Rhinoplasty is a reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the function and appearance of a person's nose. It can be performed to correct birth defects, deformity from injury, breathing problems - or simply to improve facial symmetry and enhance appearance.
Dr. Victor Urzola is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers an unparalleled level of experience and research-based expertise with elegant, natural-looking results. To schedule an appointment for a consultation go to the contact page. In addition to serving patients from Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States, we welcome patients from all over the world. Dr. Urzola speaks Italian, Spanish, English and French.
In some cases, there may be an internal deformity of the nose that can affect breathing. This may be due to an irregularity in the septum (the central structure of cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nose) or turbinates (structures that protrude internally from the side walls of the nose). Adjustment of these structures to improve the nasal airway can be done at the same time as all cosmetic modifications.
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
Rhinoplasty is an option for people who want to change:
Size of the nose, in relation to the other facial structures.
Nose width, at the bridge.
The profile of the nose, to correct visible humps or depressions in the bridge.
A nasal tip that is large or bulbous, droopy, or too upturned.
Nostrils that are large, wide or turned upward.
Nasal asymmetry and deviation.
During the consultation, digital images are taken and run through computer programs to simulate the approximate, realistic outcome of your rhinoplasty. This will allow you to understand what the procedure can do for you, and give Dr. Urzola a better idea of the results you would like to achieve.
Although there is no age limit for rhinoplasty, the recommended age for this procedure is the mid-teens, when the nose is close to full development.
Rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose by adjusting its supporting structures - either by removing or adding bone and cartilage.
Reshaping is usually done through incisions inside the nose, but depending on the type of nose and the reconfiguration to be done, there may also be an incision passed through the central portion of the nose between the nostrils. (box)
Through these incisions, the soft tissues covering the nose are gently lifted, allowing the surgeon access to the underlying structure. The nasal structure is then either reduced or augmented with the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. Most commonly, the cartilage of the septum, the partition in the center of the nose, is used for this purpose.
If the septum is deviated, it is straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.
Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted into the desired shape, the skin and soft tissues are then re-draped over the newly created "scaffold" and the incisions are closed.
Sometimes it is necessary to reduce the base of the nose or reduce the size of the nostrils. This involves the removal of small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils. The resulting scars usually fade nicely and should ultimately be barely noticeable.
After surgery, you will have to spend the night at our facility under the direct observation of a private nurse. Local cryotherapy will be applied to reduce edema and bruising. The morning after surgery, Dr. Urzola will see you change the dressings and determine if you can be discharged from the recovery facility.
There is usually no pain after rhinoplasty, and most patients only experience discomfort because they cannot breathe through their nose. Some swelling and bruising are to be expected; however, these should disappear within a few days.
You will need to wear a nose splint and rest as much as possible for a week after surgery. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least 15 days. Sun exposure should also be avoided, as this may contribute to increased postoperative edema.
While you may notice gradual changes over the next few months, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. Dr. Urzola advises that you reserve judgment on your rhinoplasty until your nose has had a chance to fully heal and resolve. Often, the best compliment you can receive from your family and friends is that your nose does not look much different. Remember - the intent of rhinoplasty is for your "new nose" to blend naturally with the face.
