Rhinoplasty is one of the most exacting procedures in
plastic surgery because very small changes can significantly alter the
appearance. Careful evaluation, planning, and surgical precision are critically
important. Overly operated noses appear unattractive and unnatural.
To preserve your individuality and maintain the uniqueness
of your nose, Dr. Morris will spend a lot of time with you discussing your
desires and explaining how the changes you desire will affect other features of
your nose and face. By changing only the negative features and carefully
preserving your positive characteristics, your nose will blend more
aesthetically with your face and not appear overly operated. In general,
features of the nose should blend in a pleasing fashion with other facial
structures. Overly prominent regions of the nose such as a large hump or an
excessively round or bulbous tip, detract from a pleasing balance, and can be
improved by rhinoplasty.
Difficulty breathing may be caused by deformities of the
nasal septum or other structures. Nasal septal deviation may occur during nasal
growth or from trauma to the nose. Internal nasal surgery, if needed, can be
combined with surgery of the external nose, or performed independently to
improve airway function as well as appearance.
The degree of correction achievable in a person’s nose
depends to some extent on the characteristics of the skin and cartilage of the
nose. For example, when the skin is extremely thick or oily, the degree of
definition that can be achieved in areas such as the nasal tip may be limited.
Since many nasal structures are vital to overall support and function of the
nose, changes must be made carefully, and in some cases may have to be limited
in order to preserve support and nasal function.
Limitations and Risks
Dr. Morris will discuss any specific limitations with you
during your consultation.
During the healing phase after surgery, scar tissue
formation can occasionally alter the final appearance of the nose. If
undesirable characteristics persist or arise after rhinoplasty, a revision
procedure may be necessary in a small number of patients.
The extent to which nasal airways can be opened depends on
many factors. Internal structures such as the septum are vital to the support
of the nose, and changes must be limited when its support function is
threatened. Although the nasal septum can be straightened at the time of
surgery, the inherent "memory" of cartilage or the effect of scar
tissue forces can produce a re-deviation in some patients.
Risks common to all surgical procedures such as bleeding,
infection, and scar tissue formation occur in a very small number of cases.
Rarely patients may experience some increased difficulty breathing through the
nose, but this usually temporary. Also, we obviously cannot guarantee
that all of your concerns can be completely corrected – but every attempt will
be made to do so if it is possible and safe.
The Operation
Internal and carefully concealed external incisions may be
necessary for the most accurate correction. Dr. Morris will discuss incision
placement with you during your consultation.
To accomplish changes in nasal appearance, the structures
which make up the framework of the nose, including cartilage and bone, are
carefully altered or re-shaped. The skin is then re-draped over the new
framework to achieve the desired appearance. Internally, deviated areas of the
nasal septum are straightened, if necessary, to maximally open the airways
while preserving the support function of the septum.
To protect the changes made to your nose during surgery,
tape and sometimes a nasal splint will be applied at the end of your
rhinoplasty.
After correction of significant airway deformities, a small
internal splint may be necessary after septal surgery, but an open airway is
always maintained. In most cases, absolutely nothing is placed inside your nose
after surgery.
You will have very little discomfort following your
rhinoplasty. Most of our patients describe a feeling of fullness or very mild
discomfort, which lasts a day or two, and we’ll prescribe medication for this.
Most patients require medication for only 2-3 days.
You will be able to see the refinements in your nose
immediately after the splint is removed. Some swelling and bruising will
develop in the first 24 hours after surgery, but will begin to decrease rapidly
by the third day. Any traces of bruising that remain when we remove the tape
can easily be covered by makeup.
Stages Of Recovery
For
rhinoplasty procedures, the average....
