Nose Reshaping and Breathing Improvement

Nose Reshaping and Breathing Improvement - The nose can be brought closer to the aesthetic norm through an open or closed technique. The open technique requires an incision across the bridge of skin that divides the nostrils (columella) and the closed technique can be done through incisions hidden inside the nose. The open technique is typically used if alterations are needed to the tip of the nose and the closed technique can be used if alterations are made only to the bridge (dorsum) of the nose.

Expectations

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Rhinoplasty/Septorhinoplasty
Courtesy of Dr. Derek Ford
Rhinoplasty/Septorhinoplasty
Courtesy of Dr. Derek Ford
Rhinoplasty/Septorhinoplasty
Courtesy of Dr. Derek Ford

What should I expect?

Alterations may be made to increase or decrease the nasal bridge, reduce the size or width of the nose, narrow the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, or reshape the tip. The goals set by you and your plastic surgeon will determine the surgical techniques used in your procedure. In many cases, the incisions are placed inside your nose and are not visible post-operation. If it is necessary to narrow the base of the nose or reduce the nostrils, small portions of skin at the base of the nostrils will be removed as well in order to keep your nose proportional. These incisions are made in the natural crease of your face, where the cheek and nostril meet. Sometimes an "open rhinoplasty" is necessary. This is when the surgeon makes a short incision on the columella, the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Whatever incisions are used to reshape your nose, they will ultimately be very inconspicuous. Your rhinoplasty may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. For your comfort, a general anesthetic is often used to sedate the patient so that a breathing tube can be placed into the mouth and throat to protect the airway during surgery on the nose. As a safety precaution, several machines will monitor your heart, blood pressure, pulse and amount of oxygen circulating in your bloodstream during the procedure. After your surgery, you will be closely monitored in the recovery area. While there may be some discomfort, your physician can prescribe medication for home to control the pain. Depending on the surgical technique used, a splint may be placed on the bridge of your nose for the purpose of holding the tissues in place until they have stabilized. The splint will protect your nose while you sleep and shield it from accidental bumps. Frequently, you may also have a small triangular bandage beneath the tip of your nose. Packing or soft internal splints are sometimes used inside the nostrils, especially if work has been done to improve your breathing.

How should I prepare?

Be prepared to discuss your medical history at the consultation. This will cover information about any medical conditions you may have, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including repair of nasal injuries, and medications that you currently take. You may also be asked if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, suffer from allergies that may cause nasal stuffiness, or are a chronic user of nasal spray. It is important that you provide thorough information. In preparation for your rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon will conduct a general examination of your internal nasal structures. The size and shape of your nose, the proportion to your other facial features and your skin quality will be taken into account as well. In some instances, chin surgery may be recommended in order to maintain your facial balance. This procedure can be done at the same time as your rhinoplasty. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking several weeks prior to surgery. Try to avoid Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs for a certain period of time before your procedure as they sometimes cause increased bleeding. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions. If your rhinoplasty is to be an outpatient procedure, be sure to have someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you at least for the first night.

What are the risks?

Thousands of people a year undergo rhinoplasty and experience pleasing results without any major problems. Significant issues or complications from rhinoplasty are infrequent, however patients considering the procedure should be aware of the risks as well as the benefits. If a patient has rhinoplasty to reduce the bump on the bridge of the nose, they may feel that it isn't reduced enough after surgery but often the swelling takes months to a year to completely resolve.

How do I ensure my safety?

Be sure your surgeon has training in rhinioplasty by determining if they are board certified/board eligible in plastic surgery or ENT. Also be sure they are operating in an accredited facility where your breathing will not be compromised during the procedure.

What will recovery be like?

Rhinoplasty recovery time varies greatly among patients. The first few days after your procedure, you should restrict yourself to light activities and sleep with your head elevated. Bleeding and swelling are not uncommon but if concerned, contact your physician. In the time after your surgery, stay away from Aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medication. In the first few days immediately after your procedure, bruising around your eyes and cheeks will be noticeable. Most bruising and discoloration will vanish within a week and most swelling will resolve within the first few weeks but all swelling may take up to a year to resolve. Specifically, minor swelling most frequently affecting the nasal tip, may continue for many months to a year, but generally this should not be apparent to others. Using makeup to conceal some of the bruising is allowed after a few days. Any packing used will either dissolve on its own or in some cases be removed, three to seven days after the procedure. Stitches may also be removed at that time. You may be advised to wear your nasal splint for up to a week after the surgery. Once the rhinoplasty is finished, the end result should be a nose that appears natural and blends seamlessly with the rest of your face. In accordance with the lengthy healing process, final results won't be determined until a year after your procedure. However, you may enjoy the benefits of your surgery only weeks after the procedure. In some cases, additional surgeries are desired in order to further improve the results reached. If this is the case, your discussion with your physician should focus on realistic expectations.

How much does it cost?

In the United States, the average cost of nose reshaping and breathing improvement is $7,836, according to BuildMyHealth's Pricing Database.This includes costs of anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related fees.

See more detailed pricing for this procedure