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| Rhinoplasty
(Nose Surgery) |
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Rhinoplasty
or cosmetic surgery of the
nose can improve the shape,
size and overall appearance
of the nose. Correction of
breathing problems may also
be performed at the same time.
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| Who
is a Good Candidate? |
| One
or more of the following conditions
may indicate that one is a good candidate
for this operation: |
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The
nose is larger than desired. |
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There
is a noticeable hump on the dorsum
(bridge of the nose). |
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The
nose is too wide and flares when smiling. |
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The
tip of the nose is bulky or droops
down |
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The
nose is noticeably crooked. |
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| Private
Consultation: |
During your initial
consultation you will discuss with your
plastic surgeon your past and present
medical conditions and current medications
used. He should be made aware if you
have hypertension, thyroid problems,
diabetes. You should reveal any past
surgeries, allergies to any medications
and personal habits, such as smoking
and drinking. It is of utmost importance
to mention if you had any injury to
your nose or problems breathing through
your nostrils. A physical examination
will be performed and preoperative photographs
will be taken. You may be shown before
and after photographs. Lab tests, X-rays
or EKG may be ordered depending on your
general health. At the conclusion of
your consultation, the fees will be
discussed with you by the doctor.
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Preparation: |
Stop
all non-prescriptive medication, diet
pills, herbs, and garlic two weeks before
surgery.
It is advisable to stop smoking two
weeks prior to and two weeks following
surgery. Do not drink any alcoholic
beverage two days prior to and one week
following surgery.
Avoid taking aspirin
and aspirin
containing products such as Advil and
avoid garlic and garlic products two
weeks prior to surgery. These products
can prolong bleeding and increase bruising.
Tylenol may be taken during this period.
For a period of two days before surgery
you should wash your face, neck and
hair with Betadine soap for 15 minutes,
twice per day. An additional wash should
be done just before you come in for
surgery. No skin product should be used
two days prior to the surgery. You may
use skin care products after these washes,
except the last wash before surgery.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
before surgery. You may, however, take
prescriptive medication with a small
amount of water and brush your teeth
the morning of surgery. Wear a loose
fitting shirt that does not pull over
your head to the surgical suite. Loose
sweats are recommended as you will be
in a compression garment after surgery
and they may be difficult to get on.
Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.
Please plan to have someone bring you
to the clinic, take you back home and
stay with you the first 24 hours. Notify
the office staff of this person's name
and their telephone number prior to
surgery.
Have all prescriptions filled a few
days before surgery, so they will be
available for you when you arrive home
from surgery.
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| The
Procedure: |
The
operation is usually performed under local
anesthesia with conscious sedation and
occasionally under general anesthesia,
as an outpatient. There are many variations
of rhinoplasty, from refinement of the
tip to changing the entire shape and size
of the nose. Every person has different
ideas of what they want to achieve from
this surgery. You will discuss with your
surgeon what you want and he will tell
you what can possibly be achieved by this
surgery. It is important to understand
that there is no guarantee that your nose
will be exactly the size and shape you
desire. The incisions are usually all
hidden inside the nose depending on what
type of reshaping you request. In some
instances, the incision may be on the
outside of the nostrils. |
| Postoperative
Care: |
Rest
the first night after surgery on your
back with two or more pillows.
You
may experience moderate pain for the first
two to three days following surgery. Pain
medication is given to reduce the pain
during your recovery period. You may also
notice some bleeding from your nose for
the first day following surgery. A drip
pad will be placed under your nose to
catch this bleeding. Dressing will remain
in place until the bleeding or dripping
stops.
You
may have a splint on your nose or packing
inside your nose after surgery. They will
remain in place until your postoperative
visit in 3-5 days. The inside sutures
usually dissolve gradually within a week
or so. You will not be able to blow your
nose for a week. Don't sneeze through
your nose for at least one to two weeks
following surgery. Try to keep your mouth
open during sneezing for this period of
time.
You
may experience bruising around your eyes
and nose for about one week. The swelling
may last on your nose for several weeks.
The final result of surgery is achieved
in 1 - 2 years.
You
may experience a slight fever for a few
days following surgery, this is normal.
You
can resume your regular activity within
two weeks. Bending, straining or strenuous
activity should be avoided for two to
three weeks. Exercise can be resumed within
three to four weeks. Exposure to direct
sunlight should be avoided for at least
a couple weeks as your nose will be sensitive
at this time. If you had surgery on the
bridge of your nose, your surgeon will
let you know when it is appropriate to
wear eyeglasses without special support
protecting the operated area.
You
are encouraged to call the office if you
have any questions.
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| Fees: |
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It
is customary that the surgery fees to
be paid two weeks prior to surgery. This
assures that the patient is sincere in
his or her motivation. The fees include
the surgeon's fee, the facility charge,
which is private and fully accredited
with high tech equipment, and anesthesiologist
or certified nurse anesthetist, if general
anesthesia is used. Also included in the
fees are any laboratory tests performed
in the office, use of special equipment.
It is very rare that insurance plans cover
cosmetic surgery. Please feel free to
ask the office staff if you have any questions
in that regard.
We
understand this is a very important decision
in your life and you would like to do
this for yourself. In your private consultation
with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified
plastic surgeon, you may discuss your
needs and also obtain additional information.
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