Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce, or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.
Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum.
How Is Rhinoplasty Done?
Dr. Turk uses two methods for these nose surgeries, open or closed. During your consultation, the two of you will discuss your surgery options, including whether he will use an “open” or “closed” method. This will depend on the extent of the changes that you desire.
In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made within the nostrils, hence the closed name. In open rhinoplasty, Dr. Turk makes the incision across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. In both methods, the soft tissue is then lifted up and off up the underlying bone and cartilage. This provides access to those structures to shave off bumps or otherwise reshape the bone and cartilage. If the patient desires that an area be built up, additional cartilage or other material is needed. Dr. Turk can take this from the septum, ears, and ribs, or he can use Silastic implants. When a nose needs to be made smaller, it’s necessary to break the nasal bones.
Breathing problems are usually addressed by working with the septum and the inner structures to open the airways.
Goals Of Rhinoplasty With Dr. Turk
When it comes to nose surgery, our patients from Naples and the surrounding areas generally have three reasons:.
- Appearance — Not liking your nose can really impact your self-confidence. That’s why aesthetics concerns are behind most nose surgeries. For Dr. Turk, this makes up probably 90 percent of his rhinoplasty procedures. There are many issues a person can have with his or her nose; these are the most common:
- The nose is out of proportion with the rest of the face
- The tip droops
- The tip is enlarged or bulbous
- There is a bump or depressions on the bridge of the nose
- The sidewalls are depressed
- The nostrils are excessively flared
- The nose is crooked or off-center
- Injury — From taking a softball off your nose in a men’s league game to bumping into a wall in the dark, impact on your nose can leave it permanently crooked or misshapen.
- Function — Restricted or blocked nasal passages can impact your sleep and your quality of life. Dr. Turk can open restricted nasal passages and improve your breathing. Improving airflow can also be a secondary goal with a mainly cosmetic procedure.
Can You Remove The Hump On My Nose?
The rhinoplasty or nose job is a common procedure. A large nose can be made smaller by removing the dorsal hump and shaping the tip of the nose with surgery. The incisions are usually hidden inside the nose or at the base of the columella.
Sometimes the shaping of the nose requires repositioning the bones. And the breathing can also be improved at the same surgery by straightening the septum. A small nasal splint is placed on the nose after surgery for a week.
Often the chin is small and you can improve the profile with a chin implant at the same time as the rhinoplasty. For more information call 239-316-1689.
Candidates For Rhinoplasty
The best candidates for rhinoplasty:
- Are at least 13 years old
- Are generally healthy
- Do not smoke
- Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
- Have realistic goals for the procedure.
What Are The Benefits Of Having Rhinoplasty?
What’s the value of waking up and loving that nose you see in the mirror every morning? Many of our patients have never liked the look, size, or shape of their nose. But it’s not like you can lose weight or apply makeup and change it. If you have a bump on the bridge of your nose, it can be something that really bothers you…every day.
That’s why rhinoplasty is one of the original cosmetic surgeries and why it continues to be one of the top five most performed surgeries worldwide every year. Having a new nose can change the way you see your entire face. And if you’re having this surgery for functional reasons, it can be a breath of fresh air, literally.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils.
With both methods, the surgeon gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He or she sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.
The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.
"The staff is absolutely wonderful, and Dr. Turk's bedside manner is superb! I would recommend Dr. Turk and his office to anyone looking for an excellent boarded plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgery team in the Naples area."
What Is Recovery Like After Rhinoplasty?
When your surgery is complete, Dr. Turk will place a splint on your nose to protect its new shape. The splint will come off in about one week, but your face will feel puffy and there will be swelling all-around your eyes and nose. We’ll provide a cold compress and diligent use will help with your swelling. For the first few days after your surgery, you’ll need to keep your head elevated and as still as possible. Obviously, blowing your nose is out of the question. It will take from 10 to 14 days for the majority of the swelling and bruising to run its course. If you wear glasses, they will need to be taped to your forehead for up to seven weeks to alleviate any weight on your new nose. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting will have to wait for at least one month, as you need to keep blood pressure to your face in check.
What Kind Of Result Can I Expect And When Will I See Them?
Immediately after your surgery, your nose will be splinted and swollen. You’ll likely have to bruise around the area. Not exactly the results you’re hoping to see. Ah, but patience will be rewarded.
The majority of your swelling should resolve within three weeks. At that point, although quantifying is difficult, you’ll probably be able to see about 80 percent of your final results.
The problem is residual swelling, particularly at the nasal tip. This can take a full year to completely resolve. It can resolve earlier in some patients. Still, you’ll love most of the changes within about a month after your surgery.
Rhinoplasty Before & After
Risks Of Rhinoplasty
This is major surgery with Dr. Turk, so it entails all of the risks inherent with any surgery: reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, infection, and the like. These are rare.
The main risk with these procedures is that the patient may not be satisfied with his or her final appearance. That’s why Dr. Turk sees many patients for revision rhinoplasty after surgery at another practice. Generally, however, patients are very satisfied with their new nose.
Is Rhinoplasty Covered By Insurance?
If you’re having this procedure for cosmetic reasons, it is deemed elective and will not be covered by insurance. If it is for functional reasons, it could be covered by insurance, particularly if it is causing issues such as sleep apnea. When working on your nose for functional reasons, Dr. Turk can make cosmetic changes at the same time.
Schedule A Consultation Today
If you're interested in learning more about rhinoplasty please contact us for a consultation at 239-316-1689 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.