RHINOPLASTY
Dr Strecker specializes in rhinoplasty; it is the most common procedure that he performs. He has undertaken specialized training to deal with complex rhinoplasty cases and has been performing rhinoplasty for 25 years and has performed well over 1000 nasal procedures in that period of time. He is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon.
Rhinoplasty, also referred to a nose job, is a highly specialized procedure and the most complex facial cosmetic procedure performed. It requires careful analysis, technical expertise, and a thorough understanding of the patient. The goal is to create a nose that looks entirely natural without others knowing that surgery has been performed. Knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy and function of the nose is critical.
Rhinoplasty is a very satisfying procedure for patient and surgeon alike because the changes that are made result in improved facial aesthetics and balance. Successful surgery can provide tremendous improvement in patient self esteem and confidence.
Changes in nasal shape need to be considered to be permanent; it is difficult or impossible to “undo” the results of rhinoplasty. It is important for patients to understand the permanent nature of the changes and to give careful consideration before proceeding with surgery and to understand that further changes after surgery are not always possible. The vast majority of patients who decide to have surgery are pleased that they did, if they have carefully considered the changes.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY:
*Patients who have thought about surgery for a while
*Patients who have consistent goals
*The goals are achievable
*Patients who are having the surgery for THEMSELVES and not to please someone else
Changes made to improve or alter nasal shape can sometimes have an impact on the ability to breathe through the nose. Dr Strecker believes in maintaining proper nasal function and avoiding changes to nasal function as much as possible. Sometimes this means that there is limitation to the degree of change that can be achieved. For example, making the nose narrower can result in making it more difficult to breathe through the nose.
TYPES OF CHANGES THAT CAN BE MADE WITH RHINOPLASTY
The types of changes that can be achieved with rhinoplasty include:
*making the nose smaller,
*removing a bump on the bridge of the nose,
* straightening the nose,
*improving the shape of the tip,
*making the nose narrower.
IMPORTANT RHINOPLASTY CONCEPTS
*There is no such thing as an ideal nose. Every human face is different and every human nose is different. It is important to realize that there is not one ideal nose. When performing nasal surgery it is important to utilize the features of the nose each patient has and not to try and create something that cannot be done or does not look good for the overall facial aesthetics. It is a mistake to try and create for a patient an ideal nose found on a photograph or image.
*Imperfections will remain following surgery. Despite meticulous technique and detailed attention to all aspects of the procedure, it is unlikely that the nasal appearance will be perfect after surgery: frequently, some irregularities will remain; crooked noses are unlikely to be completely straight. This is because the healing of nasal tissues is not entirely predictable and some desired changes just can’t be achieved.
*A conservative approach is usually best. The changes created during rhinoplasty cannot generally be “undone”. It is unwise to attempt dramatic changes that may not be successful or that may influence nasal function negatively. The results of surgery should provide a natural looking result, not one that screams “I’ve had a nose job”.
*Healing can take a long time. While the initial healing process in the first few weeks and months results in quite dramatic and immediate changes, there are subtle changes which continue for at least one year and often longer. These more minor changes can still affect the appearance of the nose significant, and usually in a positive way. It can be difficult to be patient in waiting for these changes to occur, but is is important to remember when small imperfections are visible. The skin of the nose is like a “shrink wrap” or a vacuum seal, and as the tissues heal, the overall contour and appearance continues to become more refined.
COMPUTER IMAGING
Most patients can visualize the types of changes that they are seeking with surgery. However, computer imaging can be helpful for some patients to demonstrate how nasal surgery might alter their nasal and facial appearance. Dr Strecker utilizes computer imaging as a communication tool to help patients understand what types of changes can realistically be achieved.
Rhinoplasty is not an operation of perfection. Despite the fact that the surgery is performed meticulously, it is unlikely that the final result will be perfect. Small irregularities are not uncommon. Complete achievement of goals is not always possible. Healing is not entirely predictable. It is important to discuss and understand ahead of surgery the expected outcome as well as which aspects of surgery may not be precisely as desired. For example, it can be very difficult to make crooked noses completely straight.
RECOVERY
The procedure is performed as a day procedure under general anesthetic and usually takes about 2 hours; the patient goes home the same day under the care of family. Pain is minimal and readily managed with minimal medication. Use of ice is important to reduce swelling and bruising. Most patients have a small nasal splint in place which is removed one week after surgery. Normal activities can be resumed within 2 weeks.
Although much of the swelling after surgery subsides in the first 8 weeks, there are more minor ongoing changes which continue for at least one year following surgery and often longer. Patience is an important factor with rhinoplasty as some of the subtle changes and final result may not be evident for some time.
If you have carefully considered issues around rhinoplasty and choose to have surgery, you are likely to be pleased with the changes made. Dr Strecker would like to assist you in achieving your rhinoplasty goals.