The nose is probably the most distinguishing feature of the human face. The ability to perform safe surgery with aesthetically pleasing and natural, un-operated results sets apart the inexperienced from the highly skilled surgeon. Dr. Ptak enjoys performing these procedures on a regular basis with a high patient satisfaction rate and secondary revisions are rarely needed.
Dr. Ptak is often called on to perform not only the primary cosmetic nose reshaping but has performed hundreds of the most difficult and challenging reconstructions and corrections of unacceptable or poorly performed procedures. It is Dr. Ptak’s philosophy that virtually every cosmetic nasal reshaping can be safely accomplished without any visible scar, and that a very natural, un-operated and functional result is his ultimate goal.
Rhinoplasty - Nose Reshaping Surgery
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is a surgical procedure intended to refine the shape, profile, and contours of the nose. In recent years this procedure has become a very popular cosmetic enhancement. Nose surgery is most commonly intended to alter its aesthetic appearance; however, many people require corrective nose surgery to address issues like a deviated septum or problems breathing. With rhinoplasty, it is possible to change the size of the nose, larger or smaller, alter the shape of the nose by altering the tip, a bump on the bridge, or the size of the nostrils, and even to change the angle of nose in relation to the upper lip. There are many options for nasal surgery that Scottsdale’s Dr. Jeffrey Ptak will gladly discuss with you during a consultation.
Even with the smallest change, a nose reshaping surgery can have a very positive impact on your appearance, confidence, self-esteem, and interaction with friends and loved ones.
Why People Want / Need Rhinoplasty
There are a wide number of reasons men and women might want nose surgery. The two primary benefits that people want are either cosmetic enhancement or a functional improvement. Many have both of these concerns and seek out nasal surgery to correct multiple issues at once.
Cosmetic Nose Surgery
Cosmetic deformities of the nose can hinder your lifestyle as they can be a source of embarrassment. Examples include a wide base of the nose, drooping tip, a dorsal bump, as well as varying post-traumatic deformities. Cartilage or bone can be shaved from a large nose to give it an even slope. In contrast, if you feel that your nose is too small, cartilage can be harvested from a donor location (ear or rib graft) and used to add structure to your nose. Prior nasal surgeries can leave you with less than desired results, which can greatly increase the technical difficulty to achieve an optimal result. Dr. Ptak will listen to your concerns during your consultation to ensure that this time you achieve your aesthetic wishes.
Functional Nose Surgery
One of the most common functional issue people address with nose surgery is a problem with breathing. There are many causes of this that include a deviated septum, swollen turbinates, and other issues with the nasal passages. These conditions can be present since birth or they may be problems encountered as adults, like trauma or cancer on or within the nose. Another very common reason for functional rhinoplasty is to revise a prior nose surgery that caused problems with breathing or the normal operation of the nose. Many issues can contribute to breathing problems, but Dr. Ptak will take the time to very carefully examine your nose during your consultation to perfectly understand the physical issues presented by your condition and to recommend the most appropriate procedure to address it. With his long experience and careful attention to detail you can be assured that Dr. Ptak will recommend the very best customized procedure to help you regain the functioning of your nose.
Candidates
Many people find their nose to be less attractive than they would like. It may feel out of balance with their face. It's also common for people to have concerns about the shape or function of their nose based on prior injury, diseases such as cancer, or birth defects. Both men and women interested in nose surgery are concerned with either the appearance or function of their nose and generally hope achieve one of the following:
- Make the bridge of the nose more straight
- Eliminate a bump on the bridge
- Alter the appearance of the tip
- Make the nose larger or smaller
- Correct airflow and breathing
- Refine the nose/lip angle
- Change the shape of the nostrils
It is also critical that nasal surgery be performed only after the face has fully matured, generally after adolescence and that patients be in generally good health and not smoking.
For many people of different ethnicities, it can be critical that your plastic surgeon understands your specific needs. Dr. Jeffrey Ptak is an expert at Ethnic Rhinoplasty, taking into consideration all the issues that relate to specific types of skin and contour. In this way he can alter the shape of your nose while maintaining the unique character of your face.
Consultation
During a consultation for nose reshaping surgery, Dr. Ptak will have many things to review and discuss about your specific case in order to provide you with the best results. He with look very closely at the structure of your nose, considering the bones and cartilage that are central to its shape in addition to the thickness and texture of the skin, as well as your age. While many adolescents show an interest in nose surgery, most experienced plastic surgeons recommend waiting until the patient is fully mature both physically and emotionally. Upon arriving for you consultation you will be thoroughly examined to assess the condition of your nose, carefully considers your desired outcome, and determines a unique plan for your procedure that will deliver the best results possible. Dr. Ptak also feels strongly that the nose should be evaluated with the other proportions and main facial features such as the cheeks, chin, and jawline. Before and after photos will also be available so that you can review potential results. No result can be perfectly guaranteed, but you can be secure knowing you are in the best possible hands. It's recommended that you bring with you a picture demonstrating the result you would like.
