Rhinoplasty

Dr. Afshar performs rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their nose. This improvement is achieved by removing, rearranging, or reshaping bone or cartilage.

Reasons for Surgery

Reasons include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps, as well as improving the angle of the nose. Conditions may be natural or due to external trauma to the face. This operation will also help patients who have difficulty breathing. The operation can be performed on all age groups, including teens and the elderly.

Before Surgery

A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. We will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Dr. Afshar to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Preoperative instructions may include eliminating certain drugs that contain aspirin to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection.

Method of Surgery

Surgery is performed either under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, angle, or removal of a hump, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin redraped over the surface.

Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem. The incisions are placed inside the nose, unless the surgeon uses an open approach, in which case the incisions are made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeon may make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to improve the profile.

Post-Operative Information

The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed within a week. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is well controlled with oral medications which Dr. Afshar will prescribe. Bruising occurs around the eyes and begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.

Insurance

Your insurance company may pay for all or part of the costs associated with your surgery if it is performed as a result of nasal obstruction. It is recommended that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage.