Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Specialists in Rhinoplasty
Thank you for considering UC Health Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery procedure. We offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere in our modern, state-of-the-art facility located in West Chester, Ohio, convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. We offer a friendly staff of nurses and administrative support to help with your scheduling issues and questions.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (or nasal surgery) is a procedure that reshapes the nose for aesthetic or corrective (breathing) purposes. By altering the tip or bridge of the nose, the nostrils, or the angle of the nose and lip, rhinoplasty can provide balance and proportion to the nose. In some cases, the patient’s own cartilage or bone may be used to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. Other surgical procedures such as chin augmentation may be done in conjunction with rhinoplasty to enhance and complete the aesthetic results.
Procedure Benefits
- Adds balance and proportion to the nose
- Reduces excessive flaring of nostrils
- Creates a uniform aesthetic look to the face
- Repairs some breathing problems
Private Consultation
The plastic surgeon will carefully examine the skin and bones on your nose to determine whether you are a candidate for a rhinoplasty. You will discuss your goals and expectations, and the surgeon will explain the surgical options. Your surgeon may suggest other procedures in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to give you a complete rejuvenation of your face, including chin augmentation. The surgeon will evaluate your overall health to ascertain that you are able to undergo this procedure. You should be prepared to discuss your complete medical history, including previous nose surgery, breathing problems, allergies, and any medications you are taking (including vitamins). You will also discuss the cost of the procedure, keeping in mind that this is usually an elective procedure which is not covered by most insurance companies unless the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or an obvious deformity.
Preparation
If you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, it must be controlled before you can undergo this procedure. For at least two weeks prior to surgery, you must stop taking any blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements. After you have scheduled a surgery date, you will make an appointment for pre-admission testing and a physical exam. The surgery should take place within 2 weeks after the results of these tests have been returned. You will receive guidelines on eating and drinking, taking vitamins and medications, and smoking. Smoking should be stopped 2-3 months before the operation because it reduces the blood supply to tissue. In fact, some surgeons will refuse to perform elective surgery on smokers due to this risk. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
Procedure Overview
The procedure is performed in 2-3 hours as an outpatient surgery in our surgical facility in West Chester. You will receive general anaesthesia or a combination of local and regional anaesthesia. Incisions are made on the interior or exterior of the nose, depending on the aesthetic goals. The skin of the nose is separated from the supporting bone and cartilage, which can be removed or reshaped to achieve the desired new shape. In some cases, the patient’s own cartilage or bone may be used to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Following the procedure, sutures are used to close the incision(s) and the surgeon may place packing in each nostril and a splint on the nose to maintain the new shape and provide protection. You should be ready to go home after a short period of observation in many cases.
Recovery and Healing Time
You can expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort around the treated areas, which are helped by prescribed pain medication. The bruising may extend to the eyes and other areas of the face. A cold compress is given to reduce swelling, and you should keep your head elevated for 24 hours. Most swelling and bruising should go away in a week, but can last longer. You may have some light bleeding from the nose for a few days. You should avoid any trauma to the nose (including blowing) during the first week after surgery. Sutures, nose packing, splints, and other dressings are usually removed in one week, at which time most patients can return to their job and normal social activity. You can resume light physical activity in 2-3 weeks and vigorous exercise in 3-4 months. Scars will be red for a month or two, but eventually are usually well hidden.
Procedure Risks
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Infection
- Bleeding from nose
- Scarring
- Asymmetry of the nose
- Reduced airflow through nostrils
UC Health Plastic Surgery in West Chester, has three nationally recognized Cincinnati plastic surgeons.
Located north of Cincinnati, we serve West Chester, Mason, Loveland, Indian Hill and the rest of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton for all of their plastic surgery procedure needs.
