| Dr. Robert W. DeConti 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. The nose has a very special relationship to an individual’s face. It not only can give a person character, but is an important organ for breathing. Operations on the nose can be used to correct problems in either of these two areas.
Surgery on the nose for improving breathing may consist of straightening a deviated septum (the internal cartilage in the middle of the nose that separates the two sides) or partially removing the turbinates (internal structures that extend in from the walls of the nose and may obstruct the airflow). These procedures may be covered by your insurance.
Q. What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?
A. Cosmetic surgery on the nose may be used to correct a hump on the top of the nose, a wide nose, a narrow nose, a deformed or wide tip, or to improve the relationship of the nose with the lip and the rest of the face. It is important that the changes made be individualized to your facial proportions. It may be necessary to change the chin in order to improve the aesthetic elements of the face.
Q. What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
A. The risks associated with a rhinoplasty include bleeding, infection, change in airflow, or an undesired result. If a second surgery is needed, this usually will be deferred for one year post surgery because the majority of problems will improve with time.
Q. What does a rhinoplasty procedure involve?
A. The reshaping of the nose can be done through incisions on the inside of the nose. If extensive work needs to be performed, then a small external incision across the central portion of the nose between the nostrils may be used. Often it may be necessary to use extra cartilage from the septum or even the ear to correctly shape and support the nose. Reduction of the size of the nostrils or narrowing the base may be performed through small camouflaged incisions.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in the office or at any of the Richmond area hospitals. The operation can be performed under local anesthesia with deep sedation or general anesthesia. Surgical time is 2 to 4 hours.
Q. How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?
A. After the surgery, you can expect some pain, swelling, change in smell, a runny nose and discoloration of the skin. These will gradually subside. You will wear a splint for 4 to 7 days. Makeup may be applied after the splint is removed. Strenuous activity is limited for six weeks. The final outcome of the surgery will not be fully evident for several months to a year post surgery. This allows all the swelling to fully disappear.
Q. How long can one expect the results to last?
A. Ninety-five percent of individuals who undergo nose surgery are satisfied with the initial result. Remember, it is important that your operation be tailored to your facial proportions and that the changes made are what you desire and not the physician’s standard "nose job." You want to improve and enhance your natural nose and have it fit the aesthetic proportions of your face for a new, improved look.
Q. How to contact Dr. DeConti if we have further questions?
A. Robert W. DeConti, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery
www.DiscoverPlasticSurgery.com
804.673.8000 |
