Rhinoplasty – Achieving Facial Harmony
When Dr. Sean Smullen evaluates your nose for rhinoplasty, he not only considers the size and shape of the nose, but thoroughly examines its relationship to your entire facial structure. It is important to consider the size and shape of the chin, the prominence of the forehead, and the appearance of your eyes among the other features that make your face unique. The object of rhinoplasty should be to beautifully complement the individuality of your face. True beauty comes from establishing harmony and balance with your other facial features. After your rhinoplasty procedure, your friends and colleagues may have difficulty discerning precisely what alteration is responsible for the fresh, new you. Some of our patients also undergo facelift, blepharoplasty, and Restylane® injections in conjunction with their rhinoplasty surgery to address signs of aging as a part of a more comprehensive makeover.
Before Undergoing Rhinoplasty – The Patient Consultation
The rhinoplasty consultation allows you to have an in-depth discussion about the ideal outcome for your surgery. Before meeting with Dr. Smullen in your patient consultation, take some time to think about the positive and negative attributes you perceive in your nose’s appearance. What precisely about the look of your nose do you want to change? Is it the size, the angle, the structure of the bridge, or the shape of the tip? Perhaps you want to change minute imperfections in all of these elements. Dr. Smullen will listen to your concerns attentively. Then, to help you achieve optimal results, he will make suggestions based upon the many years of experience he has in performing rhinoplasty procedures.
Dr. Smullen believes that solid patient-doctor communication is key to achieving a satisfying surgical outcome. Dr. Smullen will make every effort to ensure that both you and he fully understand and agree on the look you are trying to achieve. You can also mention during the consultation any concerns you have about the presence of fine lines, wrinkles, broken capillaries, or sun damage on the skin around your nose and face. Often, non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or laser skin resurfacing can be performed at the same time as a rhinoplasty procedure for more complete enhancement of facial beauty. During the patient consultation, Dr. Smullen will also explain to you the details of the procedure, give you pre- and post-operative instructions, and discuss costs and financing options.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure – Making It All Happen
Depending on the types of changes you desire, Dr. Smullen will recommend either an open or a closed rhinoplasty. In a closed rhinoplasty, all the incisions are placed inside the nose. In an open rhinoplasty, all incisions are inside the nose except for a tiny incision across the columella, the thin strip of skin between the nostrils. This incision heals so well that it is inconspicuous. An open rhinoplasty is usually necessary when the tip of the nose needs to be altered, the desired changes are more dramatic, or a revision procedure is being performed.
Rhinoplasty surgery generally takes between one and two hours. Revision surgery to correct problems that exist after previous rhinoplasty can take longer. The surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Most patients prefer to sleep through the procedure under general anesthesia.
The Recovery Process – Taking It Easy
After the healing process, your rhinoplasty results will look beautiful. However, it is important to remember, it takes time to heal. Patients who undergo rhinoplasty should be prepared to see bruising and swelling in the nasal area as well as around the eyes. Nasal congestion and numbness are also normal in the early postoperative period. These side effects are temporary.
At first, after your rhinoplasty, it is important that you take it easy and keep your activity level low. Obviously, avoiding bumping the nose is important. The skin on your nose will be sensitive to the sun for a few months after the procedure, so regular application of sun block is essential. Even after your nose appears to be fully healed, some internal swelling and numbness may remain for up to a year. When these final side effects abate, your rhinoplasty recovery is complete.
Contact Dr. Sean Smullen for Rhinoplasty
At the practice of Dr. Sean Smullen, you can have your rhinoplasty procedure performed in a caring and comfortable environment by a qualified and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Dr. Smullen is attentive to all of his patients’ needs and preferences. Our doctor has extensive rhinoplasty expertise and will take the time to help you realize the changes you desire. Contact our practice and take the first step to attaining the look you’ve always wanted by scheduling your one-on-one patient consultation today!
