Rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure meant to improve the appearance and function of the nose. It is considered by many to be the most challenging procedure in cosmetic surgery.
There are an unlimited number of ways the nose can be modified with a rhinoplasty. The overall size of the nose can be reduced or increased, a hump can be removed or the bridge built up, the angle between the nose and the upper lip can be changed, a multitude of changes can be done to the tip, the nostrils can be narrowed, and so on. Rhinoplasty can also correct many types of breathing problems related to the nasal structure.
Primary Rhinoplasty
Nasal surgery on a patient that has never undergone this type of surgery is called primary rhinoplasty. Primary rhinoplasty is the best opportunity to deliver optimal results because the anatomy is undisturbed and there is no scar tissue or missing cartilage. Careful planning and excellent execution can deliver gorgeous outcomes with fewer limitations than those which occasionally accompany secondary cases. While many surgeons like to perform primary nose jobs, few take the time to analyse and attend to every detail, so that the outcome will be nuanced, balanced, and provide a pretty nose that no one ever suspects of being “done.”
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is a very unique and specialized facial plastic reconstructive surgery, which is geared toward correcting inferior results resulting from one or more earlier rhinoplasties. Few plastic surgeons have the discipline, skill, training and passion required for a practice involving a constant flow of complicated revision rhinoplasty cases. Dr. Frankel prides himself on these types of cases, and feels a great sense of satisfaction when he successfully restores someone’s nose after that person has suffered a devastating prior experience. Dr. Frankel is renowned among the medical community for his revision rhinoplasty expertise.
Primary Rhinoplasty Before & After
Other Facial Surgeries
As a facial plastic specialist, Dr. Frankel is also a master of nearly every commonly requested facial cosmetic operation, including face lifts, mid face lifts, eyelid surgery, brow lifts, surgery to change the shape of the ears, lip lifts, chin and neck surgery, and hair restoration. Skin cancer surgery, as well as scar revisions, are also among the many more procedures he deals with regularly.
Non-Surgical Treatments
While rhinoplasty surgery is often the only way to create the changes that someone wants, there are several non-surgical procedures that Dr. Frankel commonly employs to achieve a patient’s goals. The nasal shape, soft tissue, color and even functional aspects might all lend themselves to non-surgical modification. Dr. Frankel was a pioneer with these techniques, and his years of experience will help him to determine whether these are proper options for you.
Understanding Your Surgery
What to expect on the day of surgery
Anesthesia
The majority of all operations that Dr. Frankel performs will be under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologist, and involve twilight anesthesia without the need for a breathing tube, ventilator or paralysis.
Even in surgeries taking several hours, the anesthetic is well tolerated and patients wake up quickly feeling very good. The entire experience is enhanced.
Day of surgery
The first one to two hours after rhinoplasty are spent in the recovery room on monitors and under the care of a registered nurse.
Patients are transferred to private rooms once they are more awake, where their families or friends can join them. Once fully alert, patients will be able to return home with a set of post-operative instructions.
Pain management
Rhinoplasty is not typically very painful, and most patients experience more discomfort than pain, particularly immediately after surgery while the local anesthesia is still working.
While recovering at the clinic, patients may receive intravenous medications to stem any acute pain. Patients are discharged from the clinic with their prescribed medications.
Emotions
You will likely feel a variety of different emotions before your surgery: excitement, anxiety, fear, etc. It is normal to have some apprehension before any operation, and in particular one that will change your appearance.
If you are questioning things, Dr. Frankel suggests that you trust yourself and the time and effort you spent making the decision to have surgery and choosing the best doctor.
What to expect after surgery
Pain and discomfort
Patients may expect some discomfort as the head and nose may ache during the first few days after surgery. Although patients have prescribed pain medications at their disposal, they are encouraged to try using Tylenol as a first option, as this minimizes the chance for nausea and constipation.
The majority of patients finish using prescribed pain medications by the third day after surgery. Rhinoplasty typically causes nasal congestion for a week or so after surgery, which feels like a head cold.
For the best results
Dr. Frankel will provide you with Pre-Op General Instructions and Post-Op General Instructions for optimum results. It is important to be in good health, both mind and body, prior to your surgery.
Recovery from surgery always requires lots of energy, so patients are advised to eat foods high in calories and protein during the post-operative period.
Sickness and exercise
Avoid extreme physical activity, including athletic activities and intercourse. After 24 hours, you are encouraged to go for light walks and strolls. Light cardio, such as an elliptical machine or spin bike on a low resistance, can begin on post-operative day seven.
Do not engage in any heavy cardiovascular activity (running), any activity that involves straining (weight lifting) or anything that involves bending over (yoga, pilates) for at least three weeks, unless otherwise instructed. Sickness is rare, however, constipation from the medications is common.
Complications
Dr. Frankel will perform surgery safely and with the utmost care in order to obtain the best possible results. Patients have the right to be informed that surgery may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications or injury from both known and unforeseen causes.
Because individuals vary in their overall health and healing abilities, skin texture, anatomy, circulation and the way they react to medications and anesthesia, there can be no guarantee for results of surgery. Dr. Frankel will address specifics during consultation.
