Initial Consultation
It is important for the surgeon to take a complete history of any previous nasal trauma or breathing problems you may have. It is also important to tell your doctor the features of the nose you are unhappy about. Your nose will be examined, including an internal exam. The discussion about surgery should be driven by your desires and not any preconceived ideas the surgeon has about what an aesthetically pleasing nose looks like.
Breathing Problems
People with breathing difficulties often have a curve (deviation) in their septum. The septum is the part of your nose that separates the left and right airways, dividing the two nostrils. It is important to correct this curve during the surgical procedure. Otherwise, the external symmetry of your nose may be compromised following rhinoplasty. The curve in the septum is usually corrected by removing the warped portions of the septal cartilage. This cartilage can also be used to improve the nasal contour.
Large Noses
Reduction rhinoplasty is the process of making the nose smaller. Various parts of the nose or the entire nose can be made smaller. If you have a large hump, you can have the hump area shaved down. If you have a large tip, you can have the tip refined. In addition, a droopy or long tip can be set back to improve the contour. People who have a wide nose can have nasal bones brought in to narrow the nose. Most people require a combination of the above treatments to attain the best possible appearance.
Small Noses
People with small noses need to have more material placed in their noses to improve their appearance. The materials can be your own cartilage or bone. If these are not available, then artificial implants can also be used to achieve the desired changes. This type of surgery is most commonly used for people with a depressed nasal contour, or who have suffered trauma or have had prior unsatisfactory rhinoplasty.
Anesthesia
Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia. People typically are able to go home following the surgery.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
You will be allowed to return to daily activities a few days after surgery. However, exercise, heavy lifting, or manipulating the nose is not allowed for at least two weeks. Nasal packing is rarely used in our practice, except for in cases that require extensive septal correction. The packing is usually removed one to two days after surgery. Many of the changes to the nose will be seen at your first post-operative visit.
Insurance Coverage for Rhinoplasty
Many people inquire if insurance covers part or all of their surgery. Cases, where people have difficulty breathing and where there is documented septal curvature, may be covered by insurance. The amount of coverage depends on the individual circumstance.
A well-planned and executed rhinoplasty can make positive changes that will stay with you your entire life. Making a change in the appearance of your nose improves the appearance of your entire face, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Advanced Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery offers the newest and most sophisticated cosmetic surgery procedures for men and women, including rhinoplasty, neck and facelifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation, reduction or reconstruction, as well as Botox, Juvederm and other injectable fillers. All procedures are done by ASC surgeons Dr. David Goldenberg, Dr. Sohel Islam, and Dr. Prashant Soni. Our offices are located in the Fairfield County, CT towns of Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, Ridgefield, and Southbury.