RHINOPLASTY

Surgical changes of nose function or shape is called a Rhinoplasty. Not only do we reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons but we can correct deformities due to trauma. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose.  The nose is often a distracter, when it does not match your face people focus on the nose. Our goal is to harmonize your nose so it compliments your face and the focus is drawn to your smile and your eyes, as this is what we see as the most attractive features.  We commonly hear patients state that after a rhinoplasty they begin getting compliments on how beautiful their smile and their eyes are.   Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.  Occasionally a small piece of cartilage is taken from the nasal septum, ear or rib to aid in structural support to the nose.  This allows the overlying skin to have a smooth natural appearance.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

Reasons include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps as well as improving the angle of a nose and defining the nasal tip. Conditions may be developmental or due to external trauma to the nose. This operation will also help patients who have difficulty breathing. The operation can be performed on all age groups, including older teens and the elderly.  Common reasons patients seek out a rhinoplasty procedure is that they have  broken their nose in the past and the nose healed in an incorrect position. Often leaving patients with a cosmetic deformity and also decreased breathing ability through their nose.  As facial surgeons Drs. Lohr and Hollabaugh offer extensive background and training in both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures.  

 

BEFORE SURGERY

A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. We will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Drs. Lohr or Hollabaugh to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin other blood thinners in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed after surgery to prevent infection.

METHOD OF SURGERY

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.  Rhinoplasty is very technique sensitive, often changes less than a millimeter can effect the appearance of the nose.  Our surgeons take the upmost care to control all aspects of the procedure to maximize predictability of results.  Most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, nasal tip, angulation or removal of a hump.  The skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped to achieve our desired results. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem as well in a procedure called a septoplasty. The incisions are placed inside the nose, unless the surgeon uses an open approach, in which case an incision is made across the tissue between the nostrils. In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeon may make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to improve the profile.

POST-OPERATIVE INFORMATION

The initial recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed  one week post operatively. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising usually occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a week. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks. It is important to know that there is no such thing as a perfect rhinoplasty or a perfect nose.  If you know what to look for every single nose and rhinoplasty has small imperfections.  We strive for perfect and come close but to promise a perfect rhinoplasty in our opinion is not being honest. We find that we have dramatic improvements and we meet patients’ realistic expectations.  It is important in your consultation to understand what can and can’t be done to obtain predictable results.  We will not promise what cannot be delivered.   Every one has seen pictures of celebrities with a rhinoplasty gone wrong, we will not get you into a position where your nose looks “done” or distort your anatomy so much that it looks artificial or fake.   We understand what can and can’t be done and we pride ourselves on our predictability and obtaining great results.

INSURANCE

Your insurance company may pay for all or part of the costs associated with your surgery if the surgery is being performed as a result of nasal obstruction or trauma. Insurance does not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty.  It is recommended that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage.