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Nose Surgery Kansas, Nose Surgery City, Nose Surgery in Kansas
Am I a good candidate for a Rhinoplasty?
Most patients requesting this procedure have always been concerned about the appearance of their nose.  Usually the trait is inherited.  Most patients have a nose that is “too large” or “ too pudgy”.  They would like it to be more refined.  The nose may be crooked, sometimes due to an old injury.  Some patients have had previous surgery, but are not still concerned about the appearance of their nose, and inquire about additional surgery.

How old must I be to have this surgery?
Unless you’ve had an injury or breathing problems, it is best to wait until the bones in your face are no longer growing.   This development is complete in girls by age 16 and boys by age 17.

Will I have a scar on my nose?
Most rhinoplasties use incisions on the inside of the nostrils, so there are no visible scars.   However, if the nostrils need to be narrowed, small incisions are used which are placed in the creases under the nostrils. The open technique (used for more complicated rhinoplasties) leaves a scar at the base of the columella (the vertical part of the nose separating the nostrils).  It is usually quite inconspicuous.

Can you make me a nose that looks like someone else?
No.  Rhinoplasties can accomplish many goals and often enhance appearance.  However, it is not possible for the surgeon to replicate the tissue characteristics of another person.  Even if that were possible, it would be inadvisable, because someone else’s nose would likely look out of place on another face.  Photos are helpful, however, as a communication tool, so that I know what you desire in terms of changing the appearance of your nose.

Will you need to break the bones?
This depends on the appearance of the dorsum and your desires in terms of reducing the size of the dorsum.  Usually if there is a hump, or if the dorsum is too wide, it will be necessary to remove the hump by rasping (filing) and then reposition the nasal bones.  If the tip is to be narrowed, it may be advisable to also narrow the dorsum to balance the reduced tip.  Some patients with large, projecting, or bulbous tips may require a “tip rhinoplasty” alone.  In this case, the cartilages are trimmed, but the nasal bones are not broken.  There is swelling of the tip of the nose, but very little swelling and bruising of the face.

How much pain will I have after surgery?
There is some pain after surgery, but this is usually well controlled with painkillers.  These are prescribed before surgery, so that you will have them at home after surgery.  There is very little discomfort if the tip alone is treated.  Headaches may be treated with acetaminophen.

Can I blow my nose?
Do not blow your nose, and avoid sneezing for two weeks.  Avoid bumping the nose or being struck by an elbow or young child.

How awful will I look?
There will be swelling of the nose and face.  There will be bruising under the eyes.  Patients usually look worse than they feel.  Those having tip rhinoplasties will have swelling of the tip of the nose, but very little swelling or bruising of the face.  Camouflage makeup may be used to help hide facial bruises.

Are there stitches?
There are stitches on the inside of the nose that dissolve on their own.  Outside stitches may be used when the nostrils are narrowed, or for an open rhinoplasty.  These are removed by one week after surgery.

What happens to the extra skin?
The skin is elastic and will gradually contract down to fit the reduced size of the nasal framework.

How much work will I miss?
Most patients take one week off work to allow the swelling to partially subside.  Bruising is usually present for a few weeks.  Patients with jobs that call for a high level of physical activity will need two weeks off.

Will I be able to wear my glasses right away?
No.  You can wear contacts, but glasses cannot be worn after surgery for at least two weeks, to allow adequate healing of the nasal bones.  In the meantime, you may tape your glasses to your forehead, or adjust them to rest on your cheeks.   If you’ve had a tip rhinoplasty, it is okay to wear glasses.

Will insurance help pay for my surgery?
There may be insurance coverage for surgery to correct a breathing problem or nasal deformity following injury (not one you were born with).  You will need to check with your insurance company, and obtain pre-authorization.  Of course, insurance will not pay for surgery that is judged to be cosmetic in nature.

How long does the surgery take?
The surgery takes one to two hours.

This introduction is intended to provide you with information about a Rhinoplasty.  Additional information, tailored to your particular needs, is provided at the time of consultation.  The staff of the Swanson Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery is available to answer any other questions you may have or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.  We would be happy to assist you in finalizing your plans.

Contact us for more information on Blepharoplasty, or nose surgery

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At the Swanson Center, Plastic Surgeon, Dr Eric Swanson MD provides an array of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery including breast augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, microdermabrasion, BOTOX, abdominoplasty, etc. Serving Kansas city and the surrounding area.