• 
  American Society
  of Plastic Surgery
• 
  American Society of
  Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• 
  American Association for Accreditation
  of Ambulatory Surgery Facility

SELECT A PROCEDURE: Face Lift | Mid-Face Lift (Cheek Lift) | Cheek Augmentation | Endoscopic Brow Lift (Forehead Lift) | Neck Lift | Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift) | Lip Augmentation | Otoplasty | Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty in Salt Lake City, Utah

Rhinoplasty is the operation to correct a deformity of the nose. The primary purpose is to improve the appearance of the nose and in some cases to improve nasal breathing. The procedure is performed by removing excess cartilage and /or bone and reshaping the nose. After alteration of these structures the skin is allowed to re-drape over the newly shaped framework. This will give the nose its new appearance. These changes will be subtle or dramatic depending on the needs of the patient. At times a septoplasty (correction of the inner aspect of the nose) is performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty. This allows for an improvement in breathing if the septum is deviated.

The goal of a rhinoplasty is a nose that appears natural, functions properly and is in balance with the rest of the face. The patient's wishes with regard to the type of nose desired are always considered. There are however limiting factors. The texture and thickness of the skin, previous injury, individual differences in healing and differences in facial proportions play an important role in what can be achieved. Schedule an appointment for rhinoplasty in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

 

Surgery

Depending on the individual patient additional procedures may be combined with rhinoplasty. Since your entire face will be assessed at the time of your consultation we can discuss these options. The most commonly performed additional procedures are septoplasty, chin augmentation to correct a weak or receding chin or cheek implants to enhance the appearance of the cheek bones. Occasionally, the nostrils may be wide and flared and out of proportion to the nose and may require a reduction to bring the entire nose into the best balance possible.

Anesthesia In most instances surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will recover easily usually with no side effects. In certain circumstances the surgery may be performed under local anesthesia. The anesthesiologist's services are billed separately.

Duration of Operation The procedure will typically last from 1-2 ½ hours depending on what areas are treated and how difficult the nasal procedure is. A repeat rhinoplasty will be more difficult and will usually involve more surgical time.

Hospitalization Vs Office Surgery Nasal surgery is usually performed on an out patient basis. You come to the surgical facility on the day of the procedure and return home several hours after the procedure. In certain cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Before Surgery It is imperative that aspirin and ibuprofen or products containing aspirin not be taken at least 3 weeks prior to surgery. Also refrain from consuming any energy drinks and herbal supplements, as some may have an effect on increasing bleeding during the course of surgery. Remove all makeup and mascara from your eyelids. If you wear contacts lenses, it would be preferable that you wear glasses when you arrive to the surgery center. You should shower well on the day of surgery prior to coming to the surgery center. It is okay to brush your teeth the morning of surgery.

Photographs Photographs are taken at the time of your consultation. These are important aids in the preparation of surgery and become a permanent part of your record. Post-surgical photographs are also taken. Schedule an appointment for rhinoplasty in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

After Surgery

There is very little discomfort associated with a rhinoplasty. Most of the discomfort is due to not being able to breathe through your nose when nasal packing is used. Oral pain medication is all that is necessary to control the discomfort. The nose is usually packed with a minor sponge-like gauge for about 3 days. If septal surgery is also performed, then the packing may stay in for about 5 days. Internal incisions are closed with stitches that dissolve; the external incision may have stitches that need to be removed in 5 to 7 days.

After the nasal packing is removed then Afrin nasal decongestant spray should be used twice daily for one week. This will assist in decreasing the internal nasal swelling. A saline nasal spray should also be used intermittently for humidification. Refrain from vigorous nose blowing as this may cause nasal bleeding.

The external splint will be removed in approximately one week. Some swelling will still be present at this time. Most of the visible swelling will disappear by 2 weeks. There will still be a feeling of numbness and stiffness at the tip of the nose, which means that some swelling is still present. It will take several months before the last bit of swelling has resolved.

Return to Normal Activity Patients may go back to school or light work one week after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks you may gradually increase your activity so that you are back to your usual routine by 3-4 weeks. You should avoid excessive sun exposure (use sun block), avoid getting your nose hit, and avoid letting heavy glasses rest on your nose for 8 weeks.

Scars Incisions may be located inside the nose, however, occasionally a small incision is necessary on the column of skin between the nostrils on the under surface of the nose. This incision usually heals very well. In some cases the nostrils may be too wide and is narrowed by making incisions in the crease between the nostril and the cheek. The scars are rarely problematic. Nevertheless, you should be aware that all scars are permanent and their height, width and final color are unpredictable. Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF of 30 or greater when outside to protect the scars from sunlight during the healing process.

Diminished Sensibility As with any surgical procedure, small sensory nerves to the skin surface may be cut when the incision is made or when skin is undermined. Portions of your nose will feel numb or have less than full feeling. The sensibility in these areas gradually returns, usually with 2 to 3 months as the nerve endings spontaneously heal. During the healing process the skin of the lip may become hypersensitive for as period of time. Some diminished sensibility may last indefinitely.

Swelling and Bruising Some swelling and bruising of the nose and around the eyes is expected after rhinoplasty. This peaks at 48 to 72 hours after surgery and then starts to subside. Crushed ice applied to the eyes will help during this time. During the first 1 to 2 weeks your nose will feel and look swollen. The swelling will start to subside after the first postoperative week. It may take as long as 6 weeks for the last bit of swelling to recede. 

Complications

Some swelling and bruising of the nose and around the eyes is expected after a rhinoplasty. This peaks at 48 to 72 hours after surgery and then starts to subside. Complete resolution of swelling may take several months.

BLEEDING This is unusual but may occur after rhinoplasty. This may have to be treated with additional nasal packing; however, in some cases additional surgery may be necessary. Refrain from vigorous nose blowing or any vigorous activities post surgery.

ASYMMETRY Occasionally, a minor deformity or irregularities may persist following surgery. Usually this problem is correctable with another smaller procedure, which can usually be performed with a local anesthetic. At times a general anesthetic is necessary or requested and anesthesia and facility costs will be at the patient's expense.

EDEMA This is a normal consequence of surgery and is best treated simply by elevating the head of the bed. The application of ice packs or cold compresses is usually done for the first 1 to 2 days.

ABNORMAL SCARS A small percentage of patients will develop scars that are unacceptable despite meticulous attention to detail both during and after surgery. The scars may widen, stay red or raised. If the scars are problematic a steroid ointment or injection will be used to improve their appearance. In some cases the scars need to be revised surgically.

SKIN LOSS This is also a rare occurrence. It may be due to cigarette smoking in the days to weeks before and after surgery, or due to undo tension at the site of the incision, which could be compounded by swelling or hematoma. Usually this is managed without the need for additional surgery.

I mention these complications not to alarm or frighten you since the usual outcome after this surgery is quite favorable. The majority of patients are very satisfied. I present this information to you to fully educate you on the side effects, undesirable sequelae and complications no matter how remote they may be.

Schedule an appointment for rhinoplasty in Salt Lake City, Utah today.

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