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Rhinoplasty - Nose Surgery
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We would like to provide some basic information regarding surgery of the nose. However, the best way to get specific information regarding your needs is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Please call (414) 963-0500 or (800) 769-0849 for a consultation. Office hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 1:30-5PM Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty 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. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.
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The best candidates for rhinoplasty
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Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with members of our medical team. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement in their appearance. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they've completed their growth spurt-around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It's important to consider a teenager's social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it's what they, and not their parents, really want.
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All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
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When a rhinoplasty is performed by one of our qualified plastic surgeons, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of a complication, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following our medical team's instructions both before and after surgery. In about 8-10% of surgeries a second procedure may be required to correct a minor deformity.
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What should I expect from the consultation?
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A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a rhinoplasty. During this meeting one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will ask what you'd like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. We will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations. Good communication between you and your physician is essential.
You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:
- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Medications that you are taking, including Aspirin, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies
- Allergies
- Any trauma to your nose, breathing difficulties through your nose
- Smoking history, if any During the consultation the doctor will examine your nose and describe the procedure in detail. Included in that discussion will be risks and limitations of the surgery.
Most insurance policies don't cover cosmetic surgery however, if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity following injury, the procedure may be covered. Our office will contact your insurance company to pre-authorize the surgery if deemed medically necessary. Photos will be taken to send to the insurance company.
Don't hesitate to ask members of our medical team any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
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Preparing for your surgery
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When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:
- Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery, such as Aspirin, Aspirin type products, Vitamin E and Gingko
- Stopping smoking for a period of time (2 weeks) before and after surgery
- Arranging for help and assistance following surgery
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The Surgery
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Rhinoplasties are most often performed in our office-based surgical suite. The surgery usually takes about one and a half to two hours. Most often we use a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) to make you drowsy. Our medical staff will monitor your physical status throughout the surgery and during your recovery. On occasion it's decided to use general anesthesia for the procedure, in that case your surgery would be performed at a hospital. Surgery would be on an outpatient basis.
During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon's preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redropped over the new framework.
Many plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an "open" procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
When the surgery is complete, a splint may be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
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After your surgery
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After surgery, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face and nose will be swollen and you may have a dull headache. Ice packs to the nose and the pain medication prescribed by the doctor will help the discomfort. Plan on resting with your head elevated and ice packs to your nose for the first 24-36 hours. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. (Some subtle swelling unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon will remain for several months.)
A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.
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Getting back to normal
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Most patients are up and about within one to two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery.
We will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery; it's quite normal and understandable.
Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more
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5201 North Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53217 - ph 414.963.0500 - fx 414.963.0359 - 800.769.0849 -
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