Osteotomy Rhinoplasty
What Is Osteotomy Rhinoplasty?
An osteotomy rhinoplasty refers to a surgical procedure in which a patient’s nose is “broken” via an osteotomy, a tool that cuts through bone. Osteotomy nose jobs require precision and accuracy, and as such, must be performed by an expert facial plastic and reconstructive and head and neck surgeon like Dr. Greg Patriarca.
What Is An Osteotomy Rhinoplasty?
An osteotomy nose job involves breaking a patient’s nose via osteotomy, but the procedure is carefully performed to correct functional issues of the nose and improve facial symmetry.
Like a traditional rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Greg Patriarca tailors an osteotomy nose job as each patient is universally unique.
How Does An Osteotomy Differ Rhinoplasty?
Whereas a traditional rhinoplasty surgery involves reshaping or resizing the nose, an osteotomy nose job involves changing the position of the nasal bones.
An osteotomy nose job may be recommended if a patient is dealing with a crooked nose or a nasal fracture or other nose trauma. The procedure can also be used to treat a large nasal hump that otherwise makes the nose appear wider when viewed from the front.
What Types of Osteotomy Nose Jobs Are Available?
Dr. Greg A. Patriarca offers several types of osteotomy surgeries, including:
- External Osteotomy Rhinoplasty: May help reduce the risk of lateral wall collapse and airway compromise.
- Medial Osteotomy Rhinoplasty: May be used to reduce the appearance of a dorsal hump, narrow the nose, and correct various aesthetic nasal deformities.
- Reverse Osteotomy Rhinoplasty: Involves widening the nasal bones.
- Lateral Osteotomy Rhinoplasty: Requires fracturing of a patient’s nasal and maxillary bones to narrow or widen the dorsal bridge and base of the nose.
The ideal rhinoplasty osteotomy technique varies based on the patient with the end result to help a patient achieve a functional, cosmetically appealing nose.
Osteotomy Rhinoplasty Recovery.
The initial recovery time after an osteotomy nose surgery lasts one to two weeks. During this period, a patient can experience swelling and bruising at the treatment site. A patient also receives a splint and bandage for their nose that will stay in place for at least a week. In addition, dressing on a patient’s nose is removed and the nostrils are cleaned approximately one week after an osteotomy nose job.
Patients are encouraged to sleep with the head elevated for at least one week following an osteotomy nose surgery. They should get plenty of rest in the first week after their nose job and avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks following treatment.
Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks after an osteotomy rhinoplasty, and nose sensitivity and tenderness tends to disappear within three to six months of treatment.
The full results of an osteotomy may become visible within one to two years after surgery.
What Are the Risks Associated with an Osteotomy Nose Job?
Osteotomy nose surgery risks include:
- Infection
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor wound healing
- Hole in the nasal septum
- Skin discoloration
Is An Osteotomy Nose Surgery Right For You?
Undergoing a rhinoplasty is a major decision and an Osteotomy Rhinoplasty is even a major one. Dr. Greg A. Patriarca is a specialist and can provide you with insights into all aspects of nose surgery to make an informed treatment decision.