Frequently asked questions about Maxillofacial Reconstruction.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the nose. It is also known as
nasal refinement and the layman's term nose job. With rhinoplasty, 'defects' from
either birth or trauma can be corrected by infracturing or breaking the bones of
the nose and re-setting them in the desired shape, often narrow and straight.
A hump may be removed to give a more pleasing, symmetrical look. The cartilages
of the nose can be molded and trimmed to create a more compact or pleasing shape.
Rhinoplasty can soften an otherwise beautiful face by refining one's features.
When can rhinoplasty be performed?
Extensive nasal surgery is generally avoided in children. There are major
growth centers in the nose that affect the growth of the face. In cases of
severe disfigurement due to accidents, surgery is performed in an attempt to restore
the alignment of those centers. For lesser deformities surgery is deferred
until after the child stops growing. Rhinoplasties performed on teenagers
and young adults, it seems, are often beneficial to the social development and self
confidence of the individual. The aging process is reflected in many ways
in the nose and its correction can add youthfulness and freshness to the appearance.
What does a typical Rhinoplasty consultation entail?
First, your doctor will discuss your goals with you and he will explain what can
be achieved realistically. A good doctor will not just slim your nose or shorten
it, rather he will take into account what your facial features and bone structure
would benefit from. Be it a slimmer more defined or perhaps more turned up.
Perhaps it is only a hump that is desired to be removed, making it unnecessary to
even have a Full Rhinoplasty. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes
to this procedure. It is all individual. Just like you!
What should I expect post-operatively?
After your surgery your surgeon will have placed a pressure dressing over
your eyes and a gauze pad underneath your nose to catch blood and mucous.
You will remove the pressure dressing after a few hours or as specified by your
surgeon. You may become sick from ingested blood during the procedure and
vomit, expelling a black mixture of stomach acid and blood. This will pass
as soon as the blood is expelled. It really isn't that much so you shouldn't
be sick for long unless you were under general anesthesia -- you may become sick
from this alone. Your doctor can give you special medications to remedy or prevent
this. If you continue to vomit and/or run a high fever, contact your doctor immediately.
You nose will be sensitive for approximately a month and a half although patients
report no serious pain or discomfort. However, patients do report the discomfort
of breathing with the packing and cast on the nose. Some patients feel claustrophobic
feeling as if they cannot breathe. This feeling widely resembles a head cold
or sinus infection. Only when the cast is removed do you feel slight discomfort,
unless you bump it accidentally.
When will the cast be taken off and does this hurt?
The cast is removed approximately 7 days post-operatively. You may
feel a slight stiffness in the upper lift as the swelling moves downward.
This will subside in a matter of hours. you must be very careful not to bump it
as it is vulnerable to breakage. It isn't a bone china figurine but it isn't
as strong as your nose was before the rhinoplasty either. Don't worry, the
bones will completely mend within 2 months.
If you had a rhinoplasty where the nostrils were narrowed (in the case of flared
nostrils) you will have your sutures removed. This may sting a bit, especially
since it is in a sensitive area. Although most patients still feel numb in
the tip area and report only minor discomfort.
When will I be able to see the results?
The nose will be very sensitive for approximately a month and a half.
The patient will start to see a difference immediately but it will still be swollen.
The swelling starts to generally disappear about a week after the cast is removed.
Approximately 80% of the swelling and 100% of the discoloration are usually gone
by 2 weeks after surgery. 90% of the swelling is gone by two months after surgery
and the rest slowly disappears over the next year. Although the nose is still
swollen after the first month, most people would not recognize this fact.
The patient will not notice this swelling. Instead the patient will notice that
the nose becomes more refined with better definition over the first year.
The inside of the nose may be swollen for approximately three weeks after the surgery.
Nasal breathing may be difficult during this time. If surgery is performed
to straighten the nasal septum, an improvement in breathing will be appreciated
at about 3 weeks.
What are the risks of Rhinoplasty?
It is possible to develop tiny red marks and spots, this can be the result
of blood vessels that may have burst under the skin's surface during the surgery.
Although this is extremely infrequent it can happen and the spots may not ever go
away. Scarring is minimal if the incisions are made inside of the nose, however
when an "open" technique is used, or if narrowing of the nostrils is desired the
scars made on the outside of the nose may be visible for am undetermined amount
of time (usually until maturation). Even when a highly skilled surgeon performs
your surgery, sometimes your body may not heal correctly or have adverse reactions
causing undesired results. If so it is quite possible that additional surgeries
may be needed. Some patients will lose their sense of smell, temporarily.
