Rhinoplasty
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What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (commonly called nose reshaping surgery) is a procedure to improve the appearance of the nose including its size, shape, width, or bumps. It can also correct depressions on the bridge, the nasal tip, the nostrils or nasal asymmetry. Many times the facial imbalance may be related to other facial features such as the chin, cheeks or lower jaw. Procedures to correct these imbalances may be combined with a rhinoplasty to achieve overall facial harmony. Dr. Epstein is pleased to offer computer imaging for rhinoplasty as part of his patient’s initial consultation.
How is a Rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at our facility, Northbrook Plastic Surgery. A rhinoplasty can be performed using a closed procedure where the incisions are hidden inside the nose; or an open procedure where an incision is made across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils). Through the incision sites, soft tissue that covers the nose is raised and the structure of the nose is reshaped. The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours or longer to complete depending on the complexity of the case.
What to expect during the recovery period:
• Bruising and swelling around the eyes are normal and will fade within 1-2 weeks post-operatively
• Discomfort to the nose and head, which can be controlled with medication
• Some light bleeding and stuffiness are common during the first few days
• You will wear a small splint to protect your nose for approximately 5 to 7 days after surgery
• Return to light activity within a few days or as you feel ready
• Resume full activity within 3-4 weeks
Computer Digital Imaging – Your Ideal Nose!
As part of your Rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Epstein uses an advanced computer imaging software program to help you visualize your surgical outcome. After speaking with you to gain a greater understanding of your goals and expectations, Dr. Epstein will take several pictures of your nose from different angles, upload them onto his computer, and work with the software to create a variety of surgical options. Together, you will review the “morphed” images to determine the shape and size that will best create facial harmony.
It’s important to remember that the manipulated photos through digital imaging are not a guarantee of your result, but they will ensure that you and Dr. Epstein share a common surgical goal and that the expectations are realistic. After the imaging is complete and both you and Dr. Epstein are happy with the outcome, he will print a copy for you and keep one for himself, which is reviewed again on the day of surgery. In a majority of cases, patients have found that their actual Rhinoplasty results are very close to the digital images that Dr. Epstein produced.
For the best information about having rhinoplasty in Chicago with board certified plastic surgeon Michael Epstein contact us today at 847.205.1680.
