Rhinoplasty Surgery

Every year people consult with plastic surgeons about having rhinoplasty surgery in order to change the shape and improve their overall facial appearance. Many people are born with noses that are too large, too small or distorted in some way. People have Rhinoplasty nose surgery for both functional and cosmetic reasons. As we age, our noses usually change in shape.

Noses that have been damaged due to trauma and/or disease can be corrected with rhinoplasty nose surgery. Many times nasal function is minimized due to these and other problems – Rhinoplasty surgery can correct these problems, give you a new shape and greatly improve and enhance the overall facial appearance.

The nose is called “the most defining characteristic” of the face. Rhinoplasty surgery of the nose can improve your looks, self-confidence and your health.

Am I good candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations. Rhinoplasty surgery can be done on patients of all ages – but works best for people who have reached full growth (trauma cases are the exception).

If you have a misshapen nose or one that is out of proportion to the rest of your face rhinoplasty may be right for you. Some of the most common reasons for rhinoplasty include the nose is too big, too small, too long, too short – or too broad; the nose is misshapen due to birth defects, trauma or disease; the bridge of the nose is too high – nostrils are too flared; the nose is out of proportion to the rest of the face or breathing is impaired due to problems. Rhinoplasty surgery can be done at the same time as other facial procedures such as facelift, chin or cheek augmentation or eyelid surgery, or a brow lift.

Possible Rhinoplasty Surgery Risks and Complications

If performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, complications are rare. Nevertheless, such complications should be taken into account when considering rhinoplasty surgery. Depending on the individual and his/her adherence to the surgeon’s instructions there may be risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and/or reaction to anesthesia.

Preparing for Surgery

Before surgery, your plastic surgeon will discuss your expectations and the rhinoplasty cost. Furthermore, the surgeon will provide a homeopathic remedy such as Arnica, which is taken the day before rhinoplasty surgery and a week to ten days after to help reduce the effects of bruising and swelling. If you are a smoker, you are strongly encouraged to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks prior to the procedure and continue to refrain from smoking until your incisions have healed (about two weeks after the procedure). This will promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection. You will need to have someone drive you to your surgery and plan to stay with you a couple days to help you.

Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure

During the rhinoplasty procedure you will be draped and the surgical area thoroughly cleansed with antiseptic solution. Then you will be anesthetized – general anesthesia is used most often.

Incisions will be made either inside the nose or at the base of nose – this depends on the surgical approach chosen by you and your plastic surgeon. Working through these incisions – underlying bone and cartilage are removed or reshaped as needed to achieve the desired contour.

A splint may be applied to the outside to help retain the new shape during the healing process. Soft, absorbent material may be used inside the nose for shaping and stability. The skin is then re-draped over the new frame. Sutures close the incisions after which time a light dressing is applied.

After Rhinoplasty Surgery

During the rhinoplasty recovery, the nasal dressings and splints are usually removed 6-7 days after surgery. Bruising, swelling and some discomfort are normal–it all goes away soon. You will need to keep your head elevated for several days to reduce swelling and discomfort. You will need to stay in bed for the first day. Cold compresses will also help reduce swelling, aching and bruising. You may experience a little bleeding for a couple days which is normal. If you wear glasses, they will need to be fixed so they do not rest on bridge of your nose.

It’s important to get plenty of rest after surgery and eat a nutrient rich diet to help your body heal. Also avoid any strenuous activities until completely healed. Do no miss your follow-up appointments – these are vital to monitor your healing and progress following your surgery. Most rhinoplasty patients are able to return to work in about a week however complete healing may take several weeks. Healing is a slow and gradual process.