Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgery

CONSIDERING RHINOPLASTY (cosmetic nasal surgery). Sometimes a woman inherits her father's nose - it may look great on his masculine face - but too "out of balance" on her face. There may have been trauma causing a crooked nose… or a prominent bump … or other congenital/inherited concerns. Age … causes skin to thicken, noses begin drooping and looking longer or getting larger!! There are many, many reasons patients come to us for help with their noses. Our nose is the defining facial feature so it's important that it be in proportion with the rest of the face…it should fit well and look good!

Whatever your reason may be.. you should know that rhinoplasty is not just a beauty procedure. While is improves the appearance of the nose it can also improve nasal function, correct deformities and restore youthful appearance. For women this can result in a more delicate, feminine appearance and for men…it can result in a more youthful look along with improved nasal function. In all cases … rhinoplasty is effective in achieving facial balance and harmony.

Are you a candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery? If you are mature in your growth and development (usually age 15 or so), are in good health, have realistic goals and expectations and want to correct any of the problems mentioned above - or others not mentioned - this could be a good choice for you.

The initial plastic surgery visit or consultation is important! During this visit your concerns will be discussed in detail, a complete medical history will be taken, previous injuries and/or surgeries to the nose will be discussed… you and Doctor will talk about the procedure and decide what's best for you.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery - Your instructions will include diet, medications, vitamins and herbs - what to take and what not to take, cleansing your face thoroughly, not using makeup, smoking and alcohol. Smoking and alcohol consumption can have negative effects on any surgical procedure. You need to have a responsible person drive you to and from our office the day of your surgery and stay overnight with you if possible.

Where your Rhinoplasty performed - Most of our surgical procedures are done at the Hawthorne Surgical Center State-of-the-Art Facilities.

How Long Will The Procedure Take? This surgery takes about 2 and ½ hours to complete - and is done on an out-patient basis.

What About Recovery? You will be in our recovery area until you are ready to go home- usually about an hour. During that time a nurse will be with you to monitor you and keep you comfortable. Discomfort is usually minimal and will be controlled with pain medication.

About Anesthesia - Local anesthetic with continuous sedation or general anesthesia are used. You and Doctor will decide what's best for you.

How the Rhinoplasty surgery is performed - Small incisions are made inside the nose to gain access to the underlying cartilage and bone - which are then "sculpted" into shape. In some surgeries - removing the hump - some bone needs to be removed and other bones brought closer together to achieve the desired results. When changing the angle between the nose and upper lip - the septum has to be trimmed. After the necessary procedures are done - incisions are closed with small sutures. Tapes and/or an external splint are applied and have to be worn for about a week. An internal splint is required when the septum has been straightened.

Getting back tonormal after Rhinoplasty Surgery - You will need to remain quiet and keep your head above hear level for 2-3 days to prevent nosebleeds and to aid in recovery. This will also help reduce swelling and discomfort. Pain medication will be prescribed for discomfort - which is usually mild - patients tell us it's like a bad cold. You will need to use an ointment (Polysporin) along the suture line and a nasal salt spray (Ayr or Ocean) at 6-8 times a day during this period of recovery. These steps help prevent "crusting" inside the nose during the first few days following surgery.

The first two weeks after Rhinoplasty Surgery- You absolutely must avoid any vigorous activity during this time. You should be able to return to work in 7-10 days. You will be wearing tapes, during this first week and splint(s). You may bathe and shampoo - but be careful to keep the bandage dry. Swelling and Bruising lessen daily over the next few weeks but a small amount of swelling remains for several weeks - becoming less and less noticeable each day. Sometimes an area may be a little numb or stiff - this all goes away over time and is less noticeable as you become active again.

All Healing Takes Time - but you can help your body heal quicker and completely by following a good nutrition program, getting plenty of rest, keeping the head elevated at prescribed, eliminating or reducing smoking and drinking and other things the Doctor and staff ask you to do. The wonderful results will go a long way to enhancing your "more youthful" appearance and improving your self-confidence!