Technology moves faster than you can say “Blu Ray.” The minute something is out, it is already old, as more and more technological advances are made everyday. The same is true in the world of plastic surgery. Because of this, some patients are beginning to wonder if the surgeon they are seeing is up to date on the latest techniques available. For example would you want a heart surgeon using techniques from the 1950’s with a 50% mortality rate or a limited incision procedure with a high success rate? While rhinoplasty has been around for more than 100 years, it has changed in recent years with some advances making the procedure a more predictable procedure and creating a higher success rate. Without doubt, rhinoplasty ranks as the most difficult plastic surgery procedure to perform.

One such leader in the field of rhinoplasty is Dr. Anil Shah. He has learned from several masters in the field and now has his own unique approach to the procedure. He has a completely different approach to the nose, making the nose into a work of art. He does this by doing one nose a day, giving him the artistic ability to create a masterpiece. He uses a combination of techniques learned and developed to create a nose which is both natural and beautiful.

Some of these techniques involve minimization of recovery, bruising and swelling. This allows most patients to be able to be in public as soon as one week after surgery.

“By creating a boutique, couture practice, for the nose, patients are able to look and breathe their best.” says Dr. Shah. “It is very important to stay up to date on the latest techniques and procedures.” Shah continues, “Every surgeon should evolve their technique, so that each and every patient receives care that is perfectly tailored to their case.”

It has been proven by studies that the nose is a center-point feature that the brain focuses on upon seeing another person’s face. By measures of symmetry and proportion, the nose has been proven to be the most important factor contributing to the characteristic or beauty of a face; a deformed nose can affect a person’s social life, attractiveness, and confidence highly.

Reconstructive rhinoplasty refers to restoring the normal shape and function of the nose after being damaged from an autoimmune disorder, congenital abnormality, traumatic accident, intra-nasal drug abuse, previous injudicious cosmetic surgery, or cancer involvement. Septoplasty may also be performed to improve nasal breathing function. Primary rhinoplasty refers to first-time rhinoplasty whether it is performed for functional, aesthetic, or reconstructive purposes.

Rhinoplasty is performed under a general or local anesthetic. There are two possible approaches to the nose: closed approach and open approach. Skin incision for an open rhinoplasty may be “v-shaped” or a “stair-step” shaped incision. This helps the surgeon attain a precise closure and camouflaging of the resulting scar. The incisions for a rhinoplasty are hidden inside the nose with a small incision across the base of the nose, depicted by a dotted line.

The patient returns home after the surgery with antibiotics, pain and steroid medication mostly recommended. Though it is safe to be outdoors, most people choose to remain home for a week. External sutures are usually removed 4 to 5 days after surgery while the external cast is removed at one week. Internal stents are usually removed at four days to two weeks and the periorbital bruising usually lasts two weeks. There is moderate shifting and settling of the nose due to wound healing during the first year. Post operative bleeding is uncommon but often resolves without needing treatment. However, it is always best to report to your surgeon if bleeding occurs.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty or “non-surgical nose job” refers to reshaping the nose with injectable substances. It can be performed in the outpatient setting without anesthesia. Another non-surgical and temporary option is through the use of flexible “nose inserts”. They are placed in the nostril area between the nose tip and back of the nose and reshape one’s nose only while worn.

Although rhinoplasty is usually considered to be safe and successful, several complications can still arise like infection, adhesion which is rare but if it occurs, it needs to be cut away ASAP to avoid nasal obstruction which could affect breathing. Septal perforation can also cause chronic nose bleeding, crusting, difficult breathing and whistling with breathing. Variable degree of numbness to the nose for months can also be present if the incision is made across the collumella (open-approach).

“Pig-like look”, “Pinched look” “Saddle nose”, “Polly break” are the names of the deformities if there is even a slight mistake done during the procedure. Certainly, there are a lot of questions playing in your mind right now.