Rhinoplasty - Nose Surgery

Improving the shape of the nose can dramatically enhance the face. Some patients desire a complete change while others wish subtle refinement. Anyone who is self-conscious about his or her nose will find that rhinoplasty offers a new found aura of confidence. The procedure can significantly enhance an individual's facial appearance by creating a more graceful nose and an enhanced profile. We customize the rhinoplasty to uniquely compliment each individual's face whether the goal is to remove a bump, taper the tip, or in some cases, build up nasal depressions. Occasionally, a rhinoplasty is performed in conjunction with a chin augmentation to obtain optimal aesthetic balance.

The nose is a complex anatomical structure and surgery must make it not only beautiful, but functional as well. Many consider the rhinoplasty to be the most difficult operation in Plastic Surgery and Dr. Schneider considers it one of his favorite. The nose is made up of bone, muscle, cartilage, soft tissue and similar to a tripod, the change in one structure must be balanced with the change in the others to produce harmony.

Unlike many other cosmetic procedures for the face, a rhinoplasty is performed to correct flaws unrelated to the aging process. It can be performed as soon as the nose is fully grown: as early as sixteen years of age.

Dr. Schneider performs the surgery with the patient asleep with a general anesthetic. This is performed in the privacy of our AAAHC certified surgery center located in our office. The rhinoplasty is performed through internal and sometimes hidden external incisions in the nose. Once all of the component parts to the nose are identified, the cartilage and bone are shaped to smooth a bump, define the tip, decrease the size of the nose, or correct the patient's breathing. As slight changes to the bone, the upper cartilage, and the lower cartilage can produce significant changes in the appearance of the nose, meticulous attention to their shaping and relationship is critical. Dr. Schneider prides himself in producing very natural results that meet the patients expectations.

The procedure typically takes 1 -2 hours to perform and at the conclusion of the procedure a small plastic splint is applied to the nose. Though many rhinoplasty surgeons use nasal packing following the operation, Dr. Schneider only rarely finds it necessary. Most patients report that the recovery is not painful and though pain medication is prescribed, it is not always necessary.

The splint and sutures are removed 6 days following the procedure and most patients are able to return to work or school at that time.