Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Nose Surgery

rhinoplasty nose surgery

Indications

Patients who do not like the appearance of their nose. There are limitations as what can be achieved, depending upon the size of the nose, the thickness of the skin of the nose, and whether there is scarring present or previous surgery had been performed. Insurance does not pay for surgery associated with the cosmetic appearance of the nose.

Surgery

The surgery takes 2-3 hours on average. Additional procedures commonly performed at the time of Rhinoplasty are: Septoplasty, Turbinoplasty, and Chin Augmentation. A small incision is made between the nasal tip and the lip. This extends to the inside of the nostrils. The skin is gently lifted up and the cartilage and bone are sculpted to provide a pleasing appearance and profile.

Post-Operative

This is performed on an outpatient basis. Anesthesia is required most of the time. The patient leaves the surgery center with a nasal splint over their nose. Ice helps to reduce bruising around the eyes. Patients are not permitted to blow their nose, or engage in strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Although results are evident quickly, swelling can be persistent for 12-18 months, especially in the nasal tip. The need to reoperate can be 10-15% in some cases. Realistic expectations are important.

Rhinoplasty is a reliable solution for both aesthetic and functional nose problems. As a commonly administered procedure, results from rhinoplasty are long-lasting and continue to improve after the treatment is completed.

Why Is Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Performed?

Rhinoplasty may be performed to address a wide variety of nose concerns, including:

An asymmetrical nose
A nose that is out of proportion to the rest of the face
Nostrils that are asymmetrical or out of proportion to the nose
Excessive width at the bridge of the nose
Ridges or bumps on the bridge of the nose
Abnormalities at the tip of the nose (bulging, sagging, hooked, etc.)
A deviated septum, which can cause congestion or inhibit breathing
Other structural issues in the nose, either from birth or from an injury

Recovering from Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

In the weeks after surgery, it’s important to let your nose heal, so you’ll likely be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks after the procedure. Also, you’ll need to be careful not to blow your nose, make facial expressions that exacerbate the facial muscles, or pull shirts up over your face. Protect your nose with sunscreen when you go outside and avoid wearing glasses that rest on your nose.

It’s normal to experience swelling, congestion, and minor bleeding after rhinoplasty. After your doctor has removed the initial bandages, you may need to keep a small section of gauze secured under your nose to manage bleeding and mucus.

After you’ve recovered from rhinoplasty, you’ll enjoy permanent improvement to the appearance and/or functionality of your nose. Contact us today to learn more about rhinoplasty and the benefits it can provide to eligible patients.