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Nose Surgery

There are many reasons men and women choose to have nose surgery (rhinoplasty) in Albany, NY at The Plastic Surgery Group. You might feel that your nose is too large for your face with flared nostrils or a wide bridge, or that your nose has a prominent bump or unusual shape on the leading edge. Maybe you have a nose with a long, drooping tip, or a nose that gives you an unattractive profile. Some people have had their nose injured and are unhappy with the way it has become distorted or crooked.

Cosmetic surgery should be a rewarding experience that leaves you looking great and feeling more confident. Request a free consultationRequest a free consultation with one of the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group or call (518) 438-0505.

Meet Our Surgeons

Meet the expertly trained Albany plastic
surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group,
serving the Schenectady, Saratoga Springs,
Utica, and Albany area of New York.

Meet Our Surgeons

Meet the expertly trained Albany plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group, serving the Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Utica, and Albany area of New York.

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The Procedure

Nose surgery can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. It may take longer if the reshaping is more extensive or it is being performed along with other procedures like an eyelid lift or facial implant surgery. Your plastic surgeon will decide whether your procedure will be performed through incisions made within your nose or from outside your nose where incisions are made on the leading edge of your nose between your nostrils.

In either case, your plastic surgeon will separate the skin of your nose from the underlying bone and cartilage, sculpt this bone and cartilage, and reposition it to form the new shape of your nose. The skin is then carefully repositioned and stitched in place to heal.

When the surgery is complete, there will be a shape-maintaining splint positioned on your nose and possibly soft splints temporarily placed in your nostrils to help you breath normally and to add support to the newly positioned bone and cartilage.

Recovering

The first day following your rhinoplasty you may experience a sensation of puffiness in your face, some aching around your nose, and you may have a slight headache. This discomfort can be controlled by medications prescribed by your Albany plastic surgeon. You will need to relax in bed and keep your head in a raised position during the first day after your surgery.

Remember that in the days immediately following your nose surgery you will experience swelling and bruising around your eyes. It's common to look worse each day at first, but after approximately 3 days, the swelling and bruising will stabilize and start to gradually fade. In most cases, it is completely gone within 2 to 3 weeks. Cool cloths or compresses held gently on these swollen and bruised areas can help you feel more comfortable.

You may also have some slight blood discharge the first days of your recuperation, which is completely normal. The area around your nose may also remain stiff for several weeks.

Within a couple weeks of your rhinoplasty, you will begin to look and feel better. Most likely you'll go back to work as long as it's not too strenuous. You should avoid exercises and activities that can make your blood pressure increase. In general, you'll want to pay a little more attention to protecting your nose when you're bathing or putting on make-up. And if you wear glasses, you will have to be very careful not to rest them on the bridge of your nose until it has healed adequately - usually within a month to a month and a half.

Potential Risks and Complications

There are very few risks associated with nose surgery and the infrequent complications that may arise can be easily treated by your plastic surgeon. Sometimes nearly invisible reddish spots show up on the nose, which are caused by broken blood vessels.

Scars are not visible at all when the nose reshaping surgery is conducted inside the nostrils. When nose surgery is conducted on the outside of the nose, the scars are very small and concealed under the nose.

Common Questions About Nose Surgery

What is the best age to have nose surgery?

Nose surgery can be performed at just about any age, however it is recommended that youth complete their growing cycle before undergoing nose surgery. In general, young girls should wait until they are in their mid-teens and boys their later teens.

Does it matter if I've had previous nose surgery or injury?

Yes. This can affect the outcome of your nose reshaping surgery. It is very important to let your plastic surgeon know if you've have nose surgery or nose injuries.

Does insurance cover nose surgery?

In most cases, nose surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. In some cases, it may be covered if the surgery is required as a result of an injury. You can discuss this with your plastic surgeon and contact your insurance carrier for more information.

Will I have to be hospitalized?

Normally, nose surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital, surgical center, or plastic surgeon's office. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will inform you where your nose surgery will take place.