RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty techniques have evolved significantly. The shape and function of the nose can be altered by a variety of procedures that allow for both correction of nasal appearance and the improvement of nasal airway. These include procedures to straighten the nasal skeleton, the cartilaginous portions of the nose (the lower one-half of the nose), and to relieve obstructions, especially by enlarged turbinate bones (scroll-like protrusions in the nose that help humidify the air we breath). These procedures are planned and appearance changes predicted preoperatively. It is possible to carry out most of these procedures with no external scarring or with a minimally perceptible scar across the nasal columella, the portion that extends from the lip to the nasal tip at the midline. Enhancement with grafts or removal of excesses are planned for in advance and changes that evolve both appearance and function are similarly planned for preoperatively with the patient's understanding of the anticipated changes as clearly as possible.

INITIAL CONSULT

When you first visit our office at Associates in Plastic Surgery, you will be given the information about the procedure. You will meet the doctor of your choice, either Dr. Jacobs, Dr. Alspaugh or Dr. Denk and he will examine you, advise you, and answer all of your questions. The patient counselor will provide you with information about fees and methods of payments and also help with the scheduling of your surgery.

Tip Rhinoplasty
Before	After
Before	After
Before	After

PREOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE

An additional visit scheduled within a few weeks of the proposed surgical date will also be required. At this visit, your medical history will again be reviewed. Any appropriate examinations or blood tests will also be ordered. Photographs will also be taken for your medical file. This will be another opportunity to ask any questions you might have regarding the procedure. Your preoperative prescriptions will be written at this visit. This will allow you time to have these prescriptions filled and at your bedside to simplify your care after surgery. You will also be given directions to help you prepare for surgery. Instructions including vitamins, use of certain medications, shaving and bathing procedures will be reviewed.

THE OPERATIVE EXPERIENCE

On the morning of the surgery, we ask you to come to the operating room wearing loose fitting clothing. Do not wear jewelry, cosmetics, nail polish, perfume, bath oil, deodorant, or other body lotions. You will be asked to change into a surgical gown, and the anesthesiologist will discuss the plan and anesthesia with you at this time. Usually, we will carry out preoperative markings to design the procedure and to plan the surgery. Subsequent to this, you will be taken to the operating room at which point monitors will be attached. Please be assured that your anesthesia will be individualized to your needs in an effort to maximize your comfort.

POSTOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE

After completion of the procedure, you will continue to be monitored in the recovery room until you have recuperated from the effects of the anesthesia. Pain medication will be given as needed for comfort. Once we establish that you are stable, you will be given detailed instructions as far as any signs to look out for as well as activity level and a review again of your medication instructions. A follow up appointment will have been scheduled. You will be given instructions as far as rest, bathing, need or lack of need regarding exercise. Also to be discussed, will be instructions as to when you can expect to return to work as well as drive. Do recognize, however, that every person's individual recovery is just that, individual, so an estimate is the best we can provide.

You will be given instructions regarding any sutures placed during the procedures. Suture removal will be discussed. You will need to be examined by your surgeon and nurse at regular intervals postoperatively. The first will be several days after your surgery. Subsequent to that, visits will be recommended to occur in about three weeks and then between three and six months. Of course, we will be happy to see you as many times as is necessary to make sure that your care is optimized.

As an expected consequence of the operation, bruising may be present.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

All surgical procedures carry some risk. However, the majority of complications known to be associated with this procedure are usually minor. Nonetheless, we hope that you will enter your surgery aware of not only the significant benefits but also the possible complications. We will try to be as thorough as possible to familiarize you with these risks in the initial consultation and preoperative visit. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact us by phone at (757) 491-3535 or email us.