Rhinoplasty

While it is true that the majority of rhinoplasty procedures are performed on teens and young adults, ranging from age 15 to 35 years, Dr. Clymer has performed rhinoplasty on patients as young as 12 years of age and as old as 80. It is not uncommon for patients undergoing a facelift to also have a rhinoplasty to improve the shape and or size of their nose.

As previously stated, most rhinoplasty patients seek nose reshaping surgery early in their life to correct undesirable aesthetic features and/or a breathing problem. Older adults may also want a rhinoplasty for the same reasons. The surgical approach is the same for either age range as the overall goal for any rhinoplasty patient is to improve the appearance of the nose and keep that appearance stable for the long term. Dr. Clymer’s approach involves structural cartilage grafting to reshape the nose, and make it strong enough to last a lifetime.

Rhinoplasty is performed in an accredited outpatient surgical setting under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Clymer primarily uses the open rhinoplasty surgical approach. With an open rhinoplasty procedure, a small incision is made on the underside of the nose to allow for access to the structures of the nose and allow for clear visualization.

The advantage of this surgical approach is the ability to place cartilage grafts in any area of the nose either to improve its aesthetic appearance or the functioning of the nasal passages.

Incisions are hidden inside the nose and sometimes at its base to allow restructuring and shaping of the framework underneath. The skin is then allowed to re-drape over the new structure, and a small nasal splint is applied to help the nose maintain its new form. Dr. Clymer rarely places any packing in the nose after rhinoplasty surgery.

With a closed rhinoplasty or endonasal rhinoplasty, an incision is made inside the nasal passage. Most rhinoplasty experts advise using the open approach.

Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women of all ethnicities. Ethnic rhinoplasty is actually a very broad term as it can refer to people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other ethnic descents. No matter the ethnicity, Dr. Clymer stresses to his various ethnic patients that the goal is the same, to improve the appearance of their nose while maintaining their ethnicity.

In other words, to make their nose a better version of their nose, not one that doesn’t fit their face or ethnic background. That being said, there are many different nasal appearances even within one ethnic group. For example, many African American noses have a low bridge and broad base, but there are still many African American noses that have a high bridge. Using the computer imager to simulate their intended goal, helps the patient envision what changes will improve their nose, but make it “their nose, just in the shape and appearance they want.”

Dr. Clymer tells his patients that this is where the surgeon must have a keen artistic eye, to envision the results, but scientific hands, to execute the techniques that will achieve their envisioned goals.

Dr. Clymer advises patients that immediately following their nose surgery to expect, bruising, swelling and discomfort for a few days. This is treated with cold compresses and medication prescribed by Dr. Clymer. Typically, most bruising is gone in 10-14 days.*

Makeup may be applied as soon as the splint is removed, usually around seven days after surgery. Most of Dr. Clymer’s rhinoplasty patients are back to work or other non-strenuous activities in a week or two. Resumption of exercise is recommended two-weeks after rhinoplasty.* Dr. Clymer’s personalized after-care plan provides explicit recommendations.