Before the procedure can begin, the patient will receive local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on how complex the surgery is. A rhinoplasty typically takes one to two hours.
Rhinoplasty may be open or closed (also called “endonasal”). A closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty is done with small incision completely inside the nose, while an open rhinoplasty is done through small external cuts, or incisions, at the base of the nose.
During an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella, which is the strip of skin between the nostrils. Dr. Pollei will then lift the skin in order to readjust the bone and cartilage. This method is typically used when patients would like to build up or reduce the bridge. Once the adjustments are completed, the skin is re-draped over the new structure. Patients will have a barely visible small scar on the columella that fades over time.
During a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made within the nose to help prevent visible scarring. This method is used for patients who would like to improve breathing and change the overall size of the nose. If the nose is going to be made thinner or smaller, then Dr. Pollei will fracture the nasal bones. For patients who would like to increase the size of their nose, Dr. Pollei will use additional grafting material, like cartilage from the patient’s ears or ribs.
