The nose can make you feel self-conscious or cause difficulties breathing. Changing the shape of the nose through rhinoplasty surgery can enhance your appearance and improve breathing problems. Located in Jupiter, FL, Koger Cosmetic Clinic and Medspa led by board-certified plastic surgeon Kim Edward Koger, M.D., F.A.C.S., performs rhinoplasty for Palm Beach County residents, including West Palm Beach, Vero Beach and Wellington.
What is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. 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. It may also correct a birth defect or injury.
Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes, such as correcting birth defects or breathing problems. It can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Koger.
The Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Age may also be a consideration. Teenagers should not consider surgery until they’ve completed their growth spurt at around age 15. It’s important to consider teenagers’ social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it’s what they, and not their parents, really want.
Planning Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
Good communication between you and Dr. Koger is essential. In your initial consultation, he will ask what you’d like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face and discuss the possibilities with you. He will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age and your expectations. Secondary procedures are also a factor in predicting results.
Dr. Koger will also explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the costs involved and any options you may have.
Be sure to tell Dr. Koger if you’ve had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform him if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties, if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or if you smoke.
Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Koger any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Types of Anesthesia
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, but other anesthesia options may be available and can be discussed with Dr. Koger during your consultation.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and Dr. Koger’s preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
Some rhinoplasty procedures can be performed from within the nose, making the incision inside the nostrils. Some cases may require an “open” procedure, especially in more complicated cases, where a small incision is made across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
How much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
Rhinoplasty procedures are highly tailored to the patient. The cost will vary depending on the extent of the procedure, the type of anesthesia and other factors. Our staff will help you understand the cost of your surgery and answer any questions you may have. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express® and Discover®. We offer financing options via CareCredit®.
After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
During the first 24 hours after surgery, plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.
Dr. Koger will ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.
If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days, and you’ll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.
Getting Back to Normal Following Rhinoplasty Surgery
Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you are able to resume all of your normal activities.
Dr. Koger will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your activity level with sports or exercise over several weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but be very careful when wearing glasses. If you have questions about your glasses, show them to Dr. Koger for approval.
Dr. Koger will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits or any questions about what you can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Koger’s office.
If you live in or around West Palm Beach, Wellington, Vero Beach or anywhere in Palm Beach County, and are looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Koger at Koger Cosmetic Clinic and Medspa in Jupiter, FL, today, to set up a complimentary consultation.