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RHINOPLASTY FAQS

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. During a rhinoplasty, the surgeon is able to reshape, reduce or augment a patient’s nose to improve appearance.
A Rhinoplasty may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect, a repair surgery to remedy an injury like a broken nose, or simply for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes the procedure is performed in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with ongoing sinusitis or with a septoplasty, a procedure to correct a deviated septum. In these cases, the operation effectively treats health and breathing problems, as well as improving the patient’s appearance.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A RHINOPLASTY?

Rhinoplasty has several specific goals. Some facilitate breathing as well as improve facial appearance. During a rhinoplasty, the surgeon may make your appearance more pleasing to you by:

  • Removing a hump on your nose
  • Modifying the bridge of your nose
  • Reshaping the tip of your nose
  • Reshaping or resizing your nostrils
  • Repairing your nose after an injury
  • Increasing or decreasing the size of your nose
ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A RHINOPLASTY?

In order to be a candidate for a Rhinoplasty procedure you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 15 years old so that facial growth is complete
  • Be in overall good health
  • Not be a smoker
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery
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HOW IS A RHINOPLASTY PERFORMED?

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. It usually takes from 1 to 2 hours to complete. Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed Rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open Rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils.

With both methods, the surgeon gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose.The surgeon sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape.Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum. If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeon will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing.Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM A RHINOPLASTY LIKE?

Immediately after surgery, your nose and eyes are usually bruised and swollen. Splints and some thing support material will remain inside your nose for a few days. During this period, you may experience some nasal pain or a dull headache, as well as some bleeding and drainage from your nose. Most patients are comfortable enough to return to regular activities in about a week. Contact lenses can be worn immediately after the procedure, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.

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WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS OF RHINOPLASTY?

Complications arising from a Rhinoplasty are rare and, when they do occur, usually minor.These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. Some few patients may experience recurring nosebleed or numbness in or around the nose. On rare occasions, the nasal septum may be perforated, but this rarely results in any significant symptoms. In general, a Rhinoplasty is considered a very safe surgical procedure.

WHAT IS REVISION RHINOPLASTY?

Revision, or secondary, Rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary Rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture.When performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon, however, a revision Rhinoplasty can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.

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WHAT IS A RIB GRAFT?

The ribs contain a large amount of cartilage that can be used to rebuild the nose if it has been badly damaged by trauma or previous surgery. Because of this, rib grafting is a very powerful tool in the field of revision rhinoplasty.Although these cases are always more challenging, the procedure can be performed safely by well-trained plastic surgeons who specialize in complex nasal surgery. Talk to your surgeon about whether a rib graft is required for your surgery.

Thank you so much for the excellent care you provided to me when I fell and broke my nose in 3 places. It was a traumatic experience for me until you began treating me. You were so kind, knowledgeable and reassuring that I was comfortable placing complete confidence in you.
My experience with Dr. Dibelius has been unparalleled to any other experience with a doctor. His dedication to his patients and work ethic are above and beyond. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
AMAZING! He is so knowledgeable and knows what he is doing! He has completely changed my life! I can finally breathe thanks to him! 2 years of sinus infections and countless doctors couldn’t fix.. he did! He’s amazing!!
I recommend Dr. Dibilius wholeheartedly to anyone that reads this. He is a Doctor that is knowledgeable, patient, and generous with his time to go over any questions you may have. As a surgeon, he is well skilled in his craft.
From my initial visit with Dr. Dibelius, I was comfortable and at ease. He was friendly and compassionate. Not once did he interrupt my questions and managed to satisfactorily answer all of my concerns. He was truly interested in the precise and complete correction of a very complex problem involving my nose which was very [...]

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