NASAL RESHAPING

It’s impossible to miss. The nose is the focal part of the face, and it contributes significantly to your overall aesthetic and facial profile.

Half a million people annually seek consultation about improving the appearance of their noses; some are unhappy with the noses they were born with, some with the way aging has changed their nose. For others, an injury may have caused distortion, or the goal may be improved breathing.

One thing is clear! Nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose. So, if yours is crooked, misshapen, or has a defect due to injury or genetics, nose reshaping or rhinoplasty may be the answer. 

GETTING EXPERT HELP

You’ve come to the best place for help. Rhinoplasty, more than any other procedure, demands the extensive training of a Facial Plastic Surgeon, and ours is renowned. Dr. Morgan is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery which provides you with the highest level of training and expertise.

Making the RHINOPLASTY DECISION

Successful facial plastic surgery begins with an honest consultation and thorough pre-operative evaluation with Dr. Morgan.

Dr. Morgan will spend time with you to address every question you may have about the surgical process. He will examine the structure of your nose, both externally and internally, to evaluate what you can expect from rhinoplasty. He will discuss factors that may influence the outcome of the surgery, including skin type, ethnic background, age, degree of deformity, and degree of function of nasal structures.

Additional procedures may also be recommended.  Chin augmentation, for example, can enhance the desired results of a rhinoplasty

SETTING EXPECTATIONS

Your expectations, the risks involved, every aspect of the experience will be discussed thoroughly before surgery is scheduled.

Preoperative photos will be taken, and digital imaging will be prepared and shared.  The images will give you a reasonable idea of the expected outcomes of the surgery.

Understanding the Surgery

Rhinoplasty is performed with one of two techniques:

  • In the “endonasal” approach, all incisions are hidden inside the nose.
  • In the “open” approach, most incisions are hidden inside the nose, but another incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. This incision is closed meticulously and rarely noticeable.

Next, certain amounts of underlying bone and cartilage are removed or rearranged to provide a newly shaped structure.

  • Humps and hooks can be corrected or reduced
  • Nasal tips can be re-sculpted for more refined looks.
  • The angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip can be altered for a more youthful look or to correct a distortion.

The skin is then re-draped over the new frame and the incisions are closed.

What to Expect After the Surgery

Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable while the nose heals. Soft, absorbent material may be used inside the nose to maintain stability along the dividing wall of the air passages. The nasal dressing and splint are usually removed six or seven days after surgery and the final tape is generally removed two weeks after surgery.

Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication may be required.

Post-operative instructions will be given by Dr. Morgan and are crucial to ensure a good outcome.  It is very important you protect your nose from any trauma for several weeks after your surgery.

  • It is important that you always keep your head elevated to prevent swelling and reduce pain. You should sleep upright, face forward, in a recliner for the first week.
  • It is important you do not blow your nose for the first 7 days; sneezing must be done with your mouth open to reduce pressure in the nose.
  • Applying ice to your nose gingerly for 15 – 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours will help reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to wrap a towel around your ice pack and not apply it directly to your skin.
  • Absorbable sutures are usually used that do not have to be removed.
  • Activities that are prohibited in the weeks after the procedure include sun exposure and exertion of any kind. General light activity is the norm, and risk of injury must be avoided.
  • If you wear glasses, special arrangements must be made to ensure that the glasses do not rest on the bridge of the nose. Tape and other devices are sometimes used to permit wearing glasses without stressing the area where surgery was performed.
  • Be cautious with activity. Although you may be up and about in a day or two following surgery, Dr. Morgan will advise you on the proper schedule for resuming your normal routine. To permit proper healing, activities which raise blood pressure, such as jogging, swimming, or even bending are restricted during the first few weeks.
  • The decision to return to work depends on the individual’s degree of swelling and discomfort. For those patients who play sports, contact sports are prohibited for a minimum of three months.