| Dr. Marisa Lawrence, 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 a Rhinoplasty?
A. Rhinoplasty improves the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and self confidence. Surgery of the nose may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities in the nose.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a rhinoplasty?
A. There are a small percentage of risks and complications with any surgery. By consulting with a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and following the instructions given, the risk of surgery is minimal and a great outcome is assured.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. The procedure takes about 1 – 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital. An overnight stay is not required. 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. This bandage can be discontinued the day following surgery. 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. During the day and evening of surgery, cold moist compresses are used continuously over the eyes to minimize swelling and control bruising. Discomfort following rhinoplasty is usually limited to the two or three hours just after procedure. It may best be described as a headache. Severe pain is rarely a consequence of facial plastic surgery. At the time of nasal splint removal, you will have your chance to see the new nose. It will appear quite swollen but, in most cases, even in this swollen condition, the improvement can be appreciated. . 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 influential 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 much does a rhinoplasty cost?
A. The 2008 National Average for Surgeon Fee for rhinoplasty is $4300.00, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Q. How long do the results of a rhinoplasty last?
A. The new profile is permanent and changes minimally with age.
Q. Will smoking slow down the Healing Process?
A. Smoking is a cause of major complications in surgical procedures. Delayed wound healing and tissue death almost certainly will result in patients who smoke. This leads to wound debridement and revisional surgery and poor scarring in most cases. It is recommended that smokers quit at least 6 weeks before their procedure.
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