Rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to alter the structure of the external nose, and is commonly referred to as a nose job. When combined with surgery on the internal nose — specifically the nasal septum — it is called a septorhinoplasty. This may be performed for cosmetic reasons (to look better), functional reasons (to breathe better), or both. Rhinoplasty also may be combined with other related procedures such as turbinate surgery or endoscopic sinus surgery.
Who is a Candidate?
Your ENT specialist may recommend a rhinoplasty if you have one of the following conditions:
- Obstructed breathing (functional)
- Unsatisfactory appearance (cosmetic)
- Nasal injury (trauma) causing unsatisfactory appearance or breathing
- Nasal birth defect impairing form or function
- Acquired deformity due to trauma, tumor, or infection
You should be prepared to discuss your specific goals with your surgeon prior to surgery. After your consultation, you should understand the procedure itself, as well as its risks and its benefits. It is helpful to have a surgeon with extensive training in both the appearance and function of the nose, so one is not sacrificed to achieve the other.
What to Expect
Rhinoplasty may be performed under local, intravenous, or general anesthesia, depending on you and your doctor’s preference.
During the procedure, your ENT surgeon will make incisions to access the underlying cartilage and bone. When these incisions are hidden completely inside the nostrils, it is referred to as a “closed” rhinoplasty. When a small incision is performed at the base of the nose to improve exposure, this is an “open” rhinoplasty.
Depending on the anatomy of the nose, your surgeon may need to remove, rearrange, or add cartilage and bone. It is not uncommon for a nose to require parts to be taken away in one area and parts to be added in another. Suture techniques can also alter the shape of the cartilage in a favorable manner.
The length of recovery may vary greatly depending on the extent of surgery.
Why Choose UHealth?
Ranked No. 28 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The ranking reflects the team’s dedication to excellence in research patient care and outcomes. Surgeons, audiologists, biomedical engineers, speech pathologists, researchers, and psychologists collaborate with many research programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to deliver the best possible multidisciplinary care to pediatric and adult ear, nose, and throat patients.
World-class care in an academic health system. We are recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in treating conditions and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities , our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide you with superior, personalized care and the best outcomes.
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