Rhinoplasty / Nasal Surgery

Surgery of the nose is one of the oldest and most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It is also the most difficult and complex operation in facial plastic surgery because of the delicate balance required between form and function. The surgery itself reshapes cartilage and bone of the nose to improve its appearance, bringing the nose into harmony and balance with the remainder of the face. The results can be subtle or dramatic depending on the patient's desires and the limits of their anatomy. There are individuals who have been unhappy with the appearance of their nose for their whole life, and there are individuals who have had their nose altered as a result of injury. New Orleans Rhinoplasty offers a solution to both these individuals.

The Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty

The best candidates for a rhinoplasty are those people who are looking for an improvement in the way they look, not those searching for perfection.

There are many ways rhinoplasty can improve upon one's nasal appearance.

• Reduce or increase the overall size of your nose
• Change the shape of the tip or bridge
• Improve symmetry
• Narrow or widen the nostrils

Not only can rhinoplasty enhance appearance, it can also help improve nasal breathing. The consultation is an important part of the process because it allows the doctor to examine the current state of the nose and determine what can be done to enhance its appearance. Our goal is to create a naturally appearing nose which fits the individual patient's face and that is functional.

The Procedure

The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes one and a half to two hours, though more complicated procedures may take longer. The surgery starts with the skin of the nose being separated from its supporting framework of the bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is then redraped over the new framework. After the surgery is complete, a splint is then applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft splints may be placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum (the dividing wall between the air passages).

Recovery

After surgery, during the first twenty-four hours, the face will feel puffy, the nose may ache, and the patient may experience a dull headache. The patient should plan on resting with their head elevated for the first day. There may be some swelling and bruising around the eyes, reaching a peak after two to three days. By the end of one week all packing, dressings, splints and stitches will be removed and the patient is able to return to school or work. It will be a few weeks following surgery before patients can resume more strenuous activities. Healing times vary with patients. Throughout the recovery period, Dr. Graham will be available at his New Orleans office to monitor your healing.

Overall, you can expect an enhanced nose and potential to boost in self-esteem.

 

Schedule a consultation with our rhinoplasty expert at our New Orleans practice by calling (504) 842-3950. You may also fill out our online contact form.