Facial Surgery » Rhinoplasty
Surgery Of The Nose
Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration can greatly improve one's appearance. It’s for this reason that nasal surgery is one of the most common facial plastic surgical procedures performed.
Is Rhinoplasty For You?
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Skin type, ethnic background, and age are important factors to be considered in discussions with your surgeon prior to surgery. Before the nose is altered, a young patient must reach full growth, usually around age fifteen or sixteen.
Making The Decision For Rhinoplasty
Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Hamilton is trained in both ear, nose & throat surgery and facial cosmetic surgery, which provides you with the highest level of training and expertise. He will examine the structure of your nose, both externally and internally, to evaluate what you can expect from rhinoplasty. You are most likely to be pleased with the results of your surgery if you have a realistic idea of what nasal surgery can and cannot do.
You can expect a thorough explanation of the expectations and the risks involved in surgery. Following a joint decision by you and your surgeon to proceed with rhinoplasty, photographs will be taken of the face. Your surgeon will explain how the nasal structures, including bone and cartilage, can be sculpted to reshape the nose.
Understanding The Surgery
A rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, and is performed by Dr. Hamilton at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. By addressing specific areas of concern, the surgeon can then reduce the overall size, straighten or narrow the bridge, remove a hump, create smaller nostrils, or reshape the tip of the nose.
The tissues are then redraped over the new frame and the incisions are closed. A splint is applied to the outside of the nose to help retain the new shape while the nose heals.
What To Expect After The Surgery
Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable for at least five to eight days. Your face may feel puffy,especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication may be required. Your surgeon will advise you to avoid blowing your nose for seven days after surgery. In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area. Cold compresses often reduce the bruising and discomfort. Nasal dressing and splints are usually removed six or seven days after surgery.
The recovery period after rhinoplasty is typically 2 weeks.
Rhinoplasty has become such a popular procedure because of its ability to produce either dramatic or subtle changes to one’s facial appearance. As with all facial cosmetic procedures, a good outcome relies on realistic expectations and an open, trusting rapport with your surgeon.