Specializing in Rhinoplasty - Nose reshaping Surgery; (nose job)

Everyone has their own concept of what makes a nose attractive.
However, quite simply, it is usually a nose that fits your face. It is a
natural looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other
facial features. If you feel that your nose is not a good fit for your face,
you may benefit from rhinoplasty, a term used for cosmetic surgery of
the nose. Rhinoplasty can enhance the shape, size and general
appearance of your nose. The “hump” on the bridge of the nose can be
removed, the tip can be reshaped to be less “boxy” or "bulbous", a long or
large appearing nose can be made smaller, and a nose that is off-center or
"crooked" can be straightened. Following surgery, your nose will have a
straighter bridge, a well defined tip, an improved angle between the nose
and upper lip, with an overall better balance with the rest of the face.

Problems with airflow through the nose can be a result of trauma or
injury, or simply the way your nose developed naturally. The wall
separating the two nasal passages, called the septum, can be deviated to
one side or the other causing constriction of airflow. A septoplasty can
remove this bulging or deformed portion of cartilage and give you a
straighter septum with no compromise in the air passage. In addition, a
turbinectomy can also open the nasal air passages by reducing the
turbinates, the internal projections that warm and moisturize the air that
passes through the nose. The end result is better airflow and less
difficulty breathing through your nose at night or during exercise.

Common Questions:

1. Is nose reshaping right for me?
Rhinoplasty can be performed on men and women of almost any age.
However, it is best that young people wait until facial growth is complete
- about age 13-14 for girls and 14 or 15 for boys. You may be a good
candidate for rhinoplasty if you have any of the following conditions:

♦ your nose appears too large for your face
♦ there is a hump or depression on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
♦ the nose seems too wide when viewed from the front
♦ the nasal tip droops or plunges
♦ the tip is thickened or enlarged
♦ the nostrils are excessively flared
♦ your nose is off center or crooked
♦ a previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical
♦ you have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing

2. What should I expect from my rhinoplasty consultation?
If you are considering rhinoplasty, a personal consultation is an essential
step towards learning about the procedure and how you may reach your
cosmetic goals through nose reshaping surgery. You should arrive at the
consultation prepared to discuss complete information about past and
current medical conditions, previous surgeries, medications that you take,
including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies, any allergies that
cause congestion or conditions that cause breathing difficulties, and how
often you use nasal spray to relieve congestion.

During your physical examination, the structures inside your nose, the
quality of your nasal skin, the size and shape of your nose and its
relationship to other facial features will be evaluated. Dr. Behmand may
recommend other treatments that can be performed along with the
rhinoplasty to better meet your appearance goals or to improve breathing.

To enhance your appearance:
♦ Chin surgery (genioplasty) can help improve facial balance by making
the chin more or less prominent.

To correct breathing difficulties:
♦ A turbinectomy can open the nasal air passages by reducing enlarged
turbinates (these are the internal projections that warm and moisturize the
air that passes through the nose.)
♦ A septoplasty can correct a deviated septum, a condition in which the
dividing wall within the nose has shifted away from the middle and
partially or totally blocks airflow through the nose.

3. How is nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) performed?
Rhinoplasty may be performed from within the nose, making the
incisions inside the nostrils, or a small incision may be made across the
columella, the vertical strip of tissue seperating the nostrils, as well as
within the nose. Alterations may then be made to increase or decrease the
nasal bridge, reduce the size or width of the nose, narrow the nostrils,
reshape the tip, or change the angle between the tip and the upper lip.

Working through these incisions, the nose's framework of bone and
cartilage is sculpted to the desired shape. Dr. Behmand may reshape or
reposition the bones in your nose, or build up certain areas, using either
nasal cartilage or bone and cartilage from another body site or other
materials. The skin and soft tissue are then redraped over the reshaped
framework. If the lower part of the nose is being narrowed, or the nostrils
are being reduced, small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils may be
removed through incisions that are hidden in the nose's natural creases.

4. What is the safety record of nose surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is a frequently performed surgical procedure and each year
thousands of men and women undergo cosmetic surgery of the nose and
experience no major complications. However, it is important for you to
be informed of the risks as well as the benefits. One of the most
important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and Dr.
Behmand will have about the possible complications of nasal surgery.
During your meeting, be sure to ask any questions or raise any concerns
which you may have about the safety of the procedure. By following
instructions carefully, both before and after surgery, you can do your part
to minimize some of the risks.

5. What can I do to prepare for my surgery?
When the date of your procedure has been set, you will be provided with
specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A
number of points will be covered, including:

♦ avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
♦ stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
♦ arranging for help and care following surgery

6. How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?
Rhinoplasty may be performed in an outpatient surgery center or the
hospital. If you are admitted to the hospital, you stay will be a short one,
perhaps just one night. However, the majority of patients are able to go
home on the day of surgery.

Medications are administered to keep you comfortable during the surgical
procedure. For some patients, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation
may be used while undergoing Rhinoplasty, while general anesthesia may
be preferred for others. Your physical status will be monitored throughout
the operation and during your recovery.

7. How will I look and feel after nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?
When surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery area. Any
discomfort that you feel will be controlled with medication prescribed for
you. A splint will be applied to the bridge of your nose to protect the
nose and hold the tissues in place until they have stabilized. You may also
have a small, triangular bandage beneath the tip of your nose and splints
inside the nostrils, especially if work has been done to improve your
breathing.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your
recovery will follow this general time line:

The first day:
♦ In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to
help minimize swelling
♦ Activity must be kept to a minimum
♦ You may experience a small amount of bleeding and stuffiness.
♦ Avoid blowing your nose in the first two weeks

Within ten days:
♦ Swelling reaches its peak and then begins to subside
♦ Bruising will begin to diminish
♦ You can safely use makeup to conceal any discoloration
♦ Stitches will dissolve
♦ The nasal splints will be removed about eight days after surgery
♦ You may be able to return to school or a non-strenuous job

After several weeks:
♦ You may resume exercise and most of your normal activities
♦ Most of the swelling will subside
♦ Numbness will diminish; however, some loss of sensation may persist
for several months
♦ You may resume wearing eyeglasses after six weeks. If you must use
glasses prior to that time, you may use tape to keep your glasses from
resting directly on your healing nose.

In the months following surgery, it is important to keep your nose
shielded from direct sunlight. Wearing sun block lotion is essential for
protecting your skin.

8. What should I know about my results?
It is normal to feel a bit anxious while you are adjusting to your new look
and waiting to see the true results of your surgery. However, you are
likely to begin enjoying your new look within weeks. As each month
passes, you will notice gradual improvement until healing is complete.

Most patients who have nasal surgery are very pleased with their results.
You may find that you have a brighter outlook, or that you feel less self-
conscious and more confident. The results of rhinoplasty are permanent,
except for changes that may occur with the aging process. Occasionally, a
touch-up procedure may be desired to improve the results.

During the initial healing period you will be seen frequently in our clinic
for postoperative follow-up visits so that your healing and progress can be
evaluated. After this period, you will be asked to return at three, six and
twelve months following your surgery for checkups. It is important to
keep these appointments, so that Dr. Behmand can assess your long-term
results and address any questions or concerns you may have.

9. See Rhinoplasty Photos.