Nose Surgery

 NOSE SURGERY

(RHINOPLASTY)

Understanding Nose Surgery

Nose surgery / rhinoplasty is performed to change the configuration of the nose. It can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the width of the nostrils, change the shape of the tip or bridge, or change the angle between the nose and tip. 

Who Is A candidate For Nose Surgery?

The ideal candidate for nose surgery is someone who is looking for improvement rather than perfection. The appropriate age for surgery depends on many factors. Dr. Coley prefers not to operate on teenagers until after they’ve completed their growth spurt – around 15 for girls and 18 for boys. However, nose surgery may be performed at a younger age if a severe breathing problem exists. There is no upper age limit for nose surgery. Clients in there sixties and seventies elect to have this procedure with good results.

Nose Surgery

During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired size and shape. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose where they will not be visible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of the skin separating the nostrils and/or at the base of each nostril. Very fine, absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions. The sutures dissolve on their own, usually leaving an imperceptible scar.

Before Surgery

During the consultation, Dr. Coley assesses the client’s age, height, skin thickness, ethnic background and other facial features such as the forehead, eyes, and chin. His goal is to create a natural-looking nose that compliments each client’s face. It is often necessary to correct a receding or protruding chin at the same time nose surgery is performed in order to achieve harmony of the facial features. Combining these procedures may produce a more desirable effect.

During Surgery

Nose surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and commonly takes from one to two hours, depending upon the complexity of the case.

Understanding the Recovery

After surgery, a splint is placed over the nose to help maintain the new shape.  The splint is removed in about six days, revealing a more defined and aesthetic appearing nose.

Immediately after surgery, bruising may develop in the face, particularly around the eyes. Dr. Coley provides specific guidelines that help manage the discomfort and speed the healing process.

Most clients are able to return to work or school a week following surgery. Some activates that may injure the nose are limited in the weeks after the procedure to allow optimal healing.

Understanding the Results

The appearance of the nose looks better each day following surgery. Within a week or two, an observer can no longer tell that a procedure has been performed. The healing is a slow, gradual process with a final result that may not be seen for a year or more. Most clients, young and old, are thrilled with the results of nose surgery.