Your nose is the most prominent feature on your face, second only to your eyes. Its size and shape may be the most defining characteristic of your face. If you are unhappy with your nose, you're not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people throughout the U.S. elect to improve the appearance and/or function of their noses through nose surgery or Rhinoplasty. Patients that have breathing problems from trauma to the nose or genetics may want to consider nose surgery or Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum or “crooked” nose. When medically necessary, nose surgery to correct breathing problems may be covered by insurance. Teenagers are especially concerned about the size and shape of their nose and may want a nose job to improve self-confidence.
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
The ideal nose varies from face to face depending on skin type, the size and shape of the nose ethnic background, genetics, age and other variables. During your initial cosmetic consultation with Dr. Nikko, he will examine your nose, discuss your concerns about your nose, review with you your expectations, and explain the probable outcome of your procedure. Dr. Nikko will show you several before and after photographs of patients having similar nose concerns. Like the before and after images you will review in Dr. Nikko’s office, with your consent similar before and after photos may be taken of your nose to document your results.
Patients may want to consider a chin or cheek implant to help add additional balance to the face after a Rhinoplasty procedure. Laser and chemical peals to enhance the quality of the skin around the nose may also be an option you may want to discuss with Dr. Nikko.
Rhinoplasty is the reshaping of the nose. It can be performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, although a complicated procedure may take longer. Most incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. The skin and tissues of the nose along with the underlying bone and cartilage are sculpted by Dr. Nikko to your desired shape. If your nose is too large, for example, Dr. Nikko may sculpt away cartilage to reduce its size. Noses that point up or droop down can be redirected by trimming the septum which divides the two nasal passages. Skin can be removed from both sides of the nostrils at the center, to narrow the base of the nose. Sometimes the contour of the nose can be improved by adding tissue.
Most Rhinoplasty patients are up and active within two days. Your first day should be spent in bed with your head elevated. You will wear a small splint over your nose to protect it and keep it stable for a week or so. Your nose and head will probably ache and your face will feel puffy. This discomfort can be alleviated with prescribed medication. After about three days, the swelling and bruising around your eyes will begin to subside. It should be almost completely gone in about two weeks. Cold compresses applied to the area will help reduce the swelling. Some bleeding is common the first few days after surgery, along with some stuffiness that could last a few weeks. It is recommended that you not blow your nose during the first week while the tissues are healing. After 10 to 12 days all dressings, splints, and sutures should be removed and you can return to a normal life. Strenuous activities, rubbing or bumping your nose should be avoided for several more weeks.
Find out if you might be a candidate for rhinoplasty. Please call our
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