Dr. Harlow Hollis, FRCS (C)
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Nose Reshaping
Who is a candidate?
If you have an abnormal appearance of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.
Nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not ‘fit’ with other facial features.

Intended Results
More attractive nasal shape. Nose in better proportion to other facial features.

Procedure Description
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under sedation, and local or general anesthesia.
Standard Rhinoplasty: incisions are made inside the nostrils. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped to improve the external contour.
Open Rhinoplasty: frequently used for difficult or larger noses. Involves one external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision.
Tip-Plasty: if only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or external (open) approach.
Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of rhinoplasty.

Recuperation and Healing
The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24 to 48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in 7 to 10 days.
Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
Majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2 to 4 weeks.
External sutures (if any) are removed in 4 to 6 days. Internal sutures dissolve.
Semifinal result is evident in 3 months. Final result is evident in 12 to 14 months which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening.

Other Options
An additional procedure that may enhance the result is a chin enlargement.
If you need to improve breathing, correction of a deviated septum (septoplasty) may also be appropriate.

Insurance Guidelines
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.

Note
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

 
Dr. Harlow Hollis


Canadian Society for Aesthetic Surgery
The Canadian Society for Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery was
established in 1972 with a membership of certified (FRCS(C)) Plastic
Surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery...

 Dr. Harlow Hollis MD FRCS (C)
100 1830 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC  V8R 6R2
Tel: (250) 592-7368
Fax: (250) 592-8998
email: hollismd@shawcable.com

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