Indianapolis Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery
Dr. Barry Eppley

At his state-of-the-art plastic surgery facility, Dr. Barry Eppley has assisted numerous Indianapolis rhinoplasty patients achieve their desired profile. To learn more about this procedure, please read the content below and also visit his patients' before and after pictures in the rhinoplasty results page.

As one of the oldest and most common plastic surgical procedures, operations on the nose ('nosejobs') remain quite popular. It is important for the potential patient to make the distinction between nasal surgery which in directed towards the inside of the nose to improve breathing versus those operations which change the external shape of the nose to improve one's appearance. Breathing difficulties of the nose frequently require a straightening of the nasal septum which is composed of cartilage (septoplasty) which may be combined with a reduction of the lower turbinate bones (turbinectomies). Changing the shape of the outside of the nose (rhinoplasty) may involve surgery of the nasal bones (upper portion of the nose), manipulations of the cartilagenous portions of the nose (middle and lower portion of the nose), or both. Commonly, simultaneous correction of both the breathing and appearance of the nose is done if needed. (septorhinoplasty)

Before rhinoplasty surgery, it is important that one have a good appreciation of what may be changed and how your nose will look after surgery. This is done with computer imaging or predictions. Dr. Eppley feels that this is essential for anyone considering rhinoplasty surgery. Computer imaging of the nose is really about communicating and having realistic expectations about the potential result. It is not a guarantee or an absolute assurance of what the final result will look like. Computer imaging is also very valuable in that it may discover other helpful facial changes that can be done at the same time as your rhinoplasty, such as chin augmentation.

Rhinoplasty may be done either open or closed, depending upon the complexity of your surgery. When done closed, incisions are made inside the nose only and minor changes such as a small hump reduction or tip narrowing may be done. Open rhinoplasty is best done for more significant changes in the nose or if one has had prior rhinoplasty surgery. This involves a small incision across the strip of skin (columella) between your nostrils. This scar usually heals in a near invisible manner.

As a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon in Indianapolis, Dr. Eppley performs a variety of procedures for the face, breast and body. In addition to rhinoplasty (nose surgery) Dr. Eppley also helps Indianapolis face lift patients reduce the effects of aging and sun damage.