Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is beneficial for individuals who have facial disproportion caused by the nose. If the nose is too large, small, crooked or wide, the aesthetics of the entire face may be thrown off. By reshaping bone and cartilage, Dr. Ortegon can help to achieve symmetry among your facial features. Rhinoplasty may even even help improve breathing for those with structural irregularities.

Choosing Rhinoplasty: Who's a Good Fit?

Those who are plagued by self-image problems related to the nose may want to consider this procedure. Though there is no one standard ideal nose, anyone can have better nasal proportion. Rhinoplasty can address the lack of proportion in the following areas of the nose, to achieve better overall facial balance:

  • Size
  • Width
  • Profile
  • Nasal tip
  • Nostril shape
  • Asymmetry

If you are considering rhinoplasty, you should have reasonable expectations about the outcome. During a consultation with Dr. Ortegon, you can discuss any concerns you have about your nose and determine if rhinoplasty can help.

Your Rhinoplasty in San Antonio: What to Expect

The procedure can last between one and three hours, and is typically performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.

Your rhinoplasty may be performed as an open surgery in which the incision is made across the columella, the area under the nasal tip and between the nostrils, or as a closed procedure in which all incisions are made inside the nose. Once Dr. Ortegon has gained access to the region of the nose that will be treated, he will begin to reshape the bone and cartilage.

Depending on what is needed to bring the nose into balance, the bone and cartilage may be reduced, augmented, or refined. In some cases the nose will need to be fractured. Cartilage may be grafted from other areas of your body, the ear for example, or the septum.

To finish the procedure, absorbable sutures are placed within the nose. Nasal packing is used to control bleeding and a special splint may also be put in place to support the nose during recovery.

What Happens After Surgery?

Most patients are able to return to their normal routine in one to two weeks following surgery. Don’t be alarmed if the swelling in your nose does not diminish quickly, as it takes some time to subside.

It may also take some time for you to adjust to your new appearance, especially if you are an older patient. With patience and a bit of caution against activities with potential for nose impact, most patients are able to appreciate their new nose within three to six months.

Dr. Ortegon welcomes your questions and concerns regarding rhinoplasty. Please call us at 210-614-4320 or fill out the email contact form on our website if you would like to learn more about the procedure. San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery is a short drive west of downtown San Antonio. We welcome residents throughout the metro area, as well as Austin, Corpus Christi, McAllen and beyond.