Enhance Your Appearance With Rhinoplasty in Scottsdale

For a growing number of people, their nose is a source of concern. Some individuals may experience a medical condition, such as a deviated septum, that is causing concern. However, a large number of individuals are experiencing hardships based solely on the appearance of their nose. Our appearance can have a large effect on our psychological well being. If we are teased as a child, the ramifications can be long lasting and may result in severe psychosocial damage. Even our own concerns with our appearance can cause irreversible damage to the mind. For these who would like to improve the appearance of their nose, Dr. Pamela Henderson may recommend rhinoplasty.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal reshaping, is a means of changing the shape and structure of the nose to appear more aesthetically pleasing. It can involve creating a more symmetrical appearance in relation to the nostrils and width of the nose at the bridge. It could also entail addressing visible humps and depressions on the bridge of the nose. It’s common to address the tip of the nose because the appearance is upturned, drooping, or bulbous.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your face due to your nose, rhinoplasty may be recommended. Individuals undergoing rhinoplasty must have reached facial growth maturity to be considered for the procedure. Ideal candidates will be healthy individuals who do not smoke.

During your consultation, Dr. Henderson will discuss your goals and desires for the operation. Your nose will be examined for any imbalance and its proportion. It will be assessed against the projection of the chin to make sure overall facial balance is improved.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure commonly performed using intravenous sedation but local anesthesia is also used to decrease bleeding and for improved comfort. Depending on the required changes, Dr. Henderson will opt for a closed or open approach. The closed approach requires small incisions to be made inside the nostrils but is used for only minor modifications, typically of the bridge. The open approach is more common because it allows the deformities to be addressed more directly, but requires a small V-shaped incision at the base of the nose.

Typically bone and cartilage are removed from the nose, though cartilage may be obtained from the septum or ear if additional support is needed or to camouflage deformities. Small wedges of tissue may be removed to decrease the flare of nostrils if desired. After all necessary adjustments are made, dissolvable sutures are placed inside the nose and non-dissolving sutures are used externally. Surgical tape and an external splint are used to support the fragile area.

What is the recovery process like?

Some bruising and swelling is expected after rhinoplasty. Some patients experience headaches and nasal congestion associated with the procedure. Pain medications can be prescribed if necessary. After one week, the splint and sutures are removed. Activities should be limited for six weeks, particularly if they could result in nasal trauma. Eyewear should be avoided for six weeks as well, so as to not damage the area. Strenuous activities in particular should be avoided for the first two to three weeks, though normal activity can be resumed after the first week.

If you are interested in rhinoplasty in Scottsdale, contact Dr. Henderson today. Her friendly staff at New Image Plastic Surgery is happy to answer questions and to schedule your consultation. Contact us today at (480) 596-6886.