PERHAPS NO OTHER OPERATION EMBODIES THE ESSENCE OF PLASTIC SURGERY BETTER THAN RHINOPLASTY – A “NOSE JOB.”
Rhinoplasty is commonly performed, is impossible to hide, and is a source of great concern for both the patient and the surgeon. Our practice mainly focuses on patients seeking cosmetic improvement in the nose. However, breathing problems and deformities related to past injuries commonly accompany the desire for cosmetic enhancement.
All our rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Most patients complain of difficulty breathing through the nose for a few days after surgery, not unlike having a cold. Nasal packing is rarely, if ever,used in our patients.
SURGEONS CONSIDER RHINOPLASTY IN COMPONENTS, AND SO SHOULD YOU.
Rather than simply thinking: “my nose is too big,” start breaking that down a little. Is it too wide; is it too long; is there a hump; is the tip too round? Then start to imagine if the dominant component was corrected, would the other components all blend together in an appealing manner? For example, if you imagine a hump removed, would the tip be in proportion?
Due to the subjective nature of what constitutes success in cosmetic rhinoplasty, as well as the many factors which can affect final shape and healing, rhinoplasty carries a higher revision rate than most other plastic surgery procedures. The best way we have found to ensure surgeon and patient are envisioning the same goals is computer imaging. Photographs of the patient are digitally modified to simulate the effect of the procedure.
THE NOSE SHOULD REMAIN IN BALANCE WITH THE FACE.
The best surgery looks like no surgery has been done and is completely natural in appearance. Ethnicity must be considered with rhinoplasty and the nose must look like it belongs on the face.
ONE YEAR IS USUALLY REQUIRED BEFORE THE SHAPE OF THE NOSE IS FINAL FOLLOWING SURGERY.
So, patience is important both for the patient and surgeon. Selecting a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is also a wise choice, especially for cosmetic rhinoplasty.