Rhinoplasty in the older patient.

Rhinoplasty is often indicated in the older patient, either as an isolated procedure or in continuous or staged combination with other facial rejuvenative operations. The operations must be tempered with conservatism and artistic judgment. The nose of an older person should look natural and inconspicuous and fit the patient's face. Because of possible coronary or hypertensive problems, epinephrine in the local anesthetic solution should be used in lesser concentrations, requiring a longer wait for its full vasoconstrictive effect. Nasal cartilage is tougher, and the nasal bone more brittle in the older patient. In addition to the usual complete rhinoplasty, the partial rhinoplasty is a useful operation for the older individual.