Dr. Jeff Ptak and his staff understand very well that making the choice to have cosmetic surgery can be difficult, and so we do our very best to make the entire process easy and comfortable. To ensure your comfort and peace of mind, we ensure that our staff works closely with you from the time you arrive throughout the recovery process.
Preparation
There are many steps in preparing for nose surgery. Dr. Ptak will explain to you the various medical tests and examinations needed before surgery. Prior to your procedure you will need to acquire a few prescription medications, including pain medication and antibiotics, to ensure that you have everything you need once the procedure has been performed. One thing that's absolutely critical is to avoid any herbal supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs for a number of weeks before and after surgery as these may prevent blood from properly clotting and could impede healing. It's also important that you have someone who can drive for you after the surgery as you won't be able to do so on your own.
Types of Nose Surgery
Primary Rhinoplasty
Primary rhinoplasty is the name given for a patient's very first nose surgery. The central purpose of primary rhinoplasty is to correct any cosmetic desires or functional problems in only one surgery, without the need for any follow up corrections. There are many methods and techniques available, both open and closed methods of nose surgery for example, and the right customized approach for you will be carefully determined in your consultation.
Secondary Rhinoplasty
Secondary rhinoplasty describes nose surgery that is intended to correct concerns a patient may have had with their primary procedure or past procedures. Also called 'revision rhinoplasty,' the procedure is used to refine the shape of the nose for aesthetic reasons, functional necessities, and at times for both. If a patient is not happy about the initial results of rhinoplasty, many options are available.
How is Nose Surgery Performed?
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under sedation with local or general anesthesia. The incisions are usually made inside the nostrils and only rarely extend into the visible skin of the nose. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped to improve the external contour. 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. Finally, the skin is re-draped over the new framework. When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between air passages. Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils. Occasionally, internal airway correction and reshaping of the nasal septum and turbinates can be safely done to improve breathing.
Open Procedure
The 'open' nasal surgery procedure involves making an incision both inside and connecting between the nostrils. This allows easy access to nasal cartilage and tissue which makes it relatively simply to alter the interior of the nose without a great deal of scarring. From there, tissue and cartilage can be reshaped and trimmed to achieve the intended shape. At times more cartilage is needed and would be taken from the ear or ribs. Following alterations and grafts, the skin and tissue of the nose are re-draped and incisions are closed. The result is limited miniscule scarring.
Closed Procedure
The 'closed' nasal surgery procedure involves exclusively internal incisions. The procedure follows many of the same steps as an 'open' procedure, however the skin is not lifted. As a result, there is no external scarring, the recovery can be faster as there is also less swelling. The procedure itself takes less time than the ‘open’ technique.
Postoperative Instructions
Nose surgery most often takes about one or two hours, and that depends upon the complexity of the procedures. Following your surgery a nasal splint will be applied to your nose and will remain there for about a week. It's important to take baths and not shower during the time that your splint is in place as you need to avoid getting it wet.
For the first week or two most patients may want to utilize pain medication to deal with any discomfort. It's important that you limit activity and exercise while you recover as it is possible break stitches or prolong your recovery period. In addition you will not want to blow your nose until you have sufficiently recovered. Contact lenses are a better choice than glasses as glasses can irritate the sensitive tissues of a postoperative nose. However, if you must use glasses you might consider taping them to your face so they don't rest on the bridge of your nose.
Most patients can start working again 5 to 7 days after surgery. There will be swelling and some bruising below the eyes that can last a couple weeks. This is a normal outcome of rhinoplasty and application of cold packs can help reduce swelling and pain.
Recovery
Most patients experience minimal discomfort directly after surgery because of the use of long-acting local (injected) anesthetic solutions in and around the nasal tissues. The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24 - 48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in 7 - 10 days. 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 nose begins to look and feel more “normal”. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2 - 4 weeks. Early results are evident in three months, but the final result takes 12 - 14 months which is the time necessary for complete tissue softening and re-shrinking at the tip.
Cost
The price of nose surgery depends greatly on the specifics of your personal case and the number and type of concerns being addressed. If you would like an estimate of the cost or would like to know more about the procedure, you can schedule a consultation today and you will be contacted shortly by our staff who can help get you started on your path to a beautiful and healthy nose.