Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
No one feature affects the way you look as much as your nose does. A nose that is too long, too wide, or too big can seem to dominate your face. A nose that is crooked or has a “bump” or “hump” may detract from otherwise nice features. If any of these issues speak to you, you might consider rhinoplasty from Vargas Face and Skin Center in Kansas City.
Rhinoplasty Corrections
Maybe your nose sticks out too far forward or appears too wide. Sometimes a small chin or neck fat can make the nose look disproportionately larger. These are just a few examples of changes that can be made to your nose.
Realistic goals of rhinoplasty are a significant improvement in appearance, a natural looking nose without an operated look, and a nose that is still in harmony with the rest of your face. The goal is not an over-operated look. Instead, slight changes make the issues disappear instead of drawing attention to any imperfections.
What to Know About Rhinoplasty
There are many cosmetic and functional benefits associated with rhinoplasty and nose reshaping. Your in-depth consultation with Dr. Vargas will involve an extensive exam of your nose. Measurements and photos may be taken at this time. Although the decision to have elective nose surgery is highly individualized, it should be known that Dr. Vargas has extensive experience correcting many nasal defects, as well as performing revision surgery for those who were not satisfied with a previous rhinoplasty procedure.
“The crookedness of my nose has always been my biggest insecurity. Now, thanks to Dr. Vargas, I feel confident and ready to take on the world!”
Rhinoplasty Q&A
The term “rhinoplasty” is used when referring to surgical procedures of the nose. There are many reasons individuals seek out this procedure. We mostly see patients who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their nose. You may have been unhappy with the nose you were born with or aging has caused the shape of your nose to change. The effects of time on the nose often distort its appearance. Breathing issues are another reason for seeking a rhinoplasty. A rhinoplasty will help in changing the shape and appearance of the nose.
There are many facial cosmetic procedures that can be performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty. It is common to add a chin augmentation if needed to create balance within the face.
The first step is an assessment of the bone and cartilage within the nose. After the assessment, incisions are made on the inside of the nose, and in some cases on the skin that runs between the nostrils. Once the incision is made, the bone and cartilage is manipulated by reducing, augmenting, or building cartilage to create a new shape. Then the tissue is draped to the new structure of the nose and incisions are closed. A splint is placed to support the new shape of the nose while healing.
This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Every rhinoplasty procedure varies based on the patient’s needs and desires.
Swelling and bruising is normal post-procedure and will often occur around the eyes. In many cases this resolves within 10 days, but can last up to two weeks. You can expect limitation in your nasal breathing the first few days after your surgery due to swelling inside the nose.
The splint and any external sutures are removed after one week. It is normal to have numbness and itching during the healing process. Certain activities may be limited until you receive clearance from the doctor. It can take up to one year for the tip of the nose to take on its final shape.
After the surgery it is best to use cold compresses and lay in an elevated position to reduce swelling and increase comfort. Pain medication is prescribed and can be used to aid in comfort levels post-surgery. You will need to clean the area post- surgery. Take caution and no do blow the nose to avoid impact during healing. It is necessary to avoid any type of lifting and heavy activity during the healing process.
It is also recommended to limit the use of glasses that place pressure on the bridge of the nose. It is very important that the nose is not involved in any type of trauma while healing.
It is important to review the work of the surgeon to ensure that you have the same aesthetic goals. A detailed discussion and realistic patient expectations will lead to a satisfying outcome for both the patient and doctor.
Any procedure that addresses cosmetic needs is not usually covered by insurance. Special cases such as issues with breathing due to the structure of the nose may be reimbursable in part or whole. It is the patient’s responsibility for pre-approval of coverage and to process the claim for insurance.
