Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Information

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. The purpose of nasal surgery can be to improve your ability to breathe (functional rhinoplasty), to change the size, shape, and appearance of your nose (cosmetic rhinoplasty), or both. It may help to restore your nasal function and appearance after sustaining an injury (a broken nose) caused by sports activities or automobile accidents. On the other hand, many patients seek plastic surgery of the nose to improve their appearance and facial harmony. Some patients seek to refine and improve the definition of a bulky or bulbous, poorly defined nasal tip. While others simply desire to have a hump removed on the nasal dorsum to improve their facial profile. Dr. Lawton will customize an operation specifically for you to compliment your facial features and to meet your desires.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. You will be able to discuss your expectations with Dr. Lawton before you decide to have surgery. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement in the way they look, not perfection. If you're both physically and psychologically healthy, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they've completed their growth spurt-around age 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. Consideration of a teenagers' social and emotional adjustment is important and to make sure it's what they want, and not to meet their parents expectations.

The Procedure

Nasal surgery can be performed with either an internal or an external incision depending on what needs to be corrected. In general, if a significant amount of tip work and extensive correction of the nasal structure is required, then a small camouflaged incision is used and is known as an open rhinoplasty. Otherwise, minor changes in the nose are performed through internally placed nasal incisions. The surgery will vary from 1-3 hours in length based upon the extent of change and correction required. It is performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital as an outpatient surgery.

For more information about rhinoplasty in Irvine California contact us today. Nose surgery specialist Dr. Lawton sees patients from Orange County, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and other areas across Southern California.