The rhinoplasty procedure is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed by facial plastic surgeons. The nose is located in the center of the face, therefore drawing more attention than other features. It can also be seen from many angles, unlike other facial features. Because many women tend to have their father's nose, they feel it is too masculine for their more delicate features. Commonly, females come to Dr. Ellis requesting a reduction in the size of their nose, as well as a more delicate structure and tip as a part of their rhinoplasty. Men often prefer a less pronounced nose, or inversely a larger and less feminine version of their nasal anatomy. Generally, Caucasians have humps removed from their nose, and the bridges built closer to the face. Asian and African American patients seem to request the opposite in nose jobs, hoping for higher and more refined bridges. Although these are cases Dr. Ellis is frequented with, many other alterations can be made to the nose of a person of either gender and any race.

Rhinoplasty surgery can drastically change one's face or create minimal refinements, depending on the wishes of the patient. A person's bone structure, skin, and other aspects of their anatomy also play a role in the unique differences made to the nose during this surgery.

A rhinoplasty can be performed by Dr. Ellis using an open procedure or a closed procedure. An open rhinoplasty is slightly more invasive and requires another incision to be made outside of the nose, on the underside of skin that connects the two nostrils. This technique is more commonly used as it allows Dr. Ellis more room to work. A minor scar may be present for a few months and slowly fades in time. A closed procedure does not require any external incisions. Dr. Ellis can discuss these rhinoplasty options with you at your consultation, and will inform you which procedure best suits your aesthetic needs.

Potential changes to the nose during a rhinoplasty are briefly explained in the above section, however, there are numerous possible alterations that can be made. Virtually any aspect of the nose can be changed, from the bridge to the nostrils. The entire nose can be minimized or enlarged, the tip can be shaped and sized differently, the relationship between the nose and upper lip can be altered, and breathing problems can be fixed.

Dr. Ellis feels that patients with good health and reasonable ideas of their surgical outcomes will benefit the greatest. It is in the best interest of the rhinoplasty recipient to be fully grown, or at least have completed their pubescent growth spurts which occur around age fifteen for girls, age seventeen for boy. The final outcome of the rhinoplasty can be altered by further physical maturation. The only scenario when it is appropriate for a child to receive a rhinoplasty is when the nose is crooked, or if the child has a deviated septum or other problems breathing.

The side profile is an important aspect of the entire nose job surgery. Because the face should look balanced from all angles, it may be necessary to alter the appearance of the chin as well as the nose. It is common for rhinoplasty patients to also undergo a chin implant to create facial harmony and create the correct proportions when the face is looked at from the side. This concept is often easier to comprehend through a digital imaging session with Dr. Ellis. He will show you a combination of different noses and chins and how the angle between the two affect your face. Although you may not require a chin implant, digital imaging also benefits those solely receiving a rhinoplasty, or another facial plastic surgery.

A rhinoplasty surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in Dr.Ellis operating room under sedation and local or general anesthesia. Dr. Ellis' surgical facility is accredited by the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. A nose job can take as little as one hour to perform, but under certain circumstances may take longer. There is no need to remain hospitalized, but it is recommended that you have someone care for you for the first full day following your surgery. The anesthesia causes drowsiness, and your sinuses will feel congested. To avoid nosebleeds and discomfort, you will be advised not to bend over while standing up, or lift heavy objects for two weeks. A semi-hard cast will be placed on the nose to uphold its new shape, and packing may be inserted into the nostrils to collect excess blood and drainage in rare cases.

Although some nasal procedures cause more pain than others, Dr. Ellis found in a study conducted by his office that one fourth of his patients did not take any medicine for pain following their rhinoplasty; pain medicine will be prescribed anyhow. Three to five days after the rhinoplasty, your cast will be removed. Bruising and swelling will occur, but this gradually disappears in the following weeks. Your nose will look much more normal about two weeks post-operatively. Drainage from the nose may occur for over a week after surgery, but since you shouldn't blow your nose for two weeks, use a Q-tip to dab at it gently. The nose may feel stuffed for several weeks beyond your rhinoplasty. Exercise, sports, and the sun must be avoided for eight weeks, or two full months.

Although uncommon, risks are associated with all surgeries. With the rhinoplasty, patients may have a sensitivity to the anesthesia, suffer nosebleeds, infection, excessive swelling, and the need for another rhinoplasty surgery.

There are some patients who have had previous cosmetic surgery and have not had a satisfactory result. This doesn't necessarily imply bad plastic surgery; but just that they are unhappy with the outcome. Dr. Ellis can analyze the current problems and suggest what surgical techniques might be needed to get an improved result via revision rhinoplasty.

Most cases of revisional surgery occurs as a result of steps that were not performed, steps that were performed with too much or too little removed, or cases where there was an abnormal healing process that took place.

Careful analysis by Dr. Ellis with the original photos or snap shots and if possible the previous operative notes performed by the surgeon will lead to the understanding of the patient's cosmetic and structural problems and what surgical techniques are best used to improve these problems. Further surgery by Dr. Ellis will lead to an improvement of the problems. Although perfection is the goal, it is not always attained. However, Dr. Ellis will do his best to maximize the surgical result. If you have had problems with a surgical result, Dr. Ellis would like to offer their expertise in facial plastic surgery to help you solve your problem with a Good Rhinoplasty.