Overview of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the nose is altered for medical or cosmetic reasons. While some people require rhinoplasty to address breathing difficulties from a deviated septum, candidates for cosmetic rhinoplasty may be unhappy with the appearance of their nose since birth, through aging, as the result of injury or trauma, or perhaps from a previous nose job. The size and shape of your nose impact the look of your entire face. Charlotte, NC’s top cosmetic surgeon has performed rhinoplasty for years, helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
The Procedure of Rhinoplasty
The nose is comprised of bone, tissue, and cartilage. During a rhinoplasty procedure, incisions are made inside the nose, and sometimes on the skin separating the nostrils. Then, the bone or cartilage underneath the skin is changed: augmented, reduced, or reshaped. For example, if the tip of your nose is too large or bulbous, your surgeon can remove cartilage from that area. Or, if the bridge of your nose is too high, cartilage or bone can be removed from there. Cartilage and soft tissue grafts can be used to build up parts of the nose that appear too small. In general, your nose should be symmetrical, with a triangularly shaped tip as seen from a base view, and proportionate in size to your face. Once the frame of your nose has been sculpted, your tissue is draped back over the nose, and incisions are closed. The end goal is facial harmony and patient satisfaction. Keep in mind that rhinoplasty requires general anesthesia, which will factor into the overall cost of your procedure.
Recovery
After surgery, you will be monitored for a short time for the anesthesia, and then discharged. You will need to be driven home, as you will not be allowed to operate a vehicle right away. Most patients do not require nasal packing, or experience significant pain, though medication can be prescribed. You may develop swelling or bruising around your eyes, more so if your procedure involved bone and not just cartilage. Bruising typically subsides 7 to 10 days after surgery. Swelling can last a number of weeks, and minor swelling up to several months. Skin numbness may also occur, but is temporary. Lastly, your surgeon will likely want to see you for a follow up shortly after your surgery.
Your Surgeon
As Charlotte’s most experienced facial plastic surgeon, Dr. M. Sean Freeman has specialized in rhinoplasty since 1988, working from a state-of-the-art surgical center, and using the best technology and techniques. RealSelf, an online cosmetic surgery forum covering over 250 cosmetic treatments, named Dr. Freeman a Top Doctor through his top reviews and frequent answers. Patients in Charlotte and beyond can trust Dr. Freeman to deliver excellent results and care.
Contact Dr. Sean Freeman at Only Faces, Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and top facial plastic surgeon, to schedule a consultation to find out what procedure is right for you. Call today.