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In Toronto, nose cartilage reshaping is by far one of the most sought-after, yet complex elective operations performed. Rhinoplasty, as nose jobs are formally known, seeks to give the patient a natural-looking improvement or enhancement to the most central feature of the face. The average person knows little about the anatomy or intricate details of nose surgery.

To plan your own nose reshaping surgery in Toronto, you don’t need to know much about cartilage and bone. Your surgeon will explain the changes they’ll make and the vital role that you play in recovery. If you’re curious, however, we’ll explain with a little more detail than usual just how nasal surgery adjustments are made.

FAQ: Can you reshape cartilage?

While many surgeons and plastic surgeons may be technically able to operate on the nose, only the facial plastic surgeons who dedicate their practice to intricate facial anatomy should be trusted with your nose. That’s because while rhinoplasty is common, it’s not simple in most cases. A rhinoplasty surgeon should have in-depth knowledge of facial bone structure and an artistic touch. Basically, that means that your surgeon should be capable of making subtle yet impactful adjustments. As both an otolaryngologist and a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cory Torgerson’s expertise in head and neck surgery has led him across North America speaking and lecturing on the aesthetic and physiological components of nose reshaping.

What facial tissue is involved in nose-reshaping surgery in Toronto?

While relatively small in comparison to other parts of the body, the nose is still a complex feature comprised of bone, cartilage, nerves, skin, and its blood supply. You’ll notice when examining your nose that the top aspect is rigid and has no flexibility until you move down towards the midpoint. While still firm, after this bony juncture meets firm cartilage, you’re able to move it slightly from side to side.

The upper aspect of the nose, including the bridge and extending to the top of the cheek, is made up of 2 rectangular nasal bones. Those bones meet up with the maxilla bone across the midface. Towards the nasal tip or septum, the bone is replaced with cartilage. The outer-most triangular-shaped cartilages make up the slope on the sides of the nose, while a pair of alar cartilages are found at the very tip of the nose. The function of this tough elastic tissue is to line joints, thus decreasing friction between bones. In the nose, it supports the structure of your nasal passages and openings while maintaining flexibility.

The nasal septum is osseous and cartilaginous. It’s a tough dividing wall between the nasal passages that can be bent or malformed. Occasionally, a deviation may occlude breathing, block the flow of mucus from sinuses, or prevent the drainage of sinuses. A septoplasty may be necessary to relieve breathing difficulties and obstruction and reduce sinus issues. If done for purely functional reasons, the internal septum structures are corrected without aiming to change the nose’s appearance. If a septum repair is desired along with aesthetic enhancements, the procedure will be called a septorhinoplasty and could involve various bones, cartilage tissues, and skin.

In Toronto, a nose reshaping surgery with Dr. Torgerson will involve sculpting and shaping bone, cartilage, and the surrounding soft tissue to create the desired result.

How is nose reshaping in Toronto done?

The technique used by a facial plastic expert is dependent on the issues that need to be addressed. Both the open and the closed rhinoplasty are commonly performed. The open method involves the surgeon creating his incision between the nostrils (the columella) and completing the surgery from this area. In the closed technique, which Dr. Torgerson prefers, all surgical incisions are concealed within the nostrils. From that vantage point, the experienced surgeon can lift the skin tissue to expose both bone and cartilage. Re-shaping, contouring, and reconstruction — even inserting an implant — can be achieved with this approach.

How is the nose size changed?

Your rhinoplasty surgeon may add implant material if your nose needs reconstructive work, if you have a low / flat bridge, or if you’re having a revision rhinoplasty and your cartilage is depleted. The donor cartilage can be extracted from another region of the patient’s own nose or removed from a lower rib. The material may be formed into the desired shape and implanted. Cartilage has impressive capabilities to establish a blood supply and heal where placed. The benefit of using an autologous tissue transfer (from the patient’s body) is the low risk of rejection or infection. Nasal implants are relatively common and very versatile.

To reduce a prominent bump, wide nasal flare, a bulbous tip, or a large projecting nose, material is removed. Using an open rhinoplasty approach, the surgeon can visualize all of the intricate layers inside the nose and can carefully extract small amounts of cartilage. The tip can be narrowed and sutures placed to hold a shape or rotate a tip. The bone can be shaved with mere millimetres making a dramatic improvement. The nostrils are reasonably straightforward for a surgeon with an artistic touch to extract small pie-shaped pieces and stitch the edges together. All incisions hide well in natural creases.

The rhinoplasty procedure may take between 2 and 4 hours to complete on average.

Can you have a nose job without surgery?

Because nose reshaping in Toronto comes with a sizeable price tag, some candidates opt for a non-surgical, albeit temporary fix. Dermal fillers are a subtle, fast, and natural choice. During this injectable rhinoplasty treatment, contours can be improved in a matter of minutes. However, the treatment will need to be repeated in roughly 9 months to maintain results. With a negligible recovery period, this economical option is popular among patients who are new to cosmetic surgery. For small changes like smoothing a bump or making the nose appear straighter, non-surgical nose reshaping can be ideal.

How do I prepare for nose-reshaping surgery in Toronto?

Before undergoing any kind of cosmetic procedure, the first step is to have a comprehensive consultation with your surgeon. During this private meeting, the patient will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their desired outcomes. After a thorough analysis and examination, a plan of action can be developed, combining the patient’s needs and the surgeon’s assessment. As part of his consultation, Dr. Torgerson uses the Vectra 3D imaging camera, a high-tech tool that allows him and the patient to design a nose that is both proportionate and natural-looking. The use of this advanced technology also helps patients adapt to the changes that are to come.

After nose reshaping, how can you ensure a worry-free recovery?

With a plan in place, preparation for surgery can now begin. As with any invasive procedure, the planning that you do beforehand will help make the big day and recovery go smoothly. The following are just a few tips to follow after your nose reshaping surgery in Toronto.

Anticipate the recovery period by being well rested, stress-free, and in good health before your surgery.

Ensure you’ve made arrangements with your workplace/ school to be away for 10 to 14 days following your nose job.

Have a support system in place. For 24 to 48 hours following surgery, it’s vital to have a trusted friend, family member or nursing care available to accompany you home and keep an eye on you for the first 24 hours. You’ll need to rest as the effects of general anaesthetic wear off, so having someone nearby will be safe, as well as comforting.

Lastly, have a pain management plan in place. You may feel a little nauseous for a few days after. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to offset the discomfort following surgery. Have the prescription filled before the day of your rhinoplasty so that you don’t have to worry about any details. You can also get small, soft snacks like yogourt or pudding beforehand so you have easy, light things to eat with medication.

The good news is that most people describe the recovery process as manageable and not overly painful. The sense of facial pressure and nasal congestion may be frustrating for the first 5 to7 days.

The results following nose-reshaping surgery don’t happen overnight. While photo galleries depict beautiful outcomes, the patient must have a realistic expectation of how long it will take for their nose to relax into its new appearance. It can take months for the final look to be revealed, so follow-up appointments are crucial. Attending your scheduled visits will allow the surgeon to monitor your progress and address any issues that may arise during your recovery period.

Schedule your consultation now and start your transformation!

Dr. Torgerson has completed nearly 20 years of post-secondary education in the field of facial plastic surgery, which has made him a renowned leader in rhinoplasty. His care and attention to detail are unparalleled. As a skilled facial plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty expert, you can trust his expertise. We invite you to call, write, or come see us today. We look forward to helping you plan your new look.

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