Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape the nose. It is an ideal procedure for those who are unhappy with the size and/or shape of their nose, for instance a nasal hump or large nasal tip. There are many changes which can be achieved through surgery of the nose. Aesthetically, the nose may be improved by reducing or increasing the overall size, removing a hump, changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, altering the shape of the tip, or narrowing the width of the nostrils.

As with other forms of surgery, candidates for rhinoplasty should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations for improvement. Computerized digital imaging is performed during your consultation to aid in visualizing how specific changes would alter your appearance. Younger patients are advised to postpone surgery until the nose is fully grown, which typically occurs during the later high school years.

Dr. O'Mara performs the rhinoplasty surgery at an outpatient surgery center using general anesthesia. Surgical times will vary but generally average two to three hours. An open rhinoplasty technique is commonly used in which a small incision is located between the nostrils on the underside of the nasal tip. All other incisions are confined to the inside of the nose. Working through this incision, Dr. O'Mara may shave away excess cartilage and bone as needed and use sutures or cartilage grafts to reshape the tip. The nasal bones may be fractured in order to narrow them. Once the new shape is achieved, the incisions will be meticulously closed.

The recovery after rhinoplasty takes approximately one to two weeks. Most bruising will fade during this time while swelling may take three to four weeks to subside. Full healing takes up to one year, during which time some minimal swelling may be present. Splints and sutures are typically removed after one week. Depending on the amount of swelling present, patients are generally able to return to work within one to two weeks. More strenuous activities should be postponed for three weeks.

Rhinoplasty can produce very dramatic or very subtle results depending on your desires and the amount of change desired.