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Rhinoplasty Surgery

One’s nose is the central, most obvious facial feature, which often determines the balance and proportion of the face. The appearance of one’s nose is prominent and can be genetic or the result of an injury or previous surgery. One’s self esteem and confidence can be affected by the size and shape of the nose. Cosmetic surgery of the nose, also known as rhinoplasty, might be something to contemplate if one is not satisfied with the aesthetic appeal or if one has breathing difficulties.

An improved nose is achieved when the correction of bumps or the depression along the bridge of the nose is adjusted. Fixing the width, nostril size and repositioning of the nose at the bridge can redefine your look. Nasal tips, especially if they are large, bulbous, droopy, upturned, or hooked can also be addressed.

If one has a small chin, weak cheeks or lower jaw, other procedures, such as insertion of facial implants, may help with facial harmony. In combination with a rhinoplasty procedure, facial implants can improve symmetry of the face and size of the nose in relation to other facial features.

An obstructed airway can be improved through nose surgery to improve breathing. This procedure, considered reconstructive, can be covered by one’s insurance at times. A plastic surgeon will have to perform a complete examination to determine the cause of one’s breathing impairment to get prior authorization from one’s insurance carrier.

What Problems Will a Rhinoplasty Address

Rhinoplasty can change or reshape the nasal bridge, minimize the nose’s shape or width, reshaping the nasal tip, or minimize the nostrils’ width or size.

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Preoperative

If one chooses rhinoplasty to improve the facial appearance or breathing difficulty, the surgery should be performed when facial growth is finished, about 15-years-old. People who can safely qualify for a nose surgery are healthy individuals with no life-threatening illnesses or medical concerns and those who do not smoke. Smoking greatly affects the healing process.

Dr. Jason R. Hess, a board certified certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, will evaluate your personal appearance and the improvement goals one has set to best determine what needs to be addressed during the surgery process.

When desiring a more symmetrical nose, one should realize that every individual’s face is somewhat asymmetrical. The true goal is to develop facial balance and correct proportion issues.

When nose surgery is used to improve an obstructed airway, this is also extremely personal. The plastic surgeon must carefully examine the nose’s structure in relationship to airflow and breathing. One common cause of breathing impairment is a deviated septum. This problem is corrected by adjusting the nasal structure for better alignment.

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Postoperative

After surgery, a splint and packing will be placed inside the nose, and a splint or bandages will be placed on the outside. This supports and protects the new structures during the healing process.

During the healing process, one can expect swelling, bruising, headache and discomfort. These common conditions may be controlled with medication and cold compresses.

Dr. Jason R. Hess will ask an individual to keep any nasal packing in place at all times by elevating the head until initial swelling has decreased. An instruction manual will be given to the patient to guide one through this necessary process.

When one feels ready, usually a few days after surgery, one can begin light, normal activity. The packing or splints may be removed after a week, but may be required for an additional week or more. Usually patients will camouflage redness and bruising by using makeup and cosmetics.

The improved appearance of the nose, post surgery, will be noticed after several several weeks, when the initial swelling is reduced. A new appearance will emerge, but will be gradual. Sun protection is recommended and one should protect the nose for four to six months from physical injury.

Results

The results of the rhinoplasty are permanent, however, cartilage continues to grow and move tissue during the span of one’s lifetime. Due to this, the surgery’s outcome will change over time.

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