FACE

NOSE SURGERY (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is for people who are looking for improvement in the nasal area for the following reasons:

• To reduce the size of the nose
• To change the shape or the tip or the bridge of the nose
• To narrow the span of the nostrils
• To change the angle between your nose and your upper lip

Dr. Ward will evaluate the structure of your nose and discuss the possibilities of improvement with you. Factors such as the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, and your age and your nasal size expectations will determine if you are a candidate for nasal cosmetic surgery. Dr. Ward recommends not operating on teenagers until after they’ve completed their growth spurt around 15 years for girls and later for boys.

Rhinoplasty A 23 year old female wanting to change the size and tip of her nose. Click here to go to Photo Gallery

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What technique does Dr. Ward perform for nasal surgery?
Dr. Ward utilizes the "open" technique in which the rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose. There is no visible scaring at all. When the procedure is for flared nostrils, the small scars at the base of the nose are usually not visible.

What can I expect for the nasal healing time?
Within a week or two your nose begins to look normal. Still, the nasal healing time is a slow and gradual process. Swelling may be present for a few months especially at the tip but usually only noticeable to you.

NOSE SURGERY RECOVERY 

Rhinoplasty surgery usually takes about one hour and a half. When the surgery is complete a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. After surgery your nose may ache and you have a dull headache. This discomfort can be controlled with prescribed pain medication. Staying in bed with your neck elevated for the first few days is expected. Most of the swelling and bruising should you have any will disappear within two weeks. Some subtle swelling only noticeable by you may remain for several months. At the post operative visit 7 days after surgery your splint is removed.

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