Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the nose and, in some cases, to improve function and breathing. Reshaping your nose structure creates a dramatic improvement in your facial appearance with greater balance and harmony while bringing out the best in your other features.
Are You a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
If you are dissatisfied with or feel self-conscious about your nose, you may be a candidate for rhinoplasty. Nose reshaping is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the USA and helps many people feel far more confident and attractive. Also, if you have a deviated septum, history of a broken nose, or difficulty breathing through your nose, you can benefit from rhinoplasty.
The best way to find out if you are a candidate for rhinoplasty is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Flugstad and Dr. Rivet. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss your exact cosmetic or structural goals and your candidacy for this custom surgery can be evaluated.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?
Some of the benefits include:
- A straighter and more appealing shape to the nose
- A balanced shape that complements your face
- Reduced width of the nose and nostrils
- Easier breathing through the nostrils after healing
- Boosted self-confidence
What Should I Expect During My Nose Surgery Consultation?
During your consultation for nose surgery, you and your surgeon will discuss the goals of your nose shaping surgery. Surgery of the nose can impact the overall size, change the shape of the tip, smooth a hump on the nose bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or even change the angle of the tip of the nose. Correcting a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates may help to relieve breathing problems. The most important part of your rhinoplasty consultation is clearly identifying the parts of your nose you wish to change and the realistic outcomes you can expect to achieve so that your goals and expectations can be met.
What Happens During Nose Surgery?
To correct nose shape or breathing function, Dr. Flugstad and Dr. Rivet will most commonly use an open technique.
The open technique uses a small incision across the columella and allows for all cartilage and bone components in the entire nose to be clearly visualized and accurately shaped. Most commonly, the open technique is used as it often allows for greater control and precision when performing a rhinoplasty. The scar is most often invisible after healing.
There is another technique called the closed technique. This uses incisions located within the nostrils. The surgeon can use these incisions to access the bones and cartilage within the nose to perform reshaping.
The technique that will best serve your goals can be determined during your consultation with Dr. Flugstad and Dr. Rivet. Both techniques could require a few hours to be performed, and typically require the use of a general anesthetic.
What Is Involved in Rhinoplasty Recovery?
After your nose surgery, a splint is applied to help maintain the new shape and protect your altered nose structure. This is normally left in place for several days. Nasal packing may be placed inside the nose for support. This will require you to breathe through your mouth for the first day or two until the packing is removed. The sutures are removed in about a week.
You will need to rest in bed for a day or two with your head elevated after your nasal surgery. Post-surgery pain can be controlled by pain medication prescribed on an individual basis. Some patients also receive a short course of oral steroid medication to lessen inflammation. During the first week after recovery, it is important to keep your head elevated while sleeping.
Cold compresses placed on your eyes will help to reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising around the eyes can occur, peaking a couple of days after surgery and then slowly fading. Subtle swelling of the nose, unnoticeable by others, may take weeks to a few months to fully subside. Numbness of the tip, which is temporary, can be experienced for the first few weeks after surgery.
When Will I See the Final Results and What Can I Expect?
The final results of your rhinoplasty may not be apparent for several months, depending on your individual rate of recovery and healing. The new shape is visible when the splint is removed less than a week after surgery. Do not be surprised if your friends say they do not notice a major change in your nose. After all, the goal is to improve appearance and function without an “overdone” or unnatural look. A small bump or an oversized tip can be improved without calling attention to itself. Straightening a crooked nose tends to produce more immediate and dramatic results.
The goal of your nose surgery is not only to improve your nose but to enhance your appearance and increase your self-confidence. Contact our office for a consultation at (940) 287-3795.