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Plastic Surgery
Procedures
Procedures>>Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
- Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona
Rhinoplasty
(Nose Job / Nose Surgery / Nose Reshaping)
Rhinoplasty, or a 'nose job', is a delicate but
effective surgery that can improve the appearance
of the nose and face. Changing the size or shape of your nose with
rhinoplasty procedure can
improve your overall facial appearance by
creating better balance and harmony.
Rhinoplasty can be used to correct problems
such as crookedness or a deviated septum, and
it can also be used for purely aesthetic
reasons. Dr. Berardi can use rhinoplasty to make changes in the size of the
nose or in the shape of the bridge, tip, or
nostrils. If you want to learn more about
rhinoplasty please
contact us.
Rhinoplasty,
one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery
procedures,
focuses on reshaping undesirable features of the
nose while retaining those features that are
attractive.
This procedure can
result in a more natural-appearing nose that
enhance your overall facial proportions.
Because the nose is a
dominant feature of the face, it has an important
role in determining overall appearance.
Nose surgery may be divided into two categories,
cosmetic and functional. Examples of cosmetic
procedures on the nose include reducing a
prominent bump on the bridge or refining a bulbous
nasal tip. Cosmetic changes are visible on the
outside of the nose.
Functional improvements involve opening the nasal
airways so that it is easier to breathe. The most
common functional problem is a deviated septum (a
midline cartilage structure that divides the nose
into right and left sides). Impairment of nasal
breathing is considered a health problem and is
typically covered by health insurance.
Many patients have both cosmetic and functional
concerns about their nose. An example would be a
severely deviated septum that results in a blocked
nasal airway and a visibly crooked nose. Most
health insurers will cover these types of
problems.
Other patients may seek medical treatment for
breathing problems, but would also like to improve
the cosmetic appearance of their nose. For
instance, a patient may have nasal airway
obstruction and an unattractive bump on the
bridge. There are important advantages to
correcting both functional and cosmetic problems
at the same time. Insurers, however, are unlikely
to cover the costs of the cosmetic portion of the
procedure.
Nose shapes and patient desires vary greatly.
Advice about nasal surgery should be
individualized to the particular patient's needs.
In a consultation with Dr. Berardi, he will review your cosmetic and
functional concerns to help you determine your
best options. To schedule your consultation,
please contact us today.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
How
old do you have to be to have Rhinoplasty?
Patients can
have rhinoplasty after their nose has fully
matured; around age 16 for women and age 18
for men. Patients who have completed their
growth may have surgery at earlier ages.
Parental consent is required for patients
younger than 18 to have rhinoplasty surgery.
Health, rather than age, is the most
important consideration in determining the
maximum advisable age for rhinoplasty.
What options are
available for ethnic noses?
Many ethnic
noses have skin, bone and cartilage qualities
that limit the possible surgical outcomes.
Often the best results are achieved with
subtle improvements that do not completely
erase the nose's ethnic qualities.
How long does the
procedure take?
Rhinoplasty
surgery will last from one to three hours
depending on the type and degree of shaping
required. If the rhinoplasty is also intended
to improve your breathing, additional time
may be
required.
Does Rhinoplasty
hurt?
While the
perception of pain is subjective, most
rhinoplasty patients would say that the
surgery is associated with some discomfort.
Any issues of pain can be addressed with
prescription pain medication. The few
patients who require nasal packing (placed
into the nose after the operation to control
bleeding) do find this bothersome. If your
rhinoplasty requires nasal packing you will
most likely be able to remove it within 72
hours.
What form of
anesthesia is used?
Local anesthesia
combined with light sedation is used for some
individuals. Most patients will have local
anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia
administered by a board certified
anesthesiologist. With general anesthesia,
the patient will be totally unaware during
the procedure. Be sure to discuss your
options and preferences completely with your
surgeon.
Can I return home the
same day?
Yes. Rhinoplasty
surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.
You will need someone to drop you off, pick
you up, take you home and stay with you for
at least 24 hours.
Will I need bedrest after Rhinoplasty surgery?
You should plan
to stay in bed for about 24 hours while you
completely recover from the anesthesia. After
that, you can be up and about without any
difficulties.
How long before I can
return to normal activity?
Following
Rhinoplasty, most people return to normal
activities within a few days, but some
swelling and bruising may remain. During the
first week you will have a splint on your
nose; if you are not self-conscious about the
splint
you can resume most normal activities after
three days. Most of the swelling will be
resolved
within 3 to 4 weeks. Complete resolution of
swelling may take up to one year.
You need to
exercise good judgment for the first few
weeks. Do not participate in strenuous
activities that will increase your blood
pressure and nasal swelling. Vigorous
activity in the postoperative period may
prolong recovery. If the bones of your nose
were altered, it may be a number of weeks
before you can wear glasses without special
support such as tape.
Are there any scars
after rhinoplasty?
Most types of
rhinoplasty surgery are performed
"endonasally" (all the incisions are inside
the nose). Endonasal rhinoplasty will leave
small scars inside the nose only. Some
patients may have an "open" approach if they
require extensive nasal tip work or are
having a repeat rhinoplasty. This results in
a small, discrete scar under the nose.
What if I don't like
my result?
You will need to
wait for the swelling to subside before you
can judge your final result. Patience is
important. Often the subtleties and elegance
aren't revealed for 6 to 12 months after
surgery. If after
this time period you are still unsatisfied with the
result, speak to your surgeon about your
options for minor revisions.
What are possible
risks of a rhinoplasty procedure?
Rhinoplasty
procedures are considered safe and hundreds
of thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries are
performed every year. Every surgical
procedure, however, is associated with a risk
of complications. Examples of complications
associated with rhinoplasty include adverse
reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or
infection. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will
review risks in detail prior to the
procedure.
What is the
post-operative course following rhinoplasty?
Generally,
bruising around the eyes and cheeks is most
apparent during the first three days
following surgery. Most discoloration will
disappear within a week. A few days after
surgery, you can begin to use cover-up
makeup, if desired. Noticeable swelling may
last for several weeks. Minor residual
swelling, most frequently affecting the nasal
tip, may continue for 6 to 12 months, but
generally this should not be apparent to
others. If packing was used, it will be
removed one to three days after surgery.
Patients who have an external incision will
have their sutures removed within one week.
The nasal splint is usually worn for one
week, during which time you should avoid
getting it wet.
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