Rhinoplasty in La Jolla California
Also known as a “Nose Job,” Rhinoplasty is among the more popular procedures in our practice. The numbers of augmentation surgery done annually has increased steadily in the past few years for both cosmetic and medical reasons. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Rhinoplasty was the second most popular plastic surgery procedure for men in 2006. Dr. Rechnic has been performing the surgery for over 20 years. View Rhinoplasty before and after photos.
About The Surgery
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia; Dr. Rechnic will recommend the best choice for you during your complimentary consultation. Surgery of the nose can reduce or augment nasal structures with the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. Most commonly, pieces of cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose.
If the septum is deviated, it is now straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing. Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed. Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size if necessary.
Splints and internal tubes will likely support the nose as it begins to heal for approximately one week. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.
Nose surgery to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.
Important Facts abot Nose surgery
The decision to have nose surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will fulfill your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Rechnic will explain in detail the risks associated with rhinoplasty surgery.
The Risks include:
- Rupture of small surface vessels of the nose
- Infection, poor wound healing, bleeding (hematoma), nose asymmetry, change in skin sensation (numbness) and anesthesia risks
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications can occur in longer surgical procedures and may be associated with the formation of, or increase in, blood clots in the venous system
- Nasal airway alterations may occur after a rhinoplasty or septoplasty that may interfere with normal passage of air through the nose
- Nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) may develop but is rare; additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the nasal septum but in some cases, it may be impossible to correct this complication
- Unfavorable scarring, skin contour irregularities, skin discoloration and swelling
- Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
- Possibility of revision surgery
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your nose procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look, or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Rechnic in confidence.
Your Recovery
After your procedure is completed a splint, internal tubes or packing will likely be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.
Read the consent forms and be sure to ask about anything you don’t understand or want to have reviewed.
What You Will Need After Surgery
- You must have a responsible adult with for the first day.
- If your nose surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
- Prescription for pain pills will be given (and should be filled) in adva
If you are interested in learning more about Rhinoplasty, including scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Rechnic, email him directly by clicking here.
