RHINOPLASTY

A common complaint among patients seeking rhinoplasty is a “bump” or dorsal “hump.”  This often occurs where the nasal bone and cartilage meet.  This area is commonly mismanaged, as it would seem that the hump can simply be removed or cut off and the rest of the nose can be left as is.  “A hump reduction is like cutting off the top of a mountain,” says Dr. Novis. “Simply removing the top will lead to a flat, wide area.  No one wants a flat, wide nose.  It requires a lot of skill and experience to deal with bony work to create a thin, straight nose with a desirable profile.”  

The “wide nose” often has issues with both a poorly defined tip as well as a wide nasal base.  Many surgeons will address the tip but will fail to correct a wide nasal base, as it is technically difficult and time consuming.  Dr. Novis frequently performs alar base reductions and nasal base excisions as part of rhinoplasty for the wide nose.  Meticulous incision placement and suturing optimizes scar healing to give a natural result.

The nasal tip is a complex framework of underlying cartilage with a soft tissue envelope. Structural and skin issues can lead to a wide appearing nasal tip with poor definition. Dr. Novis addresses all structural components of the nasal tip to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

Current Facial Plastic Surgery is a destination for both female and male rhinoplasty patients.  Dr. Novis commonly performs male rhinoplasty and is skilled at creating natural results.  “My goals for male rhinoplasty are to create an aesthetically pleasing nose that is masculine and balanced with the other facial features.  Classical rhinoplasty techniques can result in over-resection and feminization of the male nose.  I take great care to address the issues that a patient has with their nose while also maintaining the structure and character of the nose,” says Dr. Novis.

Addressing the structure of the nose often also improves the function.  Dr. Novis uses cartilage from the septum to strengthen and support deficient areas of the nose.  Current Facial Plastic Surgery does not perform surgery for insurance or perform septoplasty alone, but often patients will notice a functional improvement in their breathing after structural issues are addressed during rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty surgery addresses multiple issues with the nose.  Often patients complain of a nose that is “too large” or “too wide” or has a “bump.”  Dr. Novis performs a full structural analysis on all consultations for rhinoplasty.  She will discuss individual aesthetic goals and design digital renderings of preoperative photos.  Dr. Novis takes the time to listen to patients’ concerns and develop a surgical plan.

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty is the use of fillers in the nose to address cosmetic nasal issues.  As part of nonsurgical or liquid rhinoplasty, filler can be used to camouflage small bumps or create better tip definition.  Dr. Novis does perform liquid rhinoplasty or nonsurgical rhinoplasty in the appropriate patient, which can be determined during consultation.

Patients are often surprised that rhinoplasty surgery is not as painful as they would expect.  Dr. Novis uses meticulous technique to avoid placing packing inside of the nose, which greatly improves postoperative pain and speeds recovery.  Having a dull headache, facial soreness, and a stuffy nose is expected the first week after surgery and resolves in 1-2 weeks.  Patients rarely require pain medication for more than a couple of days.

After rhinoplasty surgery, a splint is placed over the nose.  This will be removed at 6-7 days after surgery.  After splint removal, there may still be some swelling over the nose and bruising around the eyes.  Makeup may be worn after splint removal.  Patient generally return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery.  It is recommended that heavy lifting or straining be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery.