Reconstructive Nose Surgery

Overview

Rhinoplasty before

Rhinoplasty after

Mayo Clinic surgeons are experienced at cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the nose, performing more than 500 nasal surgeries a year. Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary approach to nasal surgery includes dermatologists, plastic surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) and pulmonologists. Mayo Clinic specialists teach an international course on nasal reconstruction techniques for medical professionals.

Evaluation

Mayo Clinic uses a helpful test called rhinomanometry to assess air flow through the nose. Done in the pulmonary function laboratory, this test measures air pressure and the rate of airflow in the nasal airway during respiration.

Types of Nasal Surgeries Offered at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic surgeons perform the following types of nasal surgeries:

Nasal reconstruction is done when the nose has been injured or altered due to trauma, previous surgery, malignancy, or problems related to infection or scarring. It is most commonly done after removal of external skin tumors such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma of the nose or internal nasal tumors.

Nasal septal reconstruction or septoplasty is usually done to repair nasal airway problems due to a deviated septum caused by congenital abnormalities or trauma. This is most often a functional surgery that repairs altered anatomy of the nasal septum and does not alter the external appearance of the nose.

Cleft rhinoplasty, usually done between the ages of 16 and 20, involves the repair of a nasal deformity from a cleft lip and/or palate.

Rhinoplasty is an operation to alter the external appearance of the nose, either for cosmetic reasons or following trauma such as a car accident. The most common procedures in rhinoplasty are removal of a dorsal hump from the nose, straightening a crooked nose or alteration of the nasal tip.

Use of Packing

We usually do not use packing following nasal surgery since removing it is uncomfortable for patients. Instead, nasal stenting is done which consists of pieces of Silastic or silicone sheeting placed along the septum to provide support. The stenting remains in place for a week after the surgery.

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