Rhinoplasty

Dr. Simmons performs Rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.

Reasons for Surgery

Reasons include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps as well as improving the angle of a nose. Conditions may be natural or due to external trauma to the face. This operation will also help patients who have difficulty breathing. The operation can be performed on all age groups, including teens and the elderly.

Before Surgery

A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. We will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs allow Dr. Simmonsto evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Pre-operative instructions may include eliminating certain drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.

Method of Surgery

Surgery is usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Most cases involve a reduction in shape or size of the nose, with removal of a hump and correction of tip irregularities. The skin of the nose is carefully lifted from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin is re-draped over the surface. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem. Most of the incisions are placed inside the nostrils with a small connection made across the tissue between the nostrils. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin surgery to improve the profile.

Post-Operative Information

The initial recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed within a week. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising occurs around the eyes and begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.

Insurance