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Plastic Surgery
> Procedures > Face
About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nose
reshaping) is
one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery
procedures.
The nose is a dominant feature
of the face and has an important role in determining overall
appearance. Modern nasal surgery techniques focus on
reshaping undesirable features of the nose while retaining
those features that are attractive. These procedures may
result in natural-appearing noses that enhance one's facial
proportions.
Nose surgery may be divided into two categories, cosmetic
and functional. Examples of cosmetic procedures on the nose
include reducing a prominent bump on the bridge or refining
a bulbous nasal tip. Cosmetic changes are visible on the
outside of the nose.
Functional improvements involve opening the nasal airways so
that it is easier to breathe. The most common functional
problem is a deviated septum (a midline cartilage structure
that divides the nose into right and left sides). Impairment
of nasal breathing is considered a health problem and is
typically covered by health insurance.
Many patients have both cosmetic and functional concerns
about their nose. An example would be a severely deviated
septum that results in a blocked nasal airway and a visibly
crooked nose. Most health insurers will cover these types of
problems.
Other patients may seek medical treatment for breathing
problems, but would also like to improve the cosmetic
appearance of their nose. For instance, a patient may have
nasal airway obstruction and an unattractive bump on the
bridge. There are important advantages to correcting both
functional and cosmetic problems at the same time. Insurers,
however, are unlikely to cover the costs of the cosmetic
portion of the procedure.
Nose shapes and patient desires vary greatly. Advice about
nasal surgery should be individualized to the particular
patient's needs. In a consultation with Dr.
Ned Snyder, he will review your
cosmetic and functional concerns to help you determine your
best options. To schedule your consultation, please call us
at
512-533-9900
today. We hope that you find this website to be helpful.
Changing the size or shape of your nose with rhinoplasty or
a 'nose job' procedure can improve your overall facial
appearance by creating better balance and harmony.
Rhinoplasty, or nose job surgery, is a delicate but
effective procedure that can improve the appearance of the
nose and face. Rhinoplasty can be used to correct problems
such as crookedness or a deviated septum, and it can also be
used for purely aesthetic reasons. Dr.
Ned Snyder can use
rhinoplasty, or a nose job, to make changes in the size of
the nose or in the shape of the bridge, tip, or nostrils. If
you want to learn more about rhinoplasty, or nose job
surgery, please contact us.
BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
RHINOPLASTY
Why is nose surgery called a
Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the combination
of the Greek words "Rhino" (meaning "nose") and "Plasty"
(meaning "to mold or shape").
How old do you have to be to
have Rhinoplasty?
The quick answer is that a
patient can have rhinoplasty after their nose has fully
matured; around age 16 for women and age 18 for men.
Patients who have completed their growth may have surgery at
earlier ages. Parental consent is required for patients
younger than 18 to have rhinoplasty surgery. Health, rather
than age, is the most important consideration in determining
the maximum advisable age for rhinoplasty.
What options are available for
ethnic noses?
Many ethnic noses have skin,
bone and cartilage qualities that limit the possible
surgical outcomes. Often the best results are achieved with
subtle improvements that do not completely erase the nose's
ethnic qualities.
How long does the procedure
take?
Rhinoplasty surgery will last
from one to two hours depending on the type and degree of
shaping required. If the rhinoplasty is also intended to
improve your breathing, additional time is required.
Does Rhinoplasty hurt?
While the perception of pain is
subjective, most rhinoplasty patients would say that the
surgery was not very painful; they might describe it as
uncomfortable. The few patients who require nasal packing
(placed into the nose after the operation to control
bleeding) do find this bothersome. If your rhinoplasty
requires nasal packing you will most likely be able to
remove it within 48 hours.
What form of anesthesia is
used?
Local anesthesia combined with
light sedation is used for some individuals. Most patients
will have local anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia
administered by a board certified anesthesiologist. With
general anesthesia, the patient will be totally unaware
during the procedure. Be sure to discuss your options and
preferences completely with your surgeon.
Can I return home the same day?
Yes. Rhinoplasty surgery is
performed on an outpatient basis. You will need someone to
drop you off, pick you up, take you home and stay with you
for at least 24 hours.
Will I be stuck in bed after
Rhinoplasty surgery?
You should plan to stay in bed
for about 24 hours while you completely recover from the
anesthesia. After that, you can be up and about without any
difficulties.
How long before I can return to
normal activity?
Following Rhinoplasty, most
people return to normal activities within a few days, but
some swelling and bruising may remain. During the first week
you will have a cast on your nose; if you are not
self-conscious about the cast you can resume most normal
activities after three days. Most of the swelling will be
gone within 3 weeks. Complete resolution of swelling may
take more than one year.
You need to exercise good
judgment for the first few weeks. Do not participate in
strenuous activities that will increase your blood pressure
and nasal swelling. Vigorous activity in the postoperative
period may prolong recovery.
If the bones of your nose were
altered, it may be a number of weeks before you can wear
glasses without special support such as tape.
Are there any scars after
rhinoplasty?
Most types of rhinoplasty
surgery are performed "endonasally" (all the incisions are
inside the nose). Endonasal rhinoplasty will leave small
scars inside the nose only. Some patients may have an "open"
approach if they require extensive nasal tip work or are
having a repeat rhinoplasty. This results in a small,
discrete scar under the nose.
Is rhinoplasty permanent?
Rhinoplasty is permanent, but
after rhinoplasty your nose will still change with the
natural aging process.
What if I don't like my result?
You will need to wait for the
swelling to subside before you can judge your final result.
Patience is important. Often the subtleties and elegance
aren't revealed for many months. If after several months you
are still unhappy with the result, speak to your surgeon
about your options for minor revisions.
What are possible risks of a
rhinoplasty procedure?
Rhinoplasty procedures are
considered safe and hundreds of thousands of rhinoplasty
surgeries are performed every year. Every surgical
procedure, however, is associated with a risk of
complications. Examples of complications associated with
rhinoplasty include adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding
or infection. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will review risks in
detail prior to the procedure.
What is the post-operative
course following rhinoplasty?
Generally, bruising around the
eyes and cheeks is most apparent during the first three days
following surgery. Most discoloration will disappear within
a week. A few days after surgery, you can begin to use
cover-up makeup, if desired. Noticeable swelling may last
for several weeks. Minor residual swelling, most frequently
affecting the nasal tip, may continue for many months, but
generally this should not be apparent to others. If packing
was used, it will be removed one to three days after
surgery. Patients who have an external incision will have
their sutures removed within one week. The nasal splint is
usually worn for one week, during which time you should
avoid getting it wet.
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