nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)

rhinoplasty photos and intro

rhinoplasty techniques

Rhinoplasty surgery is divided into "open" and "closed" techniques. In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are on the inside of the nose, whereas an incision is made in the skin between the nostrils during an open rhinoplasty. Severely twisted noses and noses that have been previously operated on may require open techniques. Most other cosmetic problems are best treated with a closed rhinoplasty.

candidates for rhinoplasty

Virtually any cosmetic or functional nasal problem is correctable with modern rhinoplasty techniques.

preparing for surgery

On the night before your surgery we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink (including coffee, tea and juice) after 12:00 am. This allows your stomach to empty thereby minimizing any postoperative nausea.

Two weeks prior to your surgery all blood thinning medications and supplements (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko, ginseng and vitamin E) must be stopped. This reduces the amount of swelling experienced postoperatively. A prescription for antibiotics and pain medication will usually be supplied to you during your consultation visit and should be filled before the day of your surgery.

A simple blood test to measure your hemoglobin level is performed prior to surgery and, if you are over 50 years of age, a cardiogram is required for your safety.

your surgery

Most rhinoplasties are performed in our fully accredited operating room under twilight anesthesia. After surgery, patients are taken to our specially equipped recovery area. Once recovered, all patients proceed home or to an after care facility. Occasionally, general anesthesia may be required if extensive surgery is planned for the inside of the nose (the septum) to improve breathing. If this is the case, surgery will be scheduled at Vancouver General Hospital.

follow-up

A skin colored cast is placed on the nose after surgery to keep it straight during the initial healing period. This is removed after 1 week. Any material placed in the nose following surgery is painlessly removed either in the recovery area or in the office on the following day. All stitches placed inside the nose dissolve on their own. Skin stitches placed during an open rhinoplasty are removed in 5 to 7 days.

resuming normal activities

Following surgery, you should stay in bed with the back and head elevated for the first 24 hours. You may get up to eat and to use the bathroom but, at this stage, rest will help most to speed recovery. Cold compresses should be placed across the forehead during the first 48 hours to help reduce bruising and swelling.

Most patients are permitted to shower and gently wash their hair 2 days after surgery. Care should be taken not to wet the cast while bathing.

Bending, lifting and straining are prohibited during the first 48 hours. Light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed one week following surgery and slowly increased over the next seven days.

Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common following rhinoplasty surgery. These resolve spontaneously during the first several days. Severe pain following rhinoplasty is unusual, however, pain medication will be supplied and should be taken if necessary.

Most rhinoplasty patients are back at work 7 to 10 days after their surgery.

costs of rhinoplasty surgery

Following your consultation, a quote is given which is good for one year. Our quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff, and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.

A deposit is required at the time the surgery is scheduled in order to hold a specific date for you. The balance is due two weeks prior to your surgery. For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA and debit cards.

We have arranged a financing plan for our patients with an outside financial institution. Ask our patient care coordinators for details about how to qualify.

Occasionally, provincial health care plans and insurance companies will pay for rhinoplasty surgery in cases where the nose is blocked or if the nose was injured during an accident. If this is a consideration, approval is required from these organizations prior to surgery.

alternatives to rhinoplasty surgery

Soft tissue fillers such as Restylane™, Perlane™ and Artecoll™ can sometimes camouflage small nasal defects. In the presence of a small chin, a chin implant can be used to balance a large appearing nose.

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