Rhinoplasty

Before and After Photos

Are You Interested in Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is an operation that reshapes the nose. It can narrow a wide nose, reduce the tip, change the angle of the nose, reduce a dorsal hump and/or remove nasal obstructions to breathing. It may be performed following nasal trauma that leaves a deformity or it may correct a congenital nasal deformity.

Planning Your Surgery
The way you feel about yourself is an important issue. The shape and function of the nose is sometimes a problem that may be treated surgically. At your consultation we will listen to your medical history, examine you, take photographs, and try to give you an idea of what a change in the shape of your nose would look like.

We will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on your anatomy and the changes you desire. A variety of approaches are possible. Often incisions are made inside the nose, and these are used to reshape the bone and cartilage. The skin is then redraped over the reshaped structures. Sometimes incisions across the columella facilitate the operation, or excision, of tissue at the base of the nostrils may be used to narrow the nasal width at the nasal base. Associated procedures often include septoplasty or changes in the turbinates to improve air flow in the nose.

At the end of the initial consultation you should have the information you need to make an informed decision about the possibility of plastic surgery and a good understanding of which procedure will produce the desired result.

Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies don't cover purely cosmetic surgery; however, if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity, the procedure may be covered. Check with your insurer, and obtain pre-authorization for your surgery.

Preparing For Your Surgery
We will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Note
Rhinoplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure, but as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. At the time of your consultation these possibilities will be reviewed in detail.

The Surgery
Rhinoplasty is a procedure done as an outpatient at our fully accredited operating rooms at the Plastic Surgery Center, at the Asheville Surgery Center on Sweeten Creek Road, or at the Mission Memorial Hospital. It is usually done as an outpatient and is often done under general anesthesia. At any of these locations anesthesia will be provided by the anesthesiologists and CRNA's of Asheville Anesthesia Inc. The operation takes an hour or two and then requires some quiet time away from your usual schedule as you recuperate.

After your operation
Your nose will have a splint and packing so that you will be breathing through your mouth. Some bruising and swelling are to be expected. You will be more comfortable with ice and some elevation, as in a recliner. Discomfort may be controlled with oral pain medication. Swelling is at its worst at about the third day then gradually improves. The splint on the outside of the nose will stay in place about a week; packs inside the nose may be removed sooner. Many people are up and about, driving and doing light activities once the splints and packs have been removed. You may return to aerobic exercise in about three weeks. Avoid contact sports for six or eight weeks. You will be seen in the office in follow up at regular intervals.

We look forward to assisting you in achieving the shape and contour that you desire.