Rhinoplasty in Reading PA
Redefine the shape, size, & contour of your nose
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures, here in Berks County and across the country. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Our plastic surgeons can perform rhinoplasty to meet aesthetic goals, to reconstruct the nose after injury, or to correct birth defects or breathing problems.
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Before you decide to go ahead, and before your surgeon can agree that you should, you need to understand (1) what will be done, (2) what you can expect during post-surgery recovery, and (3) the risks that come with this or any similar elective surgery.
What to expect from nose reshaping surgery
Depending on the goals of surgery, your surgeon performs nose surgery through slightly different procedures. During consultation you and your surgeon will have determined the specifics of your individual rhinoplasty procedure plan. To help you prepare for the surgery and recovery, we will also instruct you about physical activity, medication, drinking, smoking, and washing your face.
Surgery typically takes several hours. It is important to note that, for your safety, Dr. Reedy and Dr. Lindsay work with a qualified anesthesia provider who is a doctor of medicine. After the procedure is complete, your nose will be secured and splinted, and you’ll rest while the initial effects of anesthesia wear off. Plan on taking about two days of rest before becoming active again; you may want to wait about a week before returning to work, depending on your profession. You will need about three weeks for full initial recovery.
Planning for your rhinoplasty recovery
You may need someone to help you during the first few days of your recovery, since movement is discouraged. Activities that could result in injury should be avoided for six weeks (swimming, playing sports, and so on). Sexual activity, which can increase your blood pressure, should be avoided for about two weeks. You also must take care in washing your face. You can wear contact lenses, but eyeglasses should not be worn when the splint is off until instructed by your surgeon. Your doctor will check on the progress of your healing in regular follow-up visits. The healing process depends very much on you: it is key that you follow all instructions.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and possible complications associated with any surgery. A dull headache, numbness or an aching of the nose can occur after rhinoplasty. Some patients also experience sinusitis or have slower than normal healing. If you fail to keep your head elevated, sleep only on one side soon after surgery, don’t heed other recovery rules, or healing is not as expected, secondary surgery can become necessary. Rarely, infection (pain, redness, swelling), loss of smell, and even toxic shock syndrome can occur.
Our surgeons take great care to evaluate each patient individually. They will advise you of your own unique risk profile, and enable you to compare it with that of rhinoplasty candidates in general, before it’s determined whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today
Dr. Reedy and Dr. Lindsay can help you achieve your goals at Berks Plastic Surgery. They specialize in cosmetic surgery procedures to help you look your best and enhance your self-confidence. To schedule a complimentary consultation or to learn more about nose surgery, please contact us today.
