends on what needs to be done. It could be something that's very straightforward taking an hour, or something that's very complex taking multiple hours. Each one is an individual case and has to be done differently.
The first week, you will be home and stuffy. The second week, cast is off, stitches out, you will be breathing better. A month for most of the swelling to go, but ultimately, it takes six months before we say, "This is what we got."
You will age and there will be changes, no one can stop the clock, but, in fact, rhinoplasty is one of those procedures that will last.