Nose Surgery

Whether you feel your nose is too large, too wide, asymmetrical or has an unattractive angle, nose surgery can improve the size, shape and overall appearance of your nose. Rhinoplasty helps balance facial features by creating a nose that is in better harmony with the rest of the face, which can increase your confidence and improve your overall quality of life. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.

If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion.

Rhinoplasty surgery can change:

• Nose size in relation to facial balance
• Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
• Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
• Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
• Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
• Nasal asymmetry

Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum

• Nose surgery that’s done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing.
• Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.

These features are generally caused by heredity, however, they can be caused by the injury. In some cases, the characteristics of the nose are not the only factors contributing to facial imbalance. The facial structure – especially a small chin, weak cheeks and/or jaw – may also contribute to imbalanced facial proportions. In some cases, surgery of the nose may be performed in conjunction with the placement of facial implants or other procedures to achieve overall facial harmony.

When nose surgery is performed to improve breathing function, the cause is most commonly an obstructed airway. This procedure, whether performed alone or in conjunction with cosmetic surgery of the nose, is considered and may be covered by insurance. This requires a detailed examination to verify the cause of your breathing impairment and prior authorization from your insurer

Whether you have a personal desire to improve your appearance or you seek to improve breathing function, surgery of the nose is best performed when facial growth is complete beginning around age 15.

Good candidates for rhinoplasty are:

• Physically healthy with no life-threatening illness that impairs healing
• Non-smokers (Smokers have much higher risks for serious complications during and after surgery)
• Individuals who have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Our plastic surgeons carefully evaluate your individual case and goals for improvement to determine specific features to address through surgery of the nose.

Appropriate techniques will then be defined and may include:

• Alteration of the nasal bridge
• Reshaping the nasal bridge
• Reducing the shape or the width of the nose
• Reshaping the nasal tip
• Reducing the width of the size of the nostrils
• Adjusting the angle between the nose and upper lip

Recovery After Nose Surgery

During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing will likely be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with our plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask our surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals
and if the risks and potential complications of rhinoplasty are acceptable. Our plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

Nose Surgery Risks

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor wound healing or scarring
• Change in skin sensation (numbness or pain)
• Nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) is rare.
• Additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the septum but it may be impossible to correct this complication
• Difficulty breathing
• Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
• Skin discoloration and swelling
• Possibility of surgical revision

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with our plastic surgeon.

Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motions during the time of healing. Your Water’s Edge Dermatology team will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Please ask our plastic surgeon any questions you may have. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your rhinoplasty. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with our plastic surgeon.