Common Questions Regarding Nose Surgery (rhinoplasty)
The Centre, P.C. offers rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
Q: How will I know what my final nose will look like?
A: Your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals using a computer imaging system. The imaging system provides you and the physician a better tool for communicating your desires regarding the appearance of your nose.
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you have any of the following conditions:
- Your nose appears too large for your face.
- You have a bump or depression on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile.
- The nose seems too wide when viewed from the front.
- The nasal tip droops or plunges.
- The tip is thickened or enlarged.
- The nostrils are excessively flared.
- Your nose is off-Centre or crooked.
- A previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical.
- You have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing.
Rhinoplasty is normally performed under general anesthesia, although a local with sedation anesthetic may be an option as well. The procedure is performed as an outpatient so that you may safely return home the same day as the surgery. You may having packing in the nose for 24-48 hours following the surgery, as well as a splint on the outside of the nose. The splint may be removed approximately one week later.
Q: What’s the difference between an “open” and a “closed” rhinoplasty?
A: When the surgery is performed from within the nose, it is called a closed rhinoplasty. An open procedure involves making a small incision across the columella (the vertical strip separating the nostrils) as well as within the nose.
Q: How is rhinoplasty performed?
A: The technique used for your surgery depends on your surgeon’s preferences, as well as your desired results. Working through the incisions, the surgeon sculpts the nose’s framework of bone and cartilage to the desired shape. The bones may be reshaped or repositioned, or built up in certain areas by using either nasal cartilage or bones and cartilage from another body site, or other materials. The skin and soft tissues are then redraped over the reshaped framework. If the lower part of the nose is being narrowed or the nostrils are being reduced, small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils may be removed through incisions that are hidden in the nose’s natural creases.
Q: What should I expect in the first few days following nose surgery?
A: After the first 24 hours of surgery, your face may feel a little swollen, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. These symptoms can be controlled by pain medication. You may notice the swelling and bruising increasing the day after surgery; it will probably peak in two to three days. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. Cold compresses may alleviate some of the swelling and make you feel better. Some patients experience a small amount of bleeding during the first few days following surgery and stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon may ask you not to blow your nose for a week or more, until the tissue has had time to heal. Your surgeon will go over any specific questions you may have at your consultation.
Please take time to review our before and after photos to see if this surgical procedure is something that interests you. (Our surgeons have surgically performed all photos in our website. NO modifications or brush-ups have occurred in any of the photos offered at our website. All patients in the photos have generously allowed us to help you to better understand the surgical procedures we offer at The Centre P.C.)
Click here for more information on rhinoplasty or to schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, including rhinoplasty, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
- 800.909.2992
Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 574-296-9100
FAX: 574-293-1511
South Bend Office
MEDICAL PAVILION I
720 EAST CEDAR STREET, SUITE 450
SOUTH BEND, IN 46617
PHONE: 574-233-9100
FAX: 574-233-9108
Chesterton Office
1830 SOUTH 11TH STREET
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-395-9200
