Cosmetic Procedures - Nasal Surgery - Operation

Nasal surgery can be performed under either local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia dependent upon the extent of the surgery and patient preference. It almost never requires hospitalization and can be done in either a hospital or outpatient surgery center setting.

Many aspects of the nose can be altered (e.g., lowering the nasal bridge, narrowing the nostrils or the tip of the nose) and the specific technique will be determined by your surgeon. However, most structures of the nose can be approached through incisions placed inside the nose so that there will not be any external scars. (endonasal approach) Increasing in popularity has been the use of a small incision across the vertical strip of skin between the nostrils, known as the columella. This open approach permits a direct view of the complex cartilages that comprise the majority of the nose and for this reason is more commonly used today than in the past. This very small incision usually heals without a noticeable scar. Whether this approach is best for your nasal problem will be determined prior to surgery.

The only other external scars from rhinoplasty occur when the width of the nostrils is narrowed at the attachment of the nostrils to the upper lip. These scars are quite small and most of them lie alongside the inside of the nostril.