What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a specific procedure that alters the internal and external structures of the nose to correct any blemishes or imbalances. There are many different target areas with the most common area being the dorsal hump of the nose. A rhinoplasty can straighten, narrow, and reduce the overall nose and nostril size. A skilled practitioner like Dr. Henderson can reconstruct your nose to appear natural and in harmony with the rest of your face.
What happens during my procedure?
Because each nose and face is unique, Dr. Henderson will examine and measure your nose and face to determine which treatment is best for you. She will examine your face shape and structure in relation to your nose. In addition, she will measure the nasal bridge, nostrils, nasofrontal angle, and septum. Once measured she will recommend the course of treatment she considers will yield the best results.
On the day of your operation, Dr. Henderson will perform your procedure under twilight anesthesia to reduce stress and operation time. She will administer a local anesthetic to the area to reduce post-operative pain. Dr. Henderson utilizes two different rhinoplasty procedures: closed and open. The closed procedure involves making hidden incisions inside the nostril. This is an ideal option for smaller deformations. For more extensive treatment, Dr. Henderson may opt for the open technique that includes a small inverted-V incision around the base of the nose. This allows her to precisely manipulate the tissue. She may carve the nasal bone to reshape the nose. If needed, she may also relocate cartilage from the ears or nasal septum o support the nose. Small creases and wedges can be removed. When finished, she places delicate sutures to reduce scarring and schedules follow up appointments. She will give you a protective external splint to wear after the surgery.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Following your procedure, it is normal to experience mild headache and discomfort. She can prescribe pain medication if you desire. You should wear the splint for a week. After she removes the splint you can return to your regular life. You should avoid strenuous activities to prevent damage to your new nose for approximately 2 weeks.. Your new results will clearly show a few weeks after your surgery and be completely refined after only a year.
