Rhinoplasty and Nasal Surgery
Nasal surgery can have a dramatic effect on one's appearance. Patients are welcomed for a Rhinoplasty assessment at any age but it is important to bear in mind that nasal development is not fully achieved until 14-16 years of age. For this reason, our younger patients may be advised to wait until they have reached maturity before having Rhinoplasty surgery. To view a CBC video on ‘Teenage Rhinoplasty’ featuring Dr. Solomon, please visit the Media Gallery here .
Rhinoplasty and Breathing Problems
In cases where the primary goal of surgery is to correct internal structures of the nose causing breathing problems, some patients also elect to carry out cosmetic nose reshaping at the same time. When considering Rhinoplasty surgery (a Nose Job), it is invaluable for the patient and Dr. Solomon to develop a decisive concept of the desired changes to the nose. Equally vital, is for the patient to know that there may be several constraints as to what is achievable in cosmetic nasal plastic surgery, often depending on one’s ethnicity and skin type. In all cases of Rhinoplasty surgery, issues of aesthetics and function are equally paramount and require that each patient’s case be carefully considered and that the full range of one’s unique facial attributes be carefully assessed.
Rhinoplasty Assessment
Dr. Solomon, a Toronto Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgeon – Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon, will evaluate your nasal structure and assess your breathing. He will establish if you have structural deformities of the nose, a deviated septum or proneness to nasal allergies.
During your Rhinoplasty evaluation in Toronto, Dr. Solomon will externally and internally appraise your nose. The size, shape and skin quality of your nose, together with your overall facial features, will be carefully assessed and noted. Dr. Solomon offers Advanced Computer Imaging (for a reasonable fee) in which photographs are taken and digitally altered during the consultation to show potential plastic surgery results. Please ask about this service when booking your consultation. Occasionally Dr. Solomon may suggest chin augmentation with the aim of achieving a pleasing facial balance.
Rhinoplasty Surgery
Primary Rhinoplasty surgery is nasal surgery performed on a nose not operated on before. It can vary in complexity from simple procedures where just a bump is reduced, to complex reshaping of the entire nose. No matter how simple the procedure, the surgery needs precision and skill to get the best results. Even the simplest Rhinoplasty operation done by an inexperienced surgeon can lead to poor results.
Rhinoplasty surgery is either 'reduction' or 'augmentation/addition' in nature. Reduction Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery with the aim of reducing the size and enhancing the shape of the nose. Generally in these cases, the Rhinoplasty can be achieved by reshaping the existing cartilage and bone on the nose and, if needed, use the excess cartilage from the nasal septum (the partition of the nose) to achieve the desired results. In the majority of reduction Rhinoplasty cases there is no need for foreign material or grafts from other parts of the body.
Augmentation / Addition Rhinoplasty. Augmentation or addition Rhinoplasty is a surgery with the aim of building up the nasal bridge and possibly adding strength to the nasal tip. In these cases, grafts or implants maybe needed, often in patients of African or Asian descent, to achieve the desired result. To read more on ethnic Rhinoplasty click here.
Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reconstruction
In some instances, the underlying nasal structure may require reconstruction. In such cases, amendments can be achieved by using cartilage grafts from a patient’s nose, ear or from another part of the body. While Dr. Solomon generally prefers using a patient’s own tissues if at all possible, in some augmentation Rhinoplasty procedures he may consider the use of implant material such as Gore-Tex or Medpore. Both materials are surgically reliable and used extensively worldwide. In some cases, using implant material is a good option especially when patients have limited tissue to use as a result of prior Rhinoplasty surgery or if the patient does not accept the downside of removing cartilage from their ear or rib. The Risk of Gortex and Medpore implants will be discussed with you in detail If you are a candidate for its use. The biggest issue with these materials is the potential of rejection or infection of the implant.
Cartilage grafts from the ear are good for nasal tip grafts but often lack strength and support needed for some augmentation Rhinoplasties, revision Rhinoplasties and reconstructive Rhinoplasties. In cases where multiple strong and large grafts are required, rib cartilage may be the most ideal source of cartilage. The downside of rib grafts is that there is discomfort from the procedure and the patient has to accept an incision on their chest. Cartilage grafts, especially rib, may potentially shrink or bend with time.
Minimal Use of Nasal Packing
Dr. Solomon makes every effort to meticulously close all incisions in the nose so that nasal packing is rarely needed. Some surgeons rely on supportive packing in the nose to control bleeding and to internally push the tissues into place. By carefully closing all incisions, Dr. Solomon improves the chance that the patient's tissues will stay where positioned. Dr. Solomon's patients have an easier time with recovery from surgery and don't have the discomfort of removal of nasal packs. In some rare instances, Dr. Solomon will use small tampons in the nose overnight but these are slender and easy to remove.
After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery is generally a well-tolerated procedure. While many patients experience minimal post-operative discomfort, others may feel more comfortable taking oral pain medication for the first few days. In all cases, Dr. Solomon will provide a prescription along with instructions for managing your comfort.
A protective nasal splint remains in place for about 7-10 days. Bruising dissipates steadily throughout the first postoperative week and can be concealed using makeup if you wish. Swelling generally peaks within 48 hours after surgery then starts to lessen with each passing day; however, residual swelling can last for several weeks or months but typically only in the nasal tip area.
Skin numbness after Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) surgery may occur but typically resolves during the healing process. On occasion an additional, refining surgery may be necessary to optimize the Rhinoplasty result.
|
