The nose is one of the most prominent features of a person’s face. Men and women who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their nose can improve their appearance through a procedure called rhinoplasty. Nasal reconstruction, or rhinoplasty, was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among the most frequently performed procedures today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging, or reshaping bone or cartilage.

Typical reasons for this surgery are to improve the angle, reduce the size of the nose, or to remove a bump. These conditions may be the result of natural causes or external trauma to the face. Both profile and frontal facial views can be altered through rhinoplasty. The surgery can be performed in conjunction with procedures designed to relieve nasal obstructions. It is not usually performed until a person has reached the mid-teenage years when growth is nearly complete.

BEFORE SURGERY:
Prior to surgery, a medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. A careful examination is also conducted. The physician and patient discuss together how the nose should look in relation to the patient’s other facial features. It is important for the patient to understand that the goal of the surgery is not to achieve perfection, but rather to improve the appearance. Photographs of the nose allow the surgeon to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. The physician will discuss with the patient the type of anesthesia to be used, the actual procedure, and the possible risks and complications of surgery.

THE PROCEDURE:
Rhinoplasty can be performed at Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center, an outpatient surgical facility, or a hospital depending upon the preference of both the patient and Dr. Engen. It can be done under a general or local anesthesia.

The procedure is determined by the type of correction to be made. In most cases involving a reduction in size or shape of the nose, the removal of a hump, or the improvement of an angle, incisions are made inside the nose. Working through these incisions, the physician is able to cut bone and cartilage to reshape the nose.

To remove a nasal hump, a special file or chisel is used. A more narrow nasal bridge is then formed by bringing together the bones on either side of the face. With patients in whom the size of the nasal tip is too large, cartilage is removed through the inside incision. The angle between the nose and the upper lip can be improved by elevating and trimming the septum (the dividing wall between the two chambers of the nose).

In some cases, it is necessary to narrow the base of the nose. This procedure involves removal of skin from both sides of the nostrils at the center. In order to improve the contour of the nose on some patients, it is sometimes necessary to add tissue.

FOLLOWING SURGERY:
Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is usually removed within a week. Nasal pads may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. This packing is removed within a day or two. Before and even after the packing is removed, there is frequently some stuffiness of the nose, particularly when work has been done in the nasal septum. Dr. Engen will then advise when it is permissible to gently blow the nose.

Pain connected with the surgery is minimal and is controlled with oral medication. Bruising around the eyes occurs but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two to three weeks. Swelling around the treated areas slowly diminishes and can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining. Cold compresses may be recommended. Some slight swelling may be present for as long as two to four months.

During the healing process, great care must be taken to protect the nose from injury. Eyeglasses should be adjusted in order to minimize pressure on the nose. Dr. Engen will advise whether or not contact lenses can be worn. Although patients are usually up and around a day or two after the procedure, strenuous exercises, particularly those that might elevate blood pressure, must be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Engen will determine when normal activities can be resumed.

HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN BE EXPECTED?
The amount of improvement is individual and depends upon the extent of surgery. Depending upon each case, results can vary from being subtle to very dramatic. Final results may not be apparent for up to one year.

Each year, thousands of rhinoplasties are successfully performed on people who want to change the size or shape of their nose. Complications connected with rhinoplasty are rare, however, there are some inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure. Possible risks and complications should be thoroughly discussed with the physician.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR THIS SURGERY?
Some insurance companies will pay part of or all of the costs of this surgery if it is performed as a result of nasal obstruction. Each insurance carrier is different and it is recommended that individuals check with their provider to determine if there is coverage.

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic surgery of the nose, please contact Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center at 801-379-2900 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Excel Cosmetic Surgery Center `1735 N State St. Provo,UT