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Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty San Antonio – Nose Surgery, Nose Job, Plastic Surgery
Our Austin- and San Antonio-area rhinoplasty surgeon can perform nose surgery to reduce or increase the size of your nose, reshape the bridge or tip, and even help relieve breathing problems. One of the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty can improve the proportion between facial features and provide a completely new aesthetic to the entire face.
Rhinoplasty
Nose reshaping, nose surgery, and "nose job" are all terms used to describe the medical procedure known as rhinoplasty. Nasal recontouring can be performed not only to achieve cosmetic enhancement, but also to correct breathing problems and birth defects. Rhinoplasty benefits patients with:
- The desire to reduce or increase the size of the nose
- The desire to alter the tip or bridge of the nose
- The desire to change the shape of the nostrils
- The desire to correct nasal deformities
- The need to correct structural defects that cause breathing problems
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Nose surgery can also be performed to change the angle between the nose and the upper lip, as well as create a better balance with other facial features. Rhinoplasty can be combined with facelift, cheek implants, or lip enhancement for a more complete cosmetic makeover. Contact our plastic surgery center serving the San Antonio and Austin areas for more rhinoplasty information.
Rhinoplasty Candidates
Good candidates for rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations of their results and be looking to improve, rather than perfect, their appearance. The recommended minimum age for nose surgery candidates is 14 for girls and 15 for boys. Rhinoplasty candidates should be physically healthy and emotionally ready for both the procedure itself and the recovery process that will follow.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Planning
During your initial consultation here at our San Antonio rhinoplasty center, Dr. Constance Barone will evaluate the structure of your nose and face and talk with you about the changes you would like to make in the appearance of your nose. Dr. Barone will explain all aspects of the procedure, and she encourages you to be forthright and direct about any concerns you may have, your cosmetic enhancement goals, your medical history, any breathing difficulties or allergies, and any medications, vitamins, or drugs you may be taking. She will, in turn, be equally frank with you about how your expectations can best be met. Dr. Barone will also discuss your potential costs and financing options. When performed for cosmetic purposes, rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance; however, when performed for reconstructive purposes, or to correct a breathing problem or deformity, it might be. It would be a good idea to check with your insurer about what your policy will and will not cover before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
Preparation
Our rhinoplasty surgeon will give you guidelines on how to prepare for surgery, including diet recommendations and instructions on which medications and vitamin supplements to avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to take them home after surgery and help take care of them for a few days, if necessary.
Those who follow pre-operative instructions carefully are far less likely to experience complications during and after the procedure.
The Rhinoplasty Surgery
San Antonio- and Austin-area patients can have rhinoplasty performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on their preferences. More complex or extensive procedures may require an overnight hospital stay. Rhinoplasty can be performed using either local anesthesia combined with a sedative or general anesthesia.
The rhinoplasty procedure begins with incisions made either along the inside of the nostrils or on the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Either method should yield little to no visible scarring. The nasal skin is separated from the bone and cartilage, which are then reshaped to reflect the desired appearance. The skin is then redraped over the newly sculpted bone and cartilage, and the incisions are closed. A splint will be applied to the area to aid the nose in retaining its new shape. Nasal packs may also be necessary in order to stabilize the septum (the wall dividing air passages within the nose). The entire rhinoplasty procedure typically takes about an hour or two, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Patients can expect the face to feel puffy and the nose to ache within the first day of surgery. These symptoms may also lead to a dull headache. Pain and discomfort can be alleviated with medication. Patients should plan to stay in bed with their heads elevated for the first day after rhinoplasty. Residual swelling and bruising should fade within the first two weeks. Bleeding is common in the days following nose surgery; however, you should not blow your nose for at least a week after the procedure in order to allow the tissues to heal. Nasal packing will be taken out after a few days, and all dressings, splints, and stitches are typically removed after about a week or two. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks and to take extra care that the nose is kept safe from harm or sun damage for at least eight weeks. Most patients are able to resume normal, daily routines about a week after the rhinoplasty procedure.
Rhinoplasty Risks
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with rhinoplasty, including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Bursting of small blood vessels on the surface of the skin
- Numbness
- Permanent nerve damage
- Infection
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Scarring at the base of the nose
- Blood collection under the skin
- Over-correction or under-correction, requiring additional surgery
Dr. Constance Barone is an extremely qualified plastic surgeon who has performed many rhinoplasty procedures. She will work with you to minimize any possibility of complications from rhinoplasty. Dr. Barone will address all of your concerns about nose surgery at your initial consultation.
Contact Our Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Rhinoplasty has helped millions of people all over the world feel better about themselves and their facial features. It has also successfully corrected a host of nasal problems, resulting in more comfortable breathing and relief from sinus difficulties. Please contact our Austin- and San Antonio-area plastic surgery center to set up a rhinoplasty consultation with our prominent nose surgeon. Dr. Constance Barone looks forward to meeting you!
Visit our sister site, baronecosmeticsurgery.com, for more information on the wide range of procedures we provide.
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Constance M. Barone, M.D. F.A.C.S.
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