Rhinoplasty Ottawa leading Facial Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Gregory P. Antoniak, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C)
One of the most popularly performed procedures today, nose
surgery (“rhinoplasty”) helps thousands of individuals,
every year, attain a more balanced, better proportioned
facial appearance. Rhinoplasty is often performed with other
cosmetic procedures such as cheek
or chin implants to achieve a more balanced and harmonious
look. This procedure can effectively:
- Alter the size of the nose
- Narrow the nostril span
- Enhance the shape of the tip or bridge
- Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
Dr. Gregory P. Antoniak is a specialist
in the field of facial and cosmetic surgery, with 22 years
of experience performing rhinoplasty on both men and women.
Dr. Antoniak, an Ottawa Rhinoplasty surgeon,
understands how feelings of dissatisfaction and self-consciousness
can lead a person to cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery,
like many other types of procedures, can help to build
a person’s self-esteem and confidence.
Skin type, age, ethnic background and other variables affect
the appearance of your nose. The initial consultation provides
the opportunity to discuss your specific needs, expectations,
as well as the probable outcome of your surgery. Remember,
the goal of surgery is not the perfect nose, but the nose
that is perfect for you!
Typically, it is required that those who are interested
in this procedure be at least 15 years old, as this is the
age that the nose is fully developed. In addition to having
certain problematic nasal features, ideal candidates for
rhinoplasty should be: physically and psychologically healthy
with realistic expectations and goals. Dr. Antoniak will
discuss this procedure in detail with each patient during
consultation visits, at which time he will address the individual’s
concerns and answer any questions. Dr. Antoniak also offers
rhinoplasty revision surgery to patients who are unhappy
with the outcome of a previous “nose job.” As for the cost
of rhinoplasty, this can be discussed with the patient coordinator
upon the individual’s visit.
Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under local
or general anesthesia. Cosmetic nose surgery can take between
one to two hours depending on the patient. Most incisions
are made inside the nose where they are invisible. Occasionally,
a tiny incision is made at the base of the nose between
the nostrils. During the surgery Facial Surgery & Cosmetic
Centre of Ottawa will sculpt and reshape the nose to your
desired new shape.
Dr. Antoniak will determine the best method for each person’s
nose reshaping procedure, based on certain factors. Depending
on the work to be done, an “open” or “closed” method will
be performed. He and his staff have the experience, knowledge,
and skills to provide patients with natural, beautiful-looking
results and a pleasant visit. During the consultation, prospective
patients may ask to view before and after photos featuring
results of his nose jobs.
After Nose Surgery
Following nose surgery, the first day should be spent in
bed with the head elevated. You will have a small splint
on your nose to protect it and keep it stable. Cold compresses
applied to the area will help reduce the swelling. Your
nose will feel stuffy and congested until the splint is
removed, which is most often within a week or so and pain
medication will be prescribed if needed. Normal activities
may be resumed a few days following the procedure, although,
strenuous activities or rubbing the nose should be avoided
for several weeks.
Ottawa Rhinoplasty Surgeon
An affiliate member of such professional organizations
as the Canadian Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery (CAFPRS), Dr. Antoniak was recently named one of
the top 10 Canadian surgeons.
Please feel free to call the office of Dr. Antoniak to
schedule a consultation. You may reach Facial Surgery &
Cosmetic Centre toll-free at 1-877-521-3223 or by calling
(613) 521-3223. An online
contact form is also available to fill out, in which
the information will be sent to Dr. Antoniak’s office –
a response will be delivered within two days. You may also
request information about some of his other specialty cosmetic
procedures, such as Botox®
and facelift
surgery.
Call Dr Antoniak Now - Toll Free 1-877-521-3223
Video Transcript for the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Introduction to Rhinoplasty
Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most common
plastic surgery procedures performed today. Often, the
structure or size of the nose is not proportionate with
the other features on the face. Nose reshaping procedures
can help to correct the disproportionate appearance of
the nose by altering the size or shape of the nose, the
span of the nostrils, or the angle between the nose and
the upper lip. In addition, nose reshaping procedures
may be performed to correct a nasal birth defect or injury
as well as chronic breathing problems. It is important
to realize that individuals considering a nose reshaping
procedure should be at least fifteen years of age, as
this procedure should only be performed after the nose
has finished developing completely.
Nasal Anatomy
Before you learn about how nose reshaping procedures work,
it is important that you understand the anatomy of the
nose. The framework of the nose is primarily made of
bone and cartilage. The upper portion of the nose is
supported by bone. Dorsal humps, which are areas of built
up cartilage or bone, can form along the dorsum, or ridge
of the nose. The lower portion of the nose is supported
by different plates of cartilage that extend laterally
from the center of the nose, while the cartilage in the
lower portion of the nose is what determines the shape
and appearance of the nasal tip.
