Facial Cosmetic Surgery – Rhinoplasty

What Is Rhinoplasty?

As the most prominent facial feature, the nose often determines the overall attractiveness of our face. An unattractive, misshapen, or out-of-proportion nose that does not seem to “fit”, whether seen in frontal or profile view, will detract from an otherwise beautiful or handsome face. Of equal importance, a nose that is chronically blocked makes breathing more difficult and uncomfortable.

Dr. Cambre performs rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose and/or improve its function. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging, or reshaping bone and cartilage. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose. An unacceptable appearance of the nose may occur because of inherited nasal shape, or acquired deformities may occur as a result of trauma. Functional improvement of breathing difficulties can also be accomplished through septoplasty (correction of deviated septum), or reduction of excessive tissues (turbinates) inside the nose.

Am I A Good Candidate?

Assuming that facial and nasal growth is complete (generally, age 16-18 for girls and age 18-19 for boys), both men and women are candidates for rhinoplasty if they have any of the following conditions:

• Your nose appears too large for your face
• There is a bump on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
• Your nose seems too wide
• The tip of your nose appears to droop or plunge
• The tip of your nose is too thick or enlarged
• Your nostrils are excessively flared
• Your nose is crooked or off-center, or has changed shape after an injury
• You have difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils

Ideal patients have clear and realistic ideas regarding how they want their noses to look. Patients seeking a subtle, natural improvement that appears harmonious with their other facial characteristics are usually the most satisfied.

Your Consultation

Dr. Cambre will take your medical history in order to evaluate your general health, especially as it relates to the function of your nose. Dr. Cambre will ask you to point out the features of your nose you wish to improve, and he will perform a gentle internal examination of the nose, in addition to assessing the skin quality, size, and shape of your nose in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging will allow you and Dr. Cambre to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Occasionally, other procedures such as chin augmentation or lip enhancement may be of benefit to achieve a more pleasing appearance and profile.

Will Insurance Cover My Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Although Dr. Cambre is not a participating provider for any insurance plan, your insurance company may cover a portion of the costs associated with your surgery if it is performed to correct a blockage of the breathing passages, or if it is done to correct a deformity associated with a previous trauma. It is recommended that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage. Our office will assist you in determining the portion of your surgery that may be a covered benefit, and we will assist you in the filing of your claim for reimbursement.

Preparing For Surgery

Pre-operative instructions include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. If you smoke, you must quit for at least three weeks before and after your procedure. Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection. You should refrain from the use of any nasal spray decongestants before and after your surgery. You must arrange for a responsible adult to transport you to and from the surgery center, and to attend to your needs on the night of the surgery. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in an aftercare retreat on the night of the surgery, which our office will arrange for you if you wish.

Method Of Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose or removal of a hump, small incisions are placed inside the lining of the nose (closed rhinoplasty). In some cases, the internal incisions may be joined by making a small external incision across the columella, the skin bridge between the two nostrils near your upper lip (open rhinoplasty). The skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then sculpted and reshaped, either by removing areas of excess, or by building up other areas, usually with cartilage taken from the nasal septum itself. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem, which is also done through incisions inside the nostril. After the framework of the nose has been sculpted to your desired goals, the skin and soft tissues are re-draped over the surface, and the internal incisions are closed. In cases where the nostrils flare, a small external incision may be placed at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. The resulting scar will be hidden in the natural skin fold at the base of the nose.

Rhinoplasty is often combined with chin augmentation to improve the facial profile.

Post-Operative Info

The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within two to three weeks. Following surgery, a lightweight external splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose and to protect the nasal bones, if they have been fractured and narrowed. This splint is removed within a week. Internal nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. 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 within in two weeks.