Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic nasal surgery (Rhinoplasty) is the oldest and one of the most popular forms of facial plastic surgery. The nose is the most prominent feature of the face. Even slight imperfections are easily noticeable by an untrained observer. Small corrections can often hugely impact the way a person perceives him/herself.

Today’s nose is a natural one. Each patient who undergoes nasal surgery has the surgery tailored to achieve the right nose for each individual. Each nose should fit each individual’s face. One important aspect of nasal surgery that should not be overlooked is that the nose is not only an image of beauty, but a functioning organ as well. Dr. Karen will strive to achieve both a beautiful cosmetic result as well as a perfectly functioning nose.

Dually trained in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology (ENT), Dr. Karen has the expertise needed to successfully treat all nasal problems, Cosmetic and Functional. Functional repairs are usually covered by insurance. However, if a cosmetic change were also desired, the patient would have to pay for that part of the surgery.

The nose is composed of skin, bone and cartilage, as well as an inner lining. To achieve the ultimate result, bone and cartilage can be altered, removed, rotated or replaced to reshape the nose according to what each patient wants. The inner tissues will also be rearranged to improve the breathing functions of the nose, if that is needed.

Procedure

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, either in the office operating facility or the Outpatient Surgery Center. Almost all incisions are performed on the inner aspect of the nose. A small incision on the bottom of the nose will also be utilized for access. This is performed in more difficult original procedures and complicated revision surgeries. The use of nasal packing is not the routine anymore, and therefore, patients are usually able to breathe adequately after surgery.

Risks

Risks to surgery are few and rare. They include bleeding, infection, scarring and septal perforation.

Results

Results will vary depending on the extent of your surgery. Your individualized results can be discussed in your private consultation.

Post Treatment Instructions

A nasal splint is placed on the nose after surgery and is removed after 5-7 days. Internal sutures will self reabsorb. External sutures are removed on post-op day #5.

Heavy lifting and increased activity should be avoided for up to two weeks. Antibiotic and pain prescriptions will be provided. After this time they can gradually return to normal activity (by 1 month). If the nasal bones are moved, patients will be unable to wear glasses for up to 6 weeks.

You can expect swelling and some bruising around the eyes after surgery which will begin to improve after the third day but lasts up to a couple of weeks. After that you will have a minor degree of swelling that will go away over the next six months. The final shape of your nose will be apparent after it has healed completely.

Visit our facial plastic / cosmetic surgery office in Winchester, Virginia (VA), located in Frederick County, Virginia (VA) and accessible to residents of Maryland and West Virginia.