Your nose may be slightly swollen and for over a year. Scar tissue may heal in a
way that may cause a whistling sound to be heard when you breathe in and out.
This surgery has the highest rate of revisions. It seems that some people,
especially mature people, may not readily accept the new look. Being accustomed
to their old nose, they just can't seem to comfortably make the transition.
Although there are a few rhinoplasties that just don't heal correctly, due to something
as serious as human error (the surgeon's) or as simple as not having your head elevated
enough or sleeping on one side a lot without a proper cast. The nose can pull
to one side if the cast does not support it properly in the first week. Or
quite simply, your body may just heal that way.
Are there any new techniques to repair a deviated septum.
Is cauterization used? Does the nose always have to be packed after surgery?
There are many ways to fix a septum. Generally cautery is used only
on the turbinates or the initial incision on the columella in open techniques.
The septum is like a wall frame in a house. The skin (mucosa) over it is like
wall paper, and the cartilage on the inside is like drywall. You place an
incision in the front part of the nose where it is hidden and raise the wallpaper
off the wall. Then you can perform the necessary correction to the drywall
(cartilage) and when you put the "wall paper" (mucosa/skin) back it looks like nothing
was done.
Usually packing will be required however, some patients are eligible for tubes
or straws placed in the center of the packing on each side so that direct airflow
through the nose is possible. Most patients find this a psychological discomfort
rather than a physical.
I am 16 and have been thinking of rhinoplasty for a long
time. At what age is it safe to have a rhinoplasty?
Usually rhinoplasty is performed at the earliest, 13 or 14 years of age
in girls and 15 to 16 years of age in boys. Reason being, and it is a known
fact, girls physically mature faster than boys and the collective goal is to perform
surgery when at least 90% of the growth is complete. There are major growth
centers in the nose that affect the growth of the face.
In cases of severe disfigurement due to accidents, surgery is performed in an attempt
to restore the alignment of those centers. For lesser deformities surgery
is deferred until after the teen stops growing. Rhinoplasties performed on
teenagers and young adults, it seems, are often beneficial to the social development
and self confidence of the individual.
In other words, this depends upon the stage of growth in the face as well as the
gender of the patient. A qualified surgeon can better help you upon personal
examination.
I'm getting a deviated septum and a hump fixed all
in one and I wanted to know what kind of scarring I should expect. Also, how long
is it after the operation that I'll see good results?
Usually, there is no visible scarring unless it is an open rhinoplasty.
Some surgeons perform all of their rhinoplasties, open -- some, all closed. It solely
depends upon the surgeon. You will find that most surgeons tend to disagree
when it comes to technique. They either prefer open or they prefer closed, OR if
they are highly skilled, know that it is case-dependent and different patients have
different needs. If it is an open rhinoplasty the scar would be on the columella
(the skin that separates the nostrils) sometimes resembling a straight line or
a flattened z.
You can expect swelling, especially in the tip if you are having tip work performed.
The swelling usually begins to subside within the first month but the end result
may not be seen until at least 9 months [post-operatively. Although this time
period tends to lean towards a year and over.
How much would a rhinoplasty, without insurance ect...be?
Is the average price range like $5000 to $6000?
It really depends upon your region and the amount of work performed. If
you just need a Tiplasty, with no bone work then it can average about $3,800.US.
and up. The averages are as follows:
The average prices for rhinoplasty and it's related surgeries: Primary open rhinoplasty
$3,152. - $6,500.; Primary closed rhinoplasty $2,879. - $5,800.; Primary Septoplasty/Turbinectomy
$3,500. - $6,500.; Secondary open rhinoplasty $7,000. - $9,000.; Secondary closed
rhinoplasty $2,643. - $10,000.; with implant: $2,500. - $10,200. Although, fees
vary from state to state, region to region. Some more - some less.
It's been five months since my surgery and now since
I started to get back in shape and returned to my gym. I have notice that when I
run and workout my nose drips. It is very runny, here I am walking away and every
few min. I have to use a tissue. Is this just part of the healing stage or need
I bring this up to my doctor? Its really annoying! Has anyone experienced this at
all?
Many patients complain of runny noses after rhinoplasty/septoplasty surgery.
