Rhinoplasty (or Nose Refinement Surgery) is the most intricate cosmetic surgery performed today as well as one of the most popular. Some are unhappy with the noses they were born with, and some with the way aging has changed the shape of their nose. For others, an injury may have caused the nose to change and may or may not have caused breathing issues. But one thing is for sure: nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose as the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face and even the slightest alteration can greatly improve one’s appearance.
Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Skin type, ethnic background, and age are all important factors to be discussed with Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour during your consultation. A young patient must have reached full growth prior to surgery, usually age fifteen or sixteen. There may be some exceptions if breathing is severely impaired. During your consultation, Dr. Layke and Dr. Danielpour may discuss if any additional surgery might be recommended to enhance the appearance of your face. Many patients have chin augmentation in addition to rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features.
During your surgery, first incisions are made and the bone and cartilage support system of the nose is accessed. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils, usually called an open rhinoplasty. Next, certain amounts of underlying bone and cartilage are removed, added to, or rearranged to provide a newly shaped structure. Finally, the skin is redraped over your new nose. The procedure usually takes an hour or two, although more complex procedures may take longer.
Immediately after surgery, a split will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable for at least 5-8 days. If packing is placed inside the nose during surgery, you will come to see Dr. Layke and Danielpour to have it removed the morning following the surgery. Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to you in order to make you more comfortable. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated for the first day and you are advised to avoid blowing your nose for seven days after surgery. In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area which can be reduced with cold compresses. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks. Most Rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or work a week following surgery. Each patient is different and Dr. Layke and Danielpour will guide you during your recovery as to which activities you may participate in but generally you should avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks. You should also avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
While you may not see your final result of your new nose for six months to a year when all swelling as gone down, you will be able to enjoy your new look a week or two after surgery and day by day your nose will begin to look better and better.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reason. Surgery to correct or improve nasal function or surgery for major deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. At BHPSG, we can check your benefits prior to your consultation to see what options may be available to you regarding insurance.
Interested in changing your look with rhinoplasty? Give us a call today to schedule your consultation!
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group
(310) 275-6600
