Rhinoplasty is a procedure to improve the contour of the nose. There may be a need to open the airway if there has been damage to the nose.

Factors That Affect Your Results Elasticity of skin Sun damage Stress Hereditary thickness of skin Smoking Hormones Our Goal To give you a balanced attractive nose that fits with your facial configuration. Ideal Candidates Good physical health Psychology stable Non-smokers Well informed about the procedure Realistic expectation Where Is Procedure Performed We use state of the art, fully accredited, out-patient surgical center. We have Board Certified Anesthesiologists to assist us.

Variations of Rhinoplasty Complete Rhinoplasty Tip Rhinoplasty Airway Correction Note: Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures I do. We are asking skin, bone, cartilage and mucosa to heal in a symphony.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT to EXPECT Bruising and swelling. You probably will not be able to breathe through your nose for 1 to 2 weeks. Pain is usually a 4 to 6 on a 10 scale. ANESTHESIA - Usually general anesthesia but could be done under local sedation or heavy sedation by an anesthesiologist. DURATION of OPERATION - One to two hours. DAY of SURGERY - Wear comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry at home. After the operation you will go to the recovery unit for one to two hours, then move to the post-op area for two to three hours. You must have someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility. You must have someone stay with you the first night or stay at an overnight facility. POST-OP DAY ONE - Possible more swelling and bruising. Occasionally the eyes swell closed. You will have bloody drainage from the nose. Usually you will soak up a drip pad every one to two hours during the first 24 hours then bleeding slows to changing the pad every 3 to 6 hours. Keep ice pack on first 24 hours. DAY THREE - If I use open technique you will come in for suture removal. DAY SIX - I will remove the splint and nasal packs if we use them. BACK TO WORK - Usually 12-14 days but you may have residual bruising. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RISKS BLEEDING - Occasionally we have to go back to the operating room to pack the nose to stop bleeding. INFECTION - Uncommon. We use antibiotics pre- and post-operatively. BREATHING PROBLEMS - Occasionally persists or increase with surgery. SEPTAL PERFORATION - If we do airway correction, occasionally an area of the septum does not heal well and an opening between the airway persists. CONTOUR - Outcome is usually good. Occasionally 5-10% minor revision is required. NUMBNESS - Tip will be numb for one to eight months. SWELLING - It is expected and can last for several mounths up to 1 year. SYMMETRY You are not symmetrical now and will not be perfectly symmetrical after the surgery. Look very closely in the mirror prior to surgery to identify asymmetry. EMOTION - You may have a period of mild depression after surgery. This is caused by the stress of the surgery and anesthesia. It will pass as you recover. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT RHINOPLASTY WILL DO Improve contour of nose Usually improves self image Improves airway -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT RHINOPLASTY WILL NOT DO May not correct all contour deformities Make a perfectly symmetrical nose. No one is perfectly symmetrical. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT IF REVISIONS ARE NEEDED You are responsible for anesthesia and facility charges. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST This is a very difficult question to answer. Longevity of the procedure depends on your skin elasticity, heredity, previous sun exposure and post-operatively, stress, smoking and elastic fibers in your skin. If you are a good candidate with good skin qualities and don't smoke, you can expect a good appearance for 4-10 years. Remember gravity pulls and aging continues from the moment I finish your operation. I wish I could guarantee the duration of the results but it is impossible.