Rhinoplasty is also used to correct a birth defect or injury - or even help relieve some common breathing problems caused by structural blockages inside the nasal cavity ... a procedure called Septoplasty.

What Exactly is Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum - the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of your nose. A deviated septum occurs when it "deviates" into one of your two nasal cavities, narrowing that cavity and impedes airflow. Nasal obstructions caused by serious deviations frequently lead to chronic sinus problems. If this sounds familiar, you may be an excellent candidate for a septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed from inside the nose, so there is no visible scarring at all. When an "open" technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible.

Before and After Surgery
The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes an hour or two to sculpt your nose to its desired shape. Your surgery will be performed by Woodglen surgeons in the state of the art Glendora Surgery Center, located on Route 66 in the city of Glendora. This facility is fully accredited as an outpatient surgery center.

Following surgery, a small splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may also be placed inside your nostrils to help stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the two air passages.

You will then be invited to recover in comfort at the Center until it is time for you to be released home to begin the healing process. You will receive clear instructions about how to care for your nose and what to expect over a period of weeks. Initial healing will include swelling and may include temporary numbness and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. Especially during the first 24 hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache and you may have a dull headache. Any discomfort can be treated with pain medication prescribed by your Woodglen surgeon. Plan to stay in bed with your head elevated for the first day following your surgery.

Your New Look
Most patients are up and about within a couple of days following surgery and are able to return to school or work a week or so later. As you complete the healing process, your new nasal profile will help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Even if others don’t seem to notice a major change, your new look will be pleasingly apparent. Remember it’s still you ... just better!

For more information or to set up a consultation with a Woodglen plastic surgeon, please call (626) 852-0599.