Confidence is Beautiful

Albany Rhinoplasty

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Overview

Rhinoplasty Before and After PhotosThere are many reasons men and women choose to have nose surgery (rhinoplasty) at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York. They may have a nose that's too large for their face with flared nostrils or a wide bridge, or a nose with a prominent bump or unusual shape on the leading edge. Maybe they have a nose with a long, drooping tip, or a nose that gives them an unpleasant profile.

In some cases they have had their nose injured or maybe broken and they don't like the way it has become distorted or appears to be at a crooked angle. There are almost as many reasons men and women choose nose reshaping surgery at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York as there are different shaped noses.

Watch a 3D video demonstration about nose surgery (rhinoplasty)

You have probably thought about having nose reshaping surgery for a while. You have never really felt comfortable with the way your nose looks. You don't like seeing your nose in pictures. You always wished it were a different shape. You see the noses of other people and you don't like the way your nose looks in comparison. These feelings are all perfectly normal if you are not pleased with the way your nose looks and want to have it reshaped to a profile that is more pleasing to your personal tastes.

The first step is to make a nose-surgery consultation with one of the plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York. Get a certificate for a complimentary cosmetic consultation. Then call The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today.

The Procedure

Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) can take one or two hours to complete. Sometimes, if the reshaping is more extensive or other procedures are being performed it may take longer.

Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York will decide if it is best for you to have nose surgery in one of two ways:

  • From within your nose where all of the incisions will be made.
  • Outside your nose where incisions are made on the leading edge of your nose between your nostrils.

In either case, nose reshaping surgery involves your plastic surgeon from The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York separating the skin of your nose from the bone and cartilage that lie beneath the skin and then sculpting this bone and cartilage and repositioning it to form the new shape of your nose. The skin is then carefully repositioned and stitched in place to heal.

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

Recovering

The first day following your nose surgery 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 plastic surgeon. Your Albany plastic surgeon will direct you to relax in bed and keep your head in a raised position during the first day after your nose reshaping surgery.

Remember that in the days immediately following your nose surgery you will experience swelling and see bruises around your eyes. At first it will see as if these are getting worse each day, but after approximately three days, they will stabilize and start to gradually fade-in most cases, completely within two to three 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 and this is completely normal. The area around your nose may also remain stiff for several weeks.

Within a couple weeks of your nose surgery you will begin to feel and look better. Most likely you'll go back to work as long as it's not too strenuous. But, keep in mind, you will feel a little off your game, so take it easy. Also, you'll want to 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.

Your Albany and Schenectady area plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will give you detailed instructions to follow before and after your nose reshaping surgery. And you will have regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon during your recovery period.

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. These are generally hardly noticeable.

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

Common Questions About Rhinoplasty

What is the best age to have nose surgery?

Nose reshaping surgery can be performed at just about any age, however it is recommended that youth complete their growing cycle before undergoing nose reshaping. 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 reshaping surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. In some cases, if the surgery is required as a result of an injury, it may be. You can discuss this with your plastic surgeon and contact your insurance carrier for more information.

Will I have to be hospitalized?

Normally, nose reshaping surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital, surgical center or plastic surgeon's office. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York will inform you where your nose reshaping surgery will take place.

To find out more about rhinoplasty in Albany and Schenectady, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.

© Copyright 2001, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

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