Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
The nose is the cornerstone of the facial appearance. Rhinoplasty should be meticulously planned and performed to address both the appearance of the nose and the function of the nose (breathing). Dr. Schreiber believes rhinoplasty is a very individual operation that should be planned to maximize the patient’s individual aesthetics and to achieve overall balance of their facial features. Highly skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeons should be sought after for this important operation. Consideration of the nasal appearance, the nasal breathing, and facial proportions are essential in rhinoplasty.
Common features addressed by rhinoplasty include reducing the size of the nose, correcting a deviated or crooked nose, creating a straight nasal bridge on profile view, removing the dorsal hump, or “bump” on the bridge of the nose, adjusting the width of the nose, refining the shape and position of the nasal tip, reducing the size of the nostrils, and to stop drooping of the nasal tip during smile, among many others.
Rhinoplasty is often combined with septoplasty (deviated septum repair) to improve nasal breathing and to straighten the nose.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty requires an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who understands how to address the aesthetic and/or breathing concerns of a nose that has been operated on before. The goal of revision rhinoplasty is to ensure the aesthetic deformities are corrected and the nose is supported to maintain its shape, structure, and airflow over time. Revision rhinoplasty is successful when there is clear communication and solid relationship between surgeon and patient, understanding of the underlying anatomy, and a clear operative plan.
Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Repair)
Nasal airway obstruction may result from interference of airflow due to the underlying nasal structures. The septum is composed of cartilage and bone, and divides the nose into the right and left nares. If the septum is deviated, meaning bent or displaced off the center, it may cause noticeable blockage of air as it passes through the nose. The cause of a deviated septum could be congenital (you were born with it), or after a trauma which caused the septum to be broken, bent, or shifted.
A deviated septum often causes a crooked nose, a nose that curves, or points to the side. Correcting the deviated septum is necessary to create a straight nose.
Septoplasty may be performed on its own, or in combination with a rhinoplasty to address other aesthetic concerns.
Post Traumatic Rhinoplasty
Nasal trauma may result in irregularities to the nose and blocked nasal breathing. This may be due to nasal bone fractures (broken nose), as well as fracture of the nasal cartilages (septum and tip). Dr. Schreiber is experienced in rhinoplasty for post traumatic patients to achieve a straight and aesthetically ideal nose with an open nasal airway.
Broken Nose Repair
Nasal bone fracture, or a broken nose, is a common injury due to the thinness and prominence of the nasal bones. A broken nose may result in visible irregularities of the nose, a crooked nose, as well as blockage of airflow due to shifting of the broken nasal bones into the airway.
A broken nose requires “closed nasal reduction” to shift the broken and bones back to their original position. This is done with no scars or incisions. This should be performed within 1-2 weeks after the injury. However, it may also be performed in a delayed fashion in several months or years after the injury, though with increased surgical complexity. Dr. Schreiber encourages prompt evaluation after a suspected nasal bone fracture to provide the most straight forward, and effective treatment for her patient with the easiest recovery. If a nose is broken, but the bones are not visibly shifted and the breathing is not changed, surgery may not be needed.