In your consultation, I will take the time to understand what you hope to achieve as well as do a detailed facial evaluation. I will discuss with you the way a rhinoplasty can make your nose look in relation to your other facial features and ensure that I have a complete understanding of the specific changes you want to make. In rhinoplasty, every small detail matters. We will work together as a team to achieve your desired results. I encourage you to bring pictures of different noses to your consultation, both ones you like and dislike so we can discuss your aesthetic preferences in detail and I can have a better understanding of what you hope to achieve.
I will do a detailed consultation, take a complete medical history and conduct a careful examination and develop a customized plan based on your anatomy as well as your aesthetic goals. I consider age, overall health, emotional well being, as well as expectations for surgery when evaluating a candidate for this procedure. Patients who smoke have a significantly higher risk of wound healing problems. I require patients to have stopped smoking for anywhere from 2 months to a year depending on their smoking history before having surgery. To minimize the possibility of excess bleeding, you will need to avoid taking drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, or herbal medications two weeks before surgery. You will receive a complete list of medications to avoid and detailed instructions before surgery. I consider the preparation before surgery and your understanding of how to take care of yourself critical to having the best possible results so myself and my staff will walk you through each part of the process every step of the way.

For your comfort and safety, rhinoplasty will be performed under general anesthesia. I perform the rhinoplasty surgery under 3.5X microscopic examination in order to create as precise and symmetric results as possible. To me, even millimeters matter.
I believe that every part of the surgical team is essential to having a perfect and smooth surgery so every part of my extended team is focused during surgery, and pays attention to every detail. We will all ensure that as you enter the operating room and are gently placed under anesthesia you will feel relaxed and calm and excited. During the operation we will all be focused on keeping you warm, comfortable, and cared for. During the surgery, I am gentle and respectful and ensure a positive and calm environment around you. I will also place a numbing solution in your nose so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
The surgery may take 3 to 4.5 hours depending on complexity, anatomy, and incision. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, angle or removal of a hump, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the surface. Suture or struts are used to support the tip. Patients who have a deviated septum have their septum straightened and their airway opened.. The incisions are placed inside the nose, and on the columella. We perform both open and closed rhinoplasty depending on patient anatomy.

I use a special technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. If you do have discomfort, tylenol is usually all that’s needed. You will have swelling of your nose as well as stuffiness. Bruising occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a few days. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. A lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed within a week. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. The swelling usually lasts a few weeks but it takes 3-4 months to see the final result. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed in 4 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
Patients must be careful not to bump their nose, and refrain from any athletic activities or situations where they may suffer trauma to their nose (the bones are still mobile up to several weeks after surgery). The scar on the columella will slowly heal and eventually become almost invisible.
Overall, rhinoplasty surgery significantly improves a person’s appearance. I feel that this is one of the surgeries that really makes a significant impact. For that reason, rhinoplasty is one of my favorite surgeries. My opinion is that a person should still look like themselves after rhinoplasty, and the best surgery is one that creates natural looking results.