Some over 2 years. Most of the excess mucous production ceases at 9 months
but can continue well after that. For now I can only advise to carry
more Kleenex around as it may persist for several more months.
My PS mentioned a shot of cortisone to help some of
the scar tissue. Why is this and what will this do?
A Injections of Cortisone or Kenalog can help break up excess tissue.
It is a common remedy to inject steroids such as these and also is used primarily
to reduce swelling and inflamed tissue. Although care must be taken regarding
excess use of these injections as it can break down the tissue too much.
My PS mentioned a shot of cortisone to help some of
the scar tissue. Why is this and what will this do?
A Injections of Cortisone or Kenalog can help break up excess tissue.
It is a common remedy to inject steroids such as these and also is used primarily
to reduce swelling and inflamed tissue. Although care must be taken regarding
excess use of these injections as it can break down the tissue too much.
I'm going to get my nose done soon and my doctor also
recommended me getting a chin implant because he says my nose will still appear
'big' since my chin goes a little further in then it should...Do people get both
these procedures at the same time? And do you recommend I should do this?
This is very common. A weak chin can and does make even an ideal
sized nose look larger than it actually is. The chin augmentation is a relatively
minor procedure when implants are used although it entails some risks all on its
own. Such as lower lip numbness which can be remedied (usually) by removing
the implant and trimming the implant so that it is not pressing up against the nerve
as much.
I have to get my cast off soon and wanted to know if
it is going to hurt? Is there anything I can do beforehand?
Most patients report a little tenderness when the cast is removed
but if your surgeon uses a cotton swab saturated with alcohol to help remove the
adhesive from the tape and glue you should be okay. Although it really shouldn't
cause you great discomfort.
The sutures that may be removed may hurt when someone else removes it due to them
not actually being able to tell when they are hurting you. They also may snip
your flesh slightly when the scissors are used to cut the actual suture. This
isn't as rare as it as it should be and solely depends upon the surgeon's meticulous
nature.
I have thick nasal skin and a surgeon I spoke with
said that I may not be able to see much detail with my rhinoplasty? Is this true?
Should I see another surgeon?
For many patients with thick skin, the skin is thinned out in the surgery
as the tip is worked on. This really adds a lot to help with definition .
Excess skin length just shrinks away as the swelling decreases. Also,
many patients with thick skin actually do better with rhinoplasties because the
flaps that are elevated are so firm that you can do a lot more with the cartilages
and it is better hidden. Very thin skin, shows every little imperfection.
Going on several consults and getting a second, third and even more opinions is
a good idea in any case. Searching for surgeons is a serious matter and you
should be as comfortable as you can be with a surgeon, his skill, and his bedside
manner.
Is it improper to ask to speak with previous patients
who have had revision rhinoplasty done by the surgeon I am considering for the same
procedure?
Not at all! And you absolutely should. All surgeons should
have a referral list of prior patients to discuss particulars and trade stories.
I personally spoke with patients beforehand and as a matter of fact am on my own
doctor's referral list.
If you are wondering if all of the patients are going to be happy or receive compensation...
I have found in my experience that there are about 1 to 2 patients who wish they
had done more research beforehand or had gone to another doctor entirely so be advised
that although this is unfortunate I think it is helpful to the patient considering
the procedure to gain a well-rounded opinion.
What is a "hanging columella"?
A nasal columella is the external, and sometimes partial internal, fleshy
section of the nose which separates the nostrils. When it is referred to being
a hanging columella this section is often prominent or hangs down.
Is it possible for someone to be allergic to dissolvable
stitches? And if so, what would the reaction be?
This isn't as uncommon as you may think. There are usually two types
that promote a response in those who are sensitive to these sutures. These
two are usually Absorbable Poly(glycolide/L-lactide) Surgical Suture material and
Absorbable Gut Suture material.
If you experience redness and itchiness and sometimes pus formation -- you very
well may be allergic to the dissolvable type sutures. Sometimes the symptoms may
not show up until about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, if this happens, antibiotics
can be given but it usually reoccurs. The best thing to do in some cases is
to remove any of the left over material and replace it with nylon sutures.
These sutures are usually removed in 10 days. Another option can be tissue
glue although this isn't very mainstream for rhinoplasty.
Also be advised that when the skin gets red and itchy around a suture, be it absorbable
or non-dissolving -- usually it is time for them to be removed. Your body
knows and will tell you when your healing. Besides healing skin always turns
itchy. Know the difference between typical irritation and an allergic reaction.
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