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Procedures - Rhinoplasty
In rhinoplasty, we treat deformities of the nose, whether from trauma or from family inheritance. It may involve fairly simple procedures, such as improving the nasal tip, to complex procedures involving several areas such as the bony part of the nose, the septum, and the nasal tip, with or without grafting.
At the initial consultation, the most important item of business is to have you define what bothers you. Is it the width of the nose, a bulbous tip, or a nose that is not straight? Is there a breathing problem with one side or the other? Is it a hump on the bridge of the nose? Once we have defined your complaints, then we can discuss what can and cannot be done. Generally speaking, these operations are done under a general anaesthetic at a surgical center. The patient may have black eyes afterwards, lasting two to three weeks, and will definitely have some swelling which may last quite a while. there will be a plastic splint and tape on the outside of the nose for five to seven days, and if the septum is treated, a plastic splint inside the nose for 10 - 14 days. The major potential complication is a nosebleed that requires a trip to the emergency room within the first few days. This is a very rare occurrence, but be sure to discuss this possibility with your surgeon. Most people are out of work or school for one to two weeks, depending on swelling and bruising. Rhinoplasty can be done in younger patients once the skeletal growth is complete. Generally, the minimum age is around 16 years old. Broken noses may or may not require treatment. In most cases, the nose is examined several days after the injury so that the swelling can diminish and allow for a better exam. A closed reduction, or an attempted straightening, if needed, should be done within two weeks or so of the injury. About 50% of noses that are treated with closed reduction might require a later rhinoplasty to further improve the situation. Insurance will usually cover rhinoplasty done to repair broken noses, if the accident occurred recently. Insurance will also normally cover rhinoplasty to correct breathing problems, but it will rarely, if ever, cover cosmetic improvements even if caused by trauma in the past. Some congenital problems, such as cleft lips / palates, are accompanied by nasal deformities, and the repair of these is usually covered. Often, insurance companies will agree to a split in charges, where insurance covers the functional part of the surgery, such as the septum, and the patient covers the cosmetic part. Facial Aesthetic Surgery Links: American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Rhinoplasty American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Facial Aesthetic Surgery Procedures: Facelift Eyelid Surgery Browlift Rhinoplasty Otoplasty / Ear Surgery |
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