Rhinoplasty   (Nasal Surgery)

 

Each year the number of individuals who undergo cosmetic surgery of the face increases at an incredible rate. The cosmetic procedure of recontouring the nose is one of the most popular operations performed by facial plastic surgeons today. The social and economic influences which place emphasis on "appearances" are quite evident at both ends of the age spectrum. Younger people seek peer acceptances; older people face their own challenge in maintaining positive attitudes for an extended period of time.

   Cosmetic surgery can truly satisfy many needs and often will provide that extra measure of inner confidence, which might otherwise be difficult to achieve. It requires no apologies, and is understandably well accepted in all circles. It is, however, not the answer to all of life’s problems. The purpose is to improve one’s appearance as much as possible. It can do no more, and if one expects a transforming miracle, they will be undoubtedly disappointed.

   Most patients understand these limitations and view the potential benefit realistically, and if generally healthy, emotionally stable, and properly motivated, are good candidates for facial cosmetic surgery. Under these circumstances, the true objectives can be accomplished and yield final results that are predictably accurate.

Before

After (Rhinoplasty & Chin Implant)

 

	Put your cursor on and then off the images to see the "Before & After"

  The decision to undergo any surgical procedure is one that must be made by the patient alone, and should not be undertaken at the suggestion or at the encouragement of others. Well-meaning friends or relatives sometimes misinterpret the patient’s desire for assistance, and express negative attitudes without basis. However, if those persons understand that improved self-confidence is the essential need, and if their interest is truly in the patient’s behalf, they will usually be supportive.

   While the patient’s specific desires will be given important consideration, the method of achievement requires professional judgment in evaluating functional and aesthetic goals within the anatomical limitations. Certainly, the patient’s desires regarding what kind of improvement he would like will be taken into consideration. The basic aim is to improve the nose such that it will not, itself, be the center of one’s attention on the face, but rather will blend harmoniously with the overall appearance, and will not look "surgically created or plastic".

   The purpose of this web page is to inform you of the fundamental concepts and bring to your mind questions, which I will be happy to answer. Also, it will permit careful review of this information at home, apart from the office atmosphere, where anxiety or embarrassment may be overriding and perhaps distracting. It may also be useful as a reference in discussion with family members who cannot be present at the time of consultation. It should be understood that its sole purpose is information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

   This operation is designed to improve the general cosmetic appearance by reducing, recontouring, and reshaping the external nose. It is occasionally done in conjunction with a procedure on the nasal septum, the dividing wall between the two sides of the nose, for changing its size, configuration, or alignment from the septum to use as a graft in the external nose.

   There are many irregularities in a normal nose beneath the skin. Some irregularities may persist even after a surgical procedure. It is unnatural for a nose to be exactly perfect. The nostrils are never exactly the same shape. These facts may become more apparent after surgery as the patient is more critical of the appearance of their nose following a rhinoplasty.

   Many patients have a fear that the nasal change will be so great as to create a subject of discussion among his family or friends. Psychologically, neither the patient nor their friends or relatives really remember the original shape of their nose a few weeks following such surgery. The patient should be warned that there are individuals who will not wish to acknowledge that the patient’s appearance has improved, and will disappoint the patient by making an unrestrained comment such as "I liked your nose better the way it was before", or "I didn’t see anything wrong with your nose before". Such comments are usually just an expression of that person’s acceptance of the patient even without the new improvement in his appearance.

   Occasionally, a revision procedure may be done later if necessary. Nationally, approximately 10 to 15 % of all rhinoplasties require a revision.

   When considering facial harmony, it is often apparent that one’s chin is disproportionately small or large, and a suggestion may be made to correct this as to achieve an overall balanced, and pleasing appearance. 

Pre-Op

   You will have an appointment approximately one week prior to surgery. This will allow you to ask questions before your procedure. Some pre-op testing may be required (blood work, EKG, etc,) depending on medical history. All instructions and prescriptions will be given.

1.      Discontinue aspirin products one week prior to surgery.

2.      Wash hair the night before surgery.

3.      No make-up should be worn.

4.      NOTHING TO EAR OR DRINK PAST MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT PRIOR TO SURGERY.

5.      Please do not wear jewelry to surgery.

6.      Shorts are a good idea to wear.

7.      Please arrange for transportation after surgery.

8.      FEES FOR THE PROCEDURE ARE TO BE PAID IN FULL PRIOR TO THE SURGERY.

Procedure

   The operation is usually done in our accredited surgical suite after which the patient returns home. The incisions for reducing or recontouring the external nose are made inside the nose, or on the skin at the bottom of the nose, and leave no noticeable scars. Occasionally, it is necessary to narrow the nostrils leaving tiny scars at the base of the nostrils. The nasal skin is lifted away from the cartilage. The bone and the excess tissue are removed. The cartilage of the tip of the nose may be changed, if necessary. Frequently the nose is shortened as part of the recontouring. The nasal bones are usually narrowed. The excess skin left by the reduction of the underlying bone and cartilage is elastic, and readapts itself to the new framework.

Anesthesia

   Local anesthesia plus IV sedation or general anesthesia just prior to surgery helps the patient to be completely relaxed. The operation itself should not be painful. 

Surgical Time

   Approximately two and a half hours.

Discoloration and Swelling

   The eyelids may be discolored and swollen for a period of 7-14 days, depending upon the patient’s skin, age, healing ability, and the amount of surgical correction necessary. Occasionally, the whites of the eyes will be bloodshot, and the upper lip may feel "stiff" and unnatural for several weeks to months. In addition, if significant tip or major changes to the nose are made, some swelling may last up to one year. If an operation is done on the chin, there may be some numbness there also.

 Postoperative Care

   The following is a general idea of what to expect in the postoperative period, and what restrictions may apply. Specific instructions will be given at the time of pre-op.

   Immediately after the surgery, a nasal splint is placed on the nose, and will remain in position for a couple of days. Following this, there may be tape on the nose for an additional week or two. Generally, there will be no packing in the nose unless bleeding is a problem after surgery. Patients will normally breathe through the mouth following the surgery, as the nose will be stuffy for up to two or three weeks.

   This will give the feeling of having a minor cold, and may cause drying of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Aquaphor ointment will be used two or three times per day after surgery in the nose. The operative procedure, and the postoperative period are not very painful, however, a prescription for pain medication will be given.

   The patient is requested to only perform very light activity as needed for two to three weeks to avoid a possible nosebleed, or accidental trauma to the nose. Although the major effect of the nasal operation will be noted at two weeks, one can expect some changes to occur for a period of 6-18 months.

Complications

   Like any operation, there can be complications. With rhinoplasties, these are quite unusual, and usually quite minor. Such complications may include bleeding from the nose, or unusual reactions to medications. Bumping the nose following surgery could affect the final outcome. If any of these problems occur, they can be appropriately managed. In addition, minor asymmetric "bumps" or irregularities can become evident. This is usually caused by protruding cartilage or bone. These may be minor, or necessitate a revision procedure. Other rare complications include infection, scarring, or skin necrosis (loss).

Make-up

   Make-up may be utilized around the dressing. After dressing removal make-up can be applied.

Shampoo

   You may wash your hair normally after surgery once the splint is removed, unless informed differently.

Showers and Baths

   No restrictions; just keep the nasal splint dry.

Social Activities

   Social activities should be limited for approximately ten days to two weeks following surgery. Strenuous activities such as gymnastics, body contact sports, and swimming should be avoided for 6 weeks. Glasses should be taped to forehead for eight weeks. Do not let glasses rest on the nose. 

Back To Top

E-mail:info@facesonly.com