Dr. Nichols performs rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose and improve nasal breathing. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose. 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 bone or cartilage.
Call 601-420-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nichols.
Reasons for Surgery
Reasons for surgery include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps as well as improving the shape of the nose. Conditions may be natural or due to external trauma to the face. This operation can also help patients who have difficulty breathing. If you’re bothered by the appearance of your nose or have ongoing respiratory or sinus problems due to your nose’s internal structure, you may be a candidate for nasal surgery. Feeling unhappy with how your nose looks is due to a combination of concerns, all of which can be resolved through cosmetic nose surgery. For example, you may want to eliminate a prominent bump on the bridge of your nose, yet also correct a deviated septum. Dr. Nichols will discuss all of the possibilities with you at your consultation and help you decide what the best treatment for you will be.
The operation can be performed on all age groups, including teens and the elderly. Rhinoplasty is one of the only cosmetic procedures that can be performed on patients who are under the age of eighteen, because the nose reaches physical maturity faster than the rest of the body.
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 and computer imaging allow Dr. Nichols 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, and usually done as a closed procedure, meaning the incisions are hidden inside the nose. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, angle or removal of a hump, 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. 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.
Post-Operative Information
The recovery takes one to two weeks. It is recommended to sleep with your head supported upright the first few nights after surgery. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied along the bridge of the nose maintain the new shape. The external splint is usually removed after ten days. Nasal splints may also be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are generally removed after three 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.
Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Most patients return to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, and any residual bruising can typically be covered by makeup after the first week. Swelling in the tip of the nose takes the longest to resolve. Although you will see significant improvement after 4-6 weeks, it can take up to 6 months or more for the swelling in the tip of the nose to completely resolve in order to see the final result. If you underwent nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum or other structural abnormality, you should see an improvement in your breathing ability, and may notice an absence of snoring as well, resulting in a more restful night’s sleep. You will also enjoy the improved self-image that comes from feeling more confident in your appearance.