Aesthetic Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The nose, being a central feature of the human face, draws a lot of attention. While functional nasal surgery to improve upon airflow is generally covered under the terms of commercial health insurance policies, surgical efforts to improve upon appearance of the nose typically is not considered a covered benefit.

Given the wide range of appearances of human noses, obviously one particular surgical technique cannot remedy all individuals’ concerns . Dr. Jellinek understands that each prospective surgical candidate must be carefully evaluated before any surgical remedy can be planned. This process generally involves an involved discussion of the patient/candidate’s interests and desires combined with a detailed evaluation of their anatomy and then a frank discussion of what may, or may not, be accomplished.

Rhinoplasty surgery is accomplished on an out-patient basis and may be done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation; or under a general anesthetic. In either case, while post-operative medicines are provided, post operative pain is rarely an issue. Following surgery a dressing is applied to the nose and there may be some surgical packing placed into the nostrils for a day or two. Most of the swelling is resolved by three weeks following surgery, but Dr. Jellinek cautions that the end result of rhinoplasty surgery may not be apparent for several months following this procedure.

In general there are two distinctive approaches to cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery. The traditional, “endo-rhinoplasty” technique involves making all of the surgical incisions inside the nostrils, such that all of the resulting surgical scars remain hidden inside the nose! Working through these internal wounds, Dr. Jellinek then elevates the skin of the nose from within the nose and he then reshapes the bone and cartilage support of the nose. This allows for a reshaping or sculpture of the nose as an end result.

At times a more involved technique termed “open rhinoplasty” is indicated. With this operation, a short incision across the columella (which is the skin between the nostrils) is incorporated into the surgery, allowing more access to the tip of the nose. This approach leaves a short, generally inconspicuous, scar on the columella. There are “pros and cons” to each approach which Dr. Jellinek will develop with each individual prospective patient during the consultation process.

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