How an Open Rhinoplasty Works
During an open rhinoplasty procedure, the physician makes
small incisions across the columella and inside each
nostril. In contrast to a closed rhinoplasty, these incisions
allow the physician to lift the skin away from the bone
and cartilage of the nose. In doing so, the physician
can clearly examine the nasal framework and make precise
adjustments to its shape and structure. Using very small
instruments, the physician will reshape the nose by removing
or adding bone, cartilage, or tissue to achieve the desired
appearance. While some physicians prefer the open technique
because it allows them to better assess nasal bone and
cartilage, both types of procedures can produce excellent
results.
Surgery Preparation
An open rhinoplasty procedure may last approximately two
to four hours. Prior to the start of your procedure,
the treatment area will be cleansed and an anesthesia
will be administered. Your physician may choose to administer
a local anesthetic and a sedative, in which the nose
and surrounding areas are numb and you are awake, but
drowsy during the procedure. In contrast, the procedure
may be performed with general anesthesia in which you
are asleep.
Incisions
To begin the procedure, the physician will generally make
two incisions. A small incision is made across the columella,
which is the tissue that lies between the nostrils at
the base of the nose. Using a retractor to expose the
inside of your nose, the physician will make a second
incision, known as a marginal incision, which extends
from the columella incision into each nostril. Using
a pair of surgical scissors, the physician will carefully
dissect the skin along the columella incision to begin
lifting the skin away from the underlying framework.
Lifting the Skin
Using surgical scissors and a series of retractors the
physician continues to carefully dissect the skin away
from the underlying cartilage. The skin is also dissected
away from the nasal bone, in order to fully expose the
framework of the nose. This allows the physician to make
precise adjustments to its shape.
Reshaping the Tip of the Nose
An open rhinoplasty often best allows the physician to
alter the shape of the tip of the nose. In patients whose
nasal tip is wide or bulbous, the physician may choose
to remove a portion of the alar cartilage from the tip
of the nose. Depending on your anatomy and the extent
of treatment necessary, the physician may choose to use
sutures to bend or pull the alar cartilages inward to
create a narrower tip or adjust its position.
Removing the Dorsal Hump
One of the primary goals of nose reshaping is often to
remove a dorsal hump. The dorsal hump usually consists
primarily of cartilage and some bone. In order to remove
the dorsal hump, the physician may choose to use an osteotome,
which is a chisel-like device used to cut bone. Using
the osteotome, the physician carves away areas of cartilage
and bone. Following the removal of the dorsal hump, your
nose may have what is known as an open roof, which is
an open space between the nasal bones. The physician
may use a fine surgical rasp to smooth the ridges of
the nasal bones. In addition, they will perform an osteotomy
to reposition the nasal bones and close the open roof.
Osteotomy
An osteotomy involves breaking the nasal bones in order
to reposition them. Although it is not always necessary,
an osteotomy can be performed to correct a high nasal
dorsum with a dorsal hump, close an open roof after the
removal of a dorsal hump, or create a narrower base of
the nose. Using an osteotome, the physician will carefully
create breaks in the nasal bones by tapping the device
gently along a designated path. Once broken, the nasal
bones are shifted upward to close the open roof.
Incision Closure
Once the physician has finished reshaping the nose, the
incisions inside the nose will usually be closed with
dissolvable stitches. The physician may place nasal airway
splints inside your nostrils that provide support and
stabilize the nose as it heals. Steri-strips will be
applied to the outside of your nose. If the nasal bones
were broken during the procedure, a nasal splint will
be applied as well. The bandages and splint help the
tissues heal and conform to the new cartilage and bone
structure.
Open Rhinoplasty Recovery
As with any surgical procedure, you will likely experience
some pain, bruising, and swelling, particularly in the
upper portion of your face and around your eyes. These
symptoms will begin to dissipate within the first few
days following surgery. Stitches, bandages, and the nasal
splints may stay in place for approximately five to seven
days. Although the majority of the swelling will subside
within a few weeks, some minor swelling may persist for
a few months.
Open Rhinoplasty Results
Depending on your rate of recovery, the bruising will begin
to fade and you will be able to return to work within
seven to ten days following your procedure. As you begin
to heal and the swelling in your face subsides, you will
start to notice the effects of your nose reshaping procedure.
However, like other surgical procedures, the final results
may not be noticeable until one year after your procedure.
Although it is important to realize that nose reshaping
procedures are not intended to achieve perfection, by
adjusting the proportion and profile of your nose, nose
reshaping can help to significantly enhance your self-confidence
and appearance.
