Nose Surgery
(Follow your instructions carefully. Failure to do so could seriously affect the outcome of your surgery.)
There are two basic goals for plastic surgery of the nose: one is to breathe better and the other is to change the shape of the nose for cosmetic reasons. Some cases are covered by insurance -- airway obstruction, deviated septum, or problems relating to an old injury -- after a thorough exam and letter of medical necessity are sent to the insurance carrier, accompanied by photos, as necessary, depending on the individual.
Noses are not reshaped to “order.” During the pre-op consultation, Dr. Kelly will discuss reasonable expectations and get the patient’s input about their objectives for the surgery, the outcome depends on the nasal anatomy. The nose can be shortened, bumps can be removed, previous breaks can be straightened, and some amount of reshaping can be done successfully but patients are not invited to pick the style nose they want out of a catalogue and expect to see it in the mirror when the bandages come off.
Dr. Kelly uses a special pliable, hollow-center, silicone splint that is used in the nose when the procedure involves the septum. Its purpose is to support the repair work but it also allows the patient to breathe so it is considered to be more “patient-friendly.” Dr. Kelly will provide special instructions for the care of this internal splint.
Dr. Kelly also applies an external splint of tape and plaster which extends from the bridge of the nose up between the eyebrows. This is designed to minimize swelling and to provide support during healing. It will remain in place for about a week, and the internal splint usually stays for about two weeks.
In performing rhinoplasty, Dr. Kelly uses no outside incision sites; all the work is done internally. There may be some swelling on the nose after surgery. While it probably won’t be obvious to anyone else, some patients notice that it takes a long time for their nose to be “finished.” This is quite normal. Noses take a long time to heal because they are in constant use, and the process can be affected by changes in temperature, exposure to the sun and exercise/exertion. It is critical to avoid external injury to the nose during the recovery period, and Dr. Kelly advises against physical activity for at least six weeks. Men, for some reason, take longer to heal after nose surgery...perhaps because their facial skin is thicker than women’s.
For most people who undergo cosmetic nose surgery, the goal is to achieve a more aesthetically shaped nose without radical change to their overall face. Often, rhinoplasty patients will comment that people say they notice something different but cannot say exactly what it is.
Follow post-operative care instructions.
More Before & After Photos
