Rhinoplasty Surgery (Nose Reshaping)
The nose, along with the eyes and the mouth is a vital structure in determining what creates an attractive face. The nose occupies the center of the face and is one of the foundations of facial proportion. Although the nose is one unit its consists of several subunits.
A cosmetic nose surgery involves consideration of the envelope of skin that covers the nose, the nasal bones, the tip, the nostrils and the cartilaginous components. A nose may be too wide, too long and too high with a hump (bump) and a bulky tip. Refinement and shaping of some or all of the components of the nose may be required to achieve the optimal outcome.
Our practice offers consultations for rhinoplasty surgery in our Middlebury, Connecticut and NYC offices.
Your Introduction to Rhinoplasty Surgery Begins with a Personal Consultation with Doctor Moynahan
Upon entering the Doctor’s office you are greeted pleasantly and made comfortable in an environment that is welcoming and professional. During the consultation you will be given the opportunity to express your concerns and your ultimate goals. The consultation is relaxed and unhurried.
Your medical, surgical and family history is obtained during the consultation. Your medications, drug, food, and environmental allergies, botanicals and food supplements are evaluated and documented.
Your motivation and goals are thoroughly discussed with Doctor Moynahan. It is important to establish realistic expectations. Your operation must be grounded in your personal decision to proceed with an alteration of your nose and hence facial appearance.
A physical examination is performed and pre-operative photographs taken. The risks, benefits, alternatives including no surgery and possible complications are explained.
You are given the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered to your satisfaction. Information is power. Your decision to have cosmetic nose surgery will be made based upon the pertinent facts provided to you as an individual.
Nose Reshaping Procedure (rhinoplasty procedure)
Proportion and symmetry are the desired result
A surgical approach requires taking the subunits of the nose into consideration. The anatomy of the nose consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles which overly the nasal bones. The septal and upper and lower nasal cartilages and the lining of the nose which is the mucosa completes the anatomy.
The quality of the nasal skin which may be be thin, thick, oily or acneic is taken into consideration and discussed with you at the time of your consultation with Doctor Moynahan.
A straighter profile occurs when a big bump on the dorsum is removed with realignment of the nasal bones.
When necessary should the nose be overly long, “plunging”, “drooping” or “hooked” shortening may be indicated.
A decrease in the bulkiness of the tip will be done when necessary. Overly large nostrils may require a reduction in size, where external incisions and hence scars are located in the nasal alar crease.
The goal of reshaping and establishing nasal proportion, harmony and symmetry is to achieve a natural and aesthetic balance with all facial features.
As an absolute requirement the growth of the nose must be completed prior to proceeding with a “nose job”. Generally, a female nose achieves maturation at 14, however the male nose may take longer. The nose should not have changed size or shape for a year preceding the operation.
Where is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in an accredited facility. General anesthesia or MAC (monitored anesthesia care) is required. There are options for anesthesia and this is discussed with you during your consultation. Either sedation or general anesthesia are administered. Once you are relaxed the soft tissues of your nose are infiltrated with a local anesthetic that contains a blood constrictor. This provides enhancement of your comfort and minimizes bleeding.
Incisions are necessary when nasal sculpting and reshaping your nose is done. The approach to surgery involves a choice as to which incisions are used. The choice of two incisions and resultant scaring is explained. An external incision is made through the skin at the base of the nose. Tissue dissection is performed allowing access to the internal structures of the nose. The resultant scar is minimal, may be camouflaged with makeup but is usually negligible. Intranasal incisions are hidden from view and are frequently the incision of choice.
Your operation is not rushed. Cosmetic nose surgery is usually completed within one to two hours with meticulous attention accorded to every detail. At the completion of the operation the results of your surgery are evaluated.
Following the completion of the rhinoplasty packing is inserted into both nostrils. A nasal “dorsal splint” is placed over the bridge of your nose and is taped into position to maintain protection of the operative site and reduce swelling. Your will have bruising of your eyelids as well as swelling of the adjacent tissue.
What to Expect after the rhinoplasty procedure ?
You are transferred to the PACU (post anesthesia care unit). Recovery room nurses are at your side. They carefully monitor your vital signs as well as your overall recovery. Attention to your comfort as you awaken is addressed.
At the appropriate time discharge commences and your personally selected, responsible adult will take you home to spend overnight with you as your recovery process proceeds.
A follow up visit is scheduled. At that time the packing is removed. The splint remains in place for approximately one week at which time it is removed. Swelling and bruising resolve over the following two to three weeks. Depending upon work related obligations you may return to work within that time period.
Post Op Healing
After cosmetic nose surgery strenuous activity must be avoided, however, walking and moving about after your operation is encouraged to avoid blood clots. Exercises such as running, weight lifting, stretching and other forms of strenuous activity are to be avoided for at least three to six weeks. It is necessary to adhere to these directives in order to avoid complications.
Improvement in your appearance may be seen within two weeks as bruising and swelling significantly decrease. You may return to normal daily living when your risk of complication in minimal. Once approved by Dr. Moynahan you’ll return to normal daily living to enjoy the results of your surgery.
However, the final results may take up to a year.
The benefits of plastic surgery are more than physical.
- Many satisfied patients experience increased confidence
- A rise in self-esteem then follows.
- Patients have reported being “happier” and looking and feeling their “best.”
- Many said they felt a positive impact on their quality of life.
