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Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Dr. Ozaki performs rhinoplasty or nose surgery in order to reshape the nose. The nasal appearance and function can be improved with this surgery. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging or reshaping the nasal bone and cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change the size and shape of the nose, reduce nasal humps as well as improve the angle of a nose.
Before Surgery
A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. We will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs allow Dr. Ozaki to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection.
Method of Surgery
Surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. In most cases involving a change in the shape or size of the nose, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage.
The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the surface. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem.
The incisions are placed inside the nose, unless the surgeon uses an open approach, in which case the incisions are made across the tissue between the nostrils. In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeon may make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to improve the profile.
Insurance
Your insurance company may pay for all or part of the costs associated with your surgery if it is performed as a result of nasal obstruction. It is recommended that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage.
Post Operative Instructions
The recovery for a rhinoplasty is about one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within this same time period. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied inside the nose to protect the septum and outside of the nose to maintain the new nasal shape. The splint inside the nose is removed in 3-5 days. The splint outside the nose is left on for 7 to 10 days. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.
Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.