Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery of the nose. There are many reasons why patients seek out rhinoplasty. These include stretching and drooping of the skin with age, congenital deformities, previous trauma, skin cancers, or normal growth and development which the patient finds unattractive. The goal of rhinoplasty is to reshape the supporting structures and skin of the nose and to correct any airway obstruction if one exists.

No other aesthetic surgical procedure has achieved wider acceptance than rhinoplasty. It is an especially satisfying procedure that can be performed at any time after the middle teenage years. Desire and health, not age, are the determining factors.

The degree of improvement possible is limited by an individual's basic nasal anatomy, but wide noses can be narrowed, noses with a hump can be straightened, drooping noses can be lifted, bulbous tips can be reduced, and wide nostrils can be narrowed.

The object is to create a nose that is in harmony with the other facial features, and is natural in appearance.

Rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, or to correct deformities from injuries, is frequently performed in combination with internal nasal surgical procedures to correct breathing problems. If this is the case, medical insurance will often cover a portion of the surgical fee.

Nasal surgery can be performed at the same time as a facelift, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, or other cosmetic surgery procedures.

The Surgery

Several days before your surgery you will visit the office for a history and physical examination. You will be given instructions telling you what to do before and after your surgery. Prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics will be given to you at this time. These should be filled before your surgery. You must not use aspirin or products containing aspirin for two weeks prior to your surgery. Smoking is strictly prohibited three weeks prior and three weeks after your surgery to avoid serious healing problems. We cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid smoking around the time of your surgery. Photos are also taken prior to the surgery to help you and the doctors gauge the results of your surgery.

During surgery several steps are taken to address your particular problem. These typically include repositioning cartilage and bone and redraping of the skin. If a septal problem (cartilage between your nostrils) exists, work may be performed on this structure as well. Occasionally grafts consisting of cartilage and other material may be necessary. The incisions are typically within the nostrils but occasionally external incisions are necessary near the base of the nose. A plastic splint is usually placed over the nose to hold the tissues in their new position. Nasal packing and septal splints are also used when necessary.

Following your surgery, you must keep your head elevated and you must avoid heavy lifting or straining. The recovery time varies with the individual but typically most of the bruising and swelling is resolved within the first week or two. You must have a friend, relative or other responsible party with you on the evening and night of your surgery.

Are You a Good Candidate?

To be a good candidate for any plastic surgery, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. It's important to understand that plastic surgery can enhance your appearance and self confidence but, like all plastic surgery, is not going to solve underlying emotional issues you may have. Always think carefully about your reasonable expectations and discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

This is a safe and commonly performed procedure but like all surgery complications can occur.

Next Steps

All successful surgeries begin with open and honest communication between doctor and patient. Are you considering plastic surgery? Please contact our staff at Sarasota Plastic Surgery and let us educate you about your options and the procedures available. We want you to understand all the possibilities even if you choose not to have surgery at our world class facility. Contact us at 941.256.3938 or with the form on this page to start this potentially life changing experience today.