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Typical reasons for this surgery are to
improve the angle, reduce the size of the nose or remove a
hump. These conditions may be the result of natural causes
or external trauma to the face. Both profile and frontal face
views can be altered through rhinoplasty. The surgery can
be performed in conjunction with procedures designed to relieve
nasal obstructions. It is not usually performed however, until
a person has reached the mid-teenage years when growth is
nearly complete.
 Before
Surgery
Prior to surgery, a medical history is taken in order to evaluate
your general health. A careful examination is also conducted.
Dr. Edds will discuss how the nose should look in relation
to your other facial features. It is important for you to
understand that the goal of the surgery is not to achieve
perfection, but rather to improve your appearance. Photographs
of the nose allow the surgeon to evaluate the appropriate
procedure to achieve the desired results. The type of anesthesia
to be used, the procedure and possible risks and complications
are also discussed by you and Dr. Edds. Preoperative instructions
may include the elimination of certain drugs which contain
aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
Antibiotics will be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection.
The
Procedure
Rhinoplasty can be performed in our accredited outpatient
surgery center, or a hospital, depending upon Dr. Edds’ and
your preference. It can be done under general anesthesia with
you asleep. Premedication will be administered to relax you.
It is usually done under general anesthesia
The procedure is determined by the type
of correction to be made. In most cases involving a reduction
in size or shape of the nose, the removal of a hump or the
improvement of an angle, incisions are made inside the nose.
Working through these incisions, Dr. Edds is able to cut bone
and cartilage, the soft, movable tissue inside the nose, to
reshape it.
To remove a nasal hump, a special file or
chisel is used. A more narrow nasal bridge is then formed
by bringing together the bones on either side of the face.
In patients in which the size of the nasal tip is too large,
cartilage is removed through the inside incision. The angle
between the nose and the upper lip can be improved by elevating
and trimming the septum, the dividing wall between the two
chambers of the nose.
In some cases, it is necessary to narrow
the base of the nose. This procedure involves removal of skin
from both sides of the nostrils at the center. In order to
improve the contour of the nose of some patients, it is sometimes
necessary to add tissue. These procedures can last from one
and a half to two hours or more, depending upon the extent
of surgery.
Following Surgery
Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain
the new shape of the nose. The splint is usually removed within
a week. Nasal pads may be inserted at the time of surgery
to protect the septum. This packing is removed within a day
or two. Before and even after the packing is removed, there
is frequently some stuffiness of the nose, particularly when
work has been done in the nasal septum. Dr. Edds advises you
when it is permissible to gently blow the nose.
Pain connected with the surgery is minimal
to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Bruising
around the eyes occurs but begins to fade within a few days.
Discoloration usually disappears in two or three weeks. Swelling
around the treated areas slowly diminishes and can be reduced
by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining.
Cold compresses may be recommended. Some slight swelling may
be present for as long as two to four months.
During the healing process, great care must
be taken to protect the nose from injury. Eyeglasses should
be adjusted in order to minimize pressure on the nose. Dr.
Edds advises if contact lenses can be worn. Although you are
usually up and around a day or two after the procedure, strenuous
exercises, particularly those which might elevate blood pressure,
must be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Edds determines when
normal activities can be resumed.
How much improvement can be expected?
The amount of improvement in each individual depends upon
the extent of surgery. In some cases, as when a badly misshapen
nose is reconstructed, dramatic results may be obtained. On
the other hand, the removal of a slight hump may produce very
subtle, yet satisfying results. Final results may not be apparent
for up to one year.
Each year thousands of rhinoplasties are
successfully performed on people who want to change the size
or shape of their nose. Complications connected with rhinoplasty
are rare; however, there are some inherent risks connected
with every surgical procedure. Possible risks and complications
should be thoroughly discussed with Dr. Edds. You can minimize
complications by carefully following directions given by Dr.
Edds.
Will
insurance reimburse for surgery?
Some insurance companies reimburse for part of the cost of
this surgery, if it is performed as a result of nasal obstruction.
Each insurance carrier is different and it is recommended
that you check with your own agent to determine if there is
coverage.
If you are interested in learning more about
this procedure, please call our office at (270) 926-9033
and we will be happy to answer questions about the
procedure itself or about procedure cost and financing.
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