An Interview with Dr. Marisa Lawrence on Rhinoplasty
Dr. Marisa Lawrence is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Rhinoplasty.
Q. What is Rhinoplasty?
A. Nose shape may be the result of heredity, injury, or prior surgery. The goal of nasal surgery, also known as Rhinoplasty, is to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose to achieve facial harmony. The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgical center using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The length or surgery varies between 1 and 3 hours depending upon the techniques required to achieve the stated goals. Patients may return to work or school after one week and are advised to avoid strenuous activities for six weeks post-operatively.
Q. What are the benefits of Rhinoplasty?
A. Rhinoplasty can improve the nose size, width, profile, and tip. Nostril size and proportions can be corrected as well as asymmetries and deviations.
Q. Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
A. Healthy patients with realistic expectations
Q. What are the risks associated with Rhinoplasty?
A. Bleeding, infection, contour irregularities
Q. What does a Rhinoplasty procedure involve?
A. Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Sedation is given shortly before you are brought into the operating room to minimize anxiety. The operation lasts between 1-2 hours.
A small bandage is placed between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip. It may be changed as often as needed during the day of surgery and the first post-operative day. A small amount of red to pink drainage is normal and should not be of concern. The bandage may be changed one or a dozen times. The loosely closed internal nasal incisions allow blood to escape rather than back up in the nasal tissue and cause more bruising and swelling. This bandage can be discontinued the day following surgery. Any additional drainage can be dabbed away with a tissue as needed.
A small silicone splint is placed on top of the upper two thirds of the nose at the completion of rhinoplasty. This splint acts both as a protector for the freshly operated nose and helps to maintain the position of the newly sculpted nasal bones. The splint is removed in one week. Do not allow it to get wet or it may separated prematurely
Q. How long does it take to recover from Rhinoplasty?
A. In most cases, the appearance at six to eight weeks approximates the final shape. At six months, the final permanent result is achieved in most patients. In a few cases, it may take one year. Many factors determine how quickly, or slowly, the nose assumes the final appearance. The most influencial determinant is skin type. Skin that is thicker and oilier is certain to retain edema and swelling longer than skin that is drier and thinner. Individuals vary in healing potential.
Q. How long can I expect the results to last?
A. Lifetime!
Q. How to contact Dr. Lawrence if we have further questions?
A. www.cosmeticsurgery.cc
404-303-7004
mlawrence@cosmeticsurgery.cc
