What is Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the shape, form, and function of the nose. It addresses aesthetic imbalances such as a nose that is too large for the face, a “bump” on the nose, a nose or nostrils that appear too wide, or a nose tip that lacks projection or droops. A rhinoplasty may be combined with a procedure known as a septoplasty.
What is Septoplasty?
A septoplasty is a functional procedure performed to improve nasal breathing. The septum Is the tissue that separates the nostrils which contain cartilage. If any damage has occurred to the cartilage, a person will experience obstructed breathing. A septoplasty will correct this condition, but it will not change the shape of the nose, nor will it eliminate snoring.
Am I a candidate for a rhinoplasty?
You may be considered a good candidate if your answer is yes to any of the following questions:
- Are you self-conscious about your nose and feel unattractive because of it?
- Do you avoid being seen or photographed in profile?
- Does your nose label you with an ethnic identity (which may or may not be your actual heritage)?
- Are you a mature person with a clear idea of what you’d liked changed about your nose?
- Do you feel that a rhinoplasty will enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem?
- When you are at a stop light, do you creep forward to avoid your profile being seen from a parallel car?
- Do you obsess about your hair style in order to camouflage nose flaws? Do you spend too much time using camouflage make-up in order to make your nose appear smaller?
- Do you consistently photoshop your nose?
What are the results?
Dr. Collini assesses each patient and formulates an individualized plan that is surgically sound and achieves the desires and goals of the patient. He strives to produce a natural appearing nasal shape which is in balance with the surrounding facial features. His goal is to avoid the typical “nose job” look. The post-surgical nose should look as if the patient was born with it. Each rhinoplasty is personalized to create a nose that fits a patient’s unique facial features and enhances a patient’s appearance, while taking into account what the patient requests in a desired outcome. It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a “perfect nose” which can be reproduced on each patient.
What can I expect?
The operation usually takes 1½ – 2 hours to perform from start to finish. You will go home shortly afterward.
After the procedure, you will have some swelling and/or bruising. Bruising usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks but may take longer to disappear, especially in older patients. Dr. Collini also has some patients take vitamin C (1000 mg a day) for three weeks after surgery to help with healing. Topical Vitamin K cream is also recommended and can accelerate the healing of bruising by half if used twice daily.
Nasal packing is NOT used. A small paper nasal splint is applied on top of the nose and this is removed 6 days after the surgery. If a septoplasty is performed, a nasal sponge or tampon (NOT the old-fashioned nasal packing) is placed in each nostril to prevent postoperative nasal bleeding. This is also removed 6 days after surgery.
Sometimes the tip of the nose remains numb, tight and swollen for several months. This is more of a nuisance than an actual medical problem. The nose smooths out and softens over time, and the numbness will go away. This is the normal healing process and always settles over time.
Dr. Collini performs a “closed” rhinoplasty technique in 90% of patients. The incision scar is located inside the nose and is not visible. If an “open” approach is necessary, the incision is placed in the column of skin between the nostrils. The scar typically heals so well that it is not visible to a casual observer. This is discussed in detail before surgery so you will know which incision you will get.
What are my options?
- A rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed to improve appearance.
- A septoplasty is a functional procedure performed to improve nasal breathing. When the two operations are performed together, it is a called septo-rhinoplasty.
The septum is the tissue that separates the nostrils. Inside the septum is cartilage. If the cartilage is twisted, misshapen, or broken either at birth or by trauma later in life, it can veer off to one side and obstruct nasal breathing. A septoplasty will correct this condition, but it will NOT change the shape of the nose nor will it eliminate snoring. A rhinoplasty is NOT covered by insurance, but most insurance companies will cover the cost of the septoplasty. For every woman or man, this important decision is a highly personal one—and one that many family members or friends might not support. But the choices you make about your appearance are your choices and yours alone. Looking in the mirror can once again be positive…. Making the decision for change is easier than you think! In our opinion, Rhinoplasty is truly life changing. Your nose is the center of your face and will change your look….for the better!
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Our location
1845 Memorial Highway Shavertown,
PA 18708
Business Hours:
Monday: 7 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: 7 AM to 7 PM
Friday: 7 AM to 5 PM
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