For more than 10 years, Dr. Paul Sabini has specialized exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and has collaborated on many of the most advanced artistic and scientific techniques in facial plastic surgery today. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular surgical procedures performed today, whether it is done for cosmetic or functional reasons.Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance and your everyday life—but it isn’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering the procedure:

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or nasal surgery, is one of the most common procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

To determine whether or not you should consider rhinoplasty, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you unhappy with the appearance of your nose?
• Do you feel that rhinoplasty would improve your appearance and your health?
• Do you feel like your nose is out of proportion to the rest of your face?
• Are your nostrils more prominent than you’re comfortable with?
• Do you have trouble breathing while you exercise?
• Do you find that you snore?
• Are you experiencing frequent nosebleeds?
• Is your nose much larger than normal?
• Does your nose have a strange bump that makes you self-conscious?
• Is your nose crooked from being broken in the past?

If you answered yes to some of the above questions, rhinoplasty may be a good option for you. Good candidates for the procedure are healthy, non-smokers, who have finished facial growth.

What is the procedure like?

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. It is an outpatient procedure and most patients return home the day of the procedure.

During the surgery, the doctor will lift the soft tissues that cover the nose and then sculpt the bone and cartilage to improve the shape. In some cases, cartilage is removed and in other cases, it will be taken from another area to augment the nose. If the patient has a deviated septum that interferes with breathing, the doctor will adjust the inner structures to open up the nasal passages and improve breathing. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.

What’s the recovery process like?

Most patients feel better within two days of the surgery and return to work about a week later. There will likely be some swelling, bleeding, and bruising after the procedure, but it will improve over time. Your doctor can give you instructions for making your recovery as smooth as possible.

If you are interested in rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sabini. As one of the premier plastic surgeons in Wilmington, you can be sure that we will be dedicated to providing you with a personalized plan to fit all of your individual needs.