If you’ve suffered an injury or lack confidence due to an irregular shape in the underlying bone/cartilage of your nose, you may want to consider a rhinoplasty. Wisconsin residents who are looking for a change are invited to the relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff of Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire.
Rhinoplasty may be desirable if you have an irregular appearance of the nose. This may be the result of birth defects, injury, disease or if one desires a change in the shape of the nose. The desired result is a more attractive nasal shape and one in better proportion to the other facial features.
Reasons for Seeking Nasal Reshaping:
- “My nose is too large for my face”
- “I hate my profile”
- “The tip of my nose is too large”
- “I want the hump on the bridge of my nose removed”
- Disfigurement after injury
- Poor nasal airflow
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis either in a surgical facility or in our office surgical suite. The anesthetic is either a general (patient is asleep) or a local with sedation. Operative time is one to two hours, and in most cases all incisions are hidden inside the nose.*
Recovery time*:
The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in 7-10 days. Bruising and swelling subside progressively over 1-4 weeks. External sutures, if any, are removed in 4-6 days. A semi-final result is evident in 3 months. Most patients are socially acceptable within 7-12 days.*
We have seen a rise across the country in requests for rhinoplasty. Wisconsin is no exception. Nasal surgery in particular has become more popular in recent years because the nose is the dominant facial feature. We often disguise protruding ears with various hairstyles, soften the appearance of our eyes with makeup, but unwanted nasal features can’t be hidden or disguised. In the over 500 rhinoplasty procedures that I have performed, I have employed a conservative approach. This method avoids the dreaded “operated on” or “done” appearance.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures. The first is a reconstruction of the nose that has been disfigured by injury or has become damaged from disease, such as skin cancer. I like to categorize this type of procedure as a functional rhinoplasty. The procedure is performed to relieve such symptoms as the inability to breathe through one or both nostrils and the associated complaints of excessive mouth breathing or headaches.
The disfigurement of the nose is most commonly caused by some traumatic event such as a sports injury. This can result in a displacement of the partition inside the nose that separates one nostril from the other (nasal septum). The external framework can also be affected leaving the condition commonly called a twisted nose. The functional rhinoplasty is often covered by insurance.
The second type of rhinoplasty is cosmetic. The ultimate goal is to produce a better appearance of the nose. I refer to this second type as an aesthetic rhinoplasty. Because this is a purely cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance.
If a functional rhinoplasty is to be performed, a preoperative evaluation and detailed history of any injury is taken, and the nose is examined to determine the degree of nasal airflow impairment. The internal nasal partition (nasal septum) is examined for any signs of displacement. The external framework is also examined to determine any displacement of the nasal bones, which can often happen after a nasal fracture.
In the case of an aesthetic rhinoplasty, I feel the most important aspect of the initial consultation is to determine whether the results of the procedure can realistically meet the patient’s expectations. Difficulties can arise when a patient states, “I want my nose to look exactly like this,” and presents me with a picture of a celebrity. This type of result is often not realistic because other facial features contribute to the nasal appearance and the nasal framework may not allow a specific result. However, certain characteristics of someone else’s nose may be incorporated into each individualized Rhinoplasty. When considering rhinoplasty, Wisconsin patients should be aware that there are limitations.*
Eighty percent of the swelling will have subsided within 10 days. Over the next 2 months, swelling should subside completely. Complications are rare, but may arise. The most common complications are infection, asymmetry, scarring and bleeding.*
The rhinoplasty procedure can be a positive method to address a twisted nose or concerns about one’s nasal appearance. It is my recommendation that a less aggressive approach is better and patient expectations must be fully evaluated. For rhinoplasty, Wisconsin residents should look no further than Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire.
Before and After Nasal Surgery Photos
Results will vary.*
Above: 24 y/o female sustained nasal trauma with resulting loss of bridge projection and with tip drooping. Underwent rhinoplasty with tip elevation and bridge reconstruction. Postoperative photographs at 4 months.
Results will vary.*
Above: 24 y/o female with complaint of enlarged nasal tip and dorsal hump on bridge. Under went moderately aggressive rhinoplasty with hump removal and tip reduction. Post-operative photos taken at 3 months.
Results will vary.*
Above: 36 y/o male with complaint of poor nasal projection and difficulty with nasal airflow. Under went Rhinoplasty with focus on improving nasal projection and tip elevation. Post-operative photos at 5 months.
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*Individual results may vary. Read more.
