Male Rhinoplasty Reading
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures, here in Berks County and across the country. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes, to correct birth defects or breathing problems.
Before you decide to go ahead, and before Dr. Reedy can agree that you should, however, you need to understand (1) what will be done, (2) what you can expect during post-surgery recovery, and (3) the risks that come with this or any similar elective surgery.
Please contact Dr. Reedy’s Berks County office, at Berks Plastic Surgery, to see if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty.
The Procedure
Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, can change the size of your nose, reshape the nose, resize the nostrils, or make other adjustments to match your nose to your face. Nose surgery can be performed through slightly different procedures. In each procedure, the nose and cartilage are reshaped either by removing skin from the nose or through an incision through the nostrils.
You and your surgeon will realistically discuss and determine what specific procedures may be performed, possibly in conjunction with other procedures such as a face lift to enhance the balance of your features. It is important to have realistic expectations of what the surgery can achieve. To help you prepare for the surgery, Dr. Reedy will instruct you about physical activity, medication, drinking, smoking, and washing your face.
Surgery typically takes several hours. Afterwards, your nose will be secured and splinted. You should plan on taking about two days of rest before becoming active again, and about a week before returning to work. You will need about three weeks for full recovery. It is important to note that Dr. Reedy works with a board-certified anesthesiologist-a doctor of medicine.
Recovery
You may need someone to help you during the first few days of your recovery, since movement is discouraged. Activities that could result in injury should be avoided for six weeks (swimming, playing sports, and so on). Sexual activity, which can increase your blood pressure, should be avoided for about two weeks. You must take care in washing your face. You can wear contact lenses, but eyeglasses are not to be worn when the splint is off. Your surgeon will check on the progress of your healing in regular follow-up visits. The healing process depends very much on you. You must follow all instructions that Dr. Reedy gives you.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and possible complications associated with any surgery. A dull headache, numbness or an aching of the nose can occur after rhinoplasty. If you fail to keep your head elevated or you sleep only on one side soon after surgery, secondary surgery can become necessary. Rarely, infection (pain, redness, swelling), loss of smell, sinusitis, slow healing, and even toxic shock syndrome can occur.
Dr. Reedy takes great care to evaluate each patient individually. He will advise you of your own unique risk profile, and enable you to compare it with that of rhinoplasty candidates in general, before it’s determined whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Reedy can help you achieve your goals. He specializes in procedures relating to cosmetic surgery, including procedures such as facelift, liposuction and tummy tuck. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about nose surgery, please contact us today.
