The nose is the defining characteristic of the face and even a slight disproportion or irregularity may greatly detract from one's appearance. Deformities may be a familial trait or may be the result of trauma or abnormal development. Nasal deformity can be accompanied by problems in function of the nose including breathing problems and recurring sinus infections. Rhinoplasty may improve not only the aesthetics of the face but also the function of the nose.
There are several characteristics that determine what is the right nose for you. Symmetry, facial proportion, shape and stature all contribute to the aesthetics of the nose. Rhinoplasty may dramatically improve facial harmony.
WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?
Using a combination of intravenous sedation and local anesthetic, Dr. Finn will use concealed incisions to reshape the cartilage or structure of the nose. By carefully contouring the underlying structure of the nose, a more pleasing shape may be obtained. At times, this is as simple as removing a "hump" on the nose. Other times, it may be more complicated with delicate reshaping of the cartilages of the tip.
Oftentimes, internal nasal work such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction may be done to improve nasal airway. Insurance companies will often pay for medically necessary internal nasal surgery, but any cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. Often, a plastic splint is worn on the outside of the nose for one week and occasionally an internal splint is used. It is very rare to require any sort of nasal packing as has been done in the past. Bruising is variable; but if bony work is done on the nose, it is not unusual to have bruising under the eyes for seven to ten days. It often takes many months for the final results of the rhinoplasty to be apparent as the swelling that inevitably follows surgery often conceals subtle changes.
Occasionally, facial disproportion is caused by more than a nose that is out of place. It is common to combine a chin augmentation with the rhinoplasty as a weak chin may make a large nose appear much more prominent.
WHAT MAY BE ACHIEVED WITH RHINOPLASTY?
At Aesthetic Solutions, you may have a detailed discussion with Dr. Finn to best determine your goals and realistic outcome of the surgery. With sophisticated computer imaging, we may modify your nose on the computer screen to come to a better understanding of your needs and desires. More importantly, we may demonstrate the limitations of surgery to ensure realistic expectations. Only with careful considerate discussion and education about the procedure may one be adequately prepared to achieve a satisfactory outcome. Dr. Finn's special combinations of training both in the aesthetics and in the function of the nose may help insure optimal results.
Just as each nose is different, each rhinoplasty is different as well. There should be no “cookie cutter” rhinoplasty. As various techniques will be adapted to your special circumstances to achieve your best possible result. Years of experience and specialty training will help you achieve your goals.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Once you decide to proceed with the rhinoplasty, you will be given a detailed explanation as to what to do to prepare for surgery. In order to minimize bruising and swelling, we ask that you avoid any aspirin or aspirin-containing products as well as any non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen (including Motrin, Aleve, and Advil) for at least two weeks before surgery. It is fine to go ahead and take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) before surgery. In addition, we ask you to avoid taking vitamin E supplements as this may also result in more bruising.
We have found using a vitamin K cream and using a homeopathic herb called "Arnica Montana" tends to reduce bruising. We have both of these available in our clinic and will be happy to discuss this with you further. It is important to be well rested for surgery, and if you are anxious, a mild sedative may be given for the night before surgery. If you are undergoing sedation, it is important to avoid anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. If you have high blood pressure or take other medications, these medications may be taken with a sip of water the morning of surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our staff for details.
5821 Farrington Road
Suite 101
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Tel: 919-403-6200
Fax: 919-403-6242
info@aesthetic-solutions.com