Physicians Institute for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
JONATHAN R. WEISER, MD
J. CRAIG UECKER, MD
Nasal Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida
The following information is for your benefit. Here you will find answers to many of the questions that patients ask about nasal surgery.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE NASAL SURGERY?
Plastic surgery of the nose is concerned with the external appearance and the internal function of the entire nose. The purpose is to make you look as good as it is possible for you to look and to improve your breathing if necessary.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY OUTCOME TO BE FROM RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?
The surgeon’s sense of aesthetics, his understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nose, and his technical abilities are the most important determinants of the final appearance and function of the nose. Some factors influencing the final outcome; however, are not completely under the control of the surgeon.
The patient’s appearance following nose surgery will be influenced by variables such as thickness of the skin, overall facial shape, age and heredity. The skin, in particular, has an important influence on the results of surgery since thick skin precludes a delicate nasal tip.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT NOSE FOR ME?
Any change in shape or size of the nose must take into account the remainder of the face and the entire body. A small, thin nose is inappropriate to a strong, broad face. Conversely, a large, broad nose may overbalance a small, delicate face. Alterations in size and shape of the nose sometimes should be accompanied by changes in other facial features to obtain the best overall facial balance. The chin, in particular, may be augmented or altered as a compliment to nasal plastic surgery.
WILL I HAVE SCARS FOLLOWING RHINOPLASTY?
Nasal surgery may be performed through incisions made inside the nose so that there are no external visible scars. In about 10% of patients, small external incisions are placed on the nasal sill and in skin creases to make them as inconspicuous as possible. In many patients (most often but not always those who have had previous nasal surgery or with complex problems) a small incision will be placed on the columella (the mid-line structure at the bottom of the nose) to provide more complete operative exposure. This scar is also made as inconspicuous as possible.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED DURING NASAL PLASTIC SURGERY?
Either local or general anesthesia can be used. Local anesthesia is combined with light sedation so that the patient remains drowsy although he or she may remember some parts of the operation. An expert anesthetist who charges separately for his services gives general anesthesia and local with sedation.
HOW LONG DOES THE RHINOPLASTY OPERATION TAKE?
The operating time varies depending on the amount of surgery necessary; however, it usually takes sixty to ninety minutes. Septal work done to improve breathing may add thirty minutes of surgical time, while performance of a chin implant adds twenty minutes.
DOES NASAL SURGERY REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION?
Most patients having extensive septal surgery remain overnight at the hospital. However, some patient’s surgery can be performed as outpatient. Patients having ambulatory surgery at the hospital or office need to report shortly before surgery and remain three to four hours after. If you live more than one hour away you must stay overnight near the office after surgery. If you desire, we will recommend a nearby hotel. You will need to have someone with you when you leave after the operation, remain with you overnight, and accompany you when you return to the office the morning after surgery for a postoperative check. If a relative or friend is not available to you, we will recommend a nurse.
If you stay overnight in the hospital, you will be admitted the morning of surgery and discharged the day after surgery. Private or semi-private room, and private duty nurses can be made available for you.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER NASAL SURGERY?
At the end of nose surgery, taping and a protective splint are applied over the nose and left in place for 4-5 days. The nose is usually packed. Placement and removal of the packing are painless. If there are stitches outside of the nostrils, these are removed in 4-5 days. Stitches inside of the nostrils are the dissolving type and do not have to be removed. Any discomfort following surgery will be managed with pain medication.
Swelling of the nose and bruising around the eyes is usual following nasal surgery and should not alarm you. Reduction in swelling and bruising begins on the fourth or fifth day following surgery. Internal healing and fine remodeling as well as subtle improvements in the shape of the nose will continue for a few months. In some patients, the nose continues to refine in overall appearance for as long as two years.
Since the internal parts of the nose also swell after surgery you may not be able to breathe through your nose for the first few days following your operation. Breathing will improve as swelling subsides.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK FOLLOWING NASAL PLASTIC SURGERY?
Most patients are presentable and may return to school or work at seven days after nose reshaping surgery. The patient should remain quiet for the first 48 hours after surgery. Visitors and telephone calls should be kept to minimum. Moderately active sports such as swimming, tennis, and golf may be resumed 3 weeks after surgery. Sports involving body contact such as football, wrestling, etc. are prohibited for 6 weeks.
