Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries requested throughout greater New Jersey and among the most complex of all cosmetic procedures. Noses can be reshaped, changed in size, and angled differently. Tips may be altered while bumps, indentations, and other defects can be corrected. Men and women throughout the greater New Jersey area often opt to undergo rhinoplasty to address features about their noses that they find undesirable. The surgery often dramatically improves one’s facial appearance.
However, rhinoplasties are not always performed solely for cosmetic reasons. The surgery is also employed to correct structural abnormalities within the nose, including a deviated septum which can cause breathing problems. Post-nasal drip, chronic stuffiness, and even snoring can be addressed and possibly resolved through rhinoplasty, which is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Excited about the prospect of having a new aesthetically pleasing or better-functioning nose, it is easy for patients to overlook some important points about the pre-operative, surgical, and recovery processes associated with rhinoplasty. Dedicated to providing expert-level care, the board-certified surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are sharing their advice to help ensure patients a successful outcome to this life-changing surgery.
How to select a surgeon.
It is essential to choose a highly qualified and experienced surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty to perform the procedure. Start by researching his or her credentials and medical background. The surgeon should be board certified and have practiced in New Jersey for many years, preferably with a concentration and proven track record of many successful facial plastic surgeries. Having been a member of a plastic surgery board or association and having had relevant work published in peer-review journals are other desirable professional attributes. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor how many rhinoplasties he or she performs each month versus other types of plastic surgery procedures. In this case, more is definitely better. Remember, an expert surgeon should be able to correct nasal deformities and make the nose look terrific while also preserving nasal-airway function.
Build a rapport with the surgeon.
Beyond having confidence in their qualifications, patients should feel comfortable communicating to the surgeon during an initial consultation and discuss any questions and concerns her or she has about rhinoplasty. They should be able to discuss why they want to undergo the procedure. Are they in search of a more symmetrical nose? Frustrated by an unsightly flat spot? Bothered by a bulge near the tip?
It is crucial that patients maintain realistic expectations about the anticipated outcome of rhinoplasty, especially in regard to his or her appearance. It cannot be stressed enough that patients and surgeons must be on the same page when it comes to the intended surgery goals since results depend largely on the anatomy of the nose.
Experienced surgeons, such as those at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, will be able to draw from patients the information needed to create customized results that best suit the individual. He or she will also explain specifics about the various techniques that are used in rhinoplasty, such as open and closed procedures. The patient’s overall health history and any special risk factors will also be addressed.
Inquire about their revision rate.
Even when rhinoplasty is performed by a highly qualified and capable surgeon, complications stemming from external deformities and breathing issues can arise. These may make a second surgery, referred to as revision rhinoplasty, necessary at a later date. Due to scarred and lost tissue resulting from the initial surgery, these secondary operations can prove particularly challenging.
If a surgeon’s experience with revisions has largely been successful, he or she is likely a good candidate to perform your rhinoplasty surgery. If, however, other patients return frequently for revisions, it may be a clue that the surgeon lacks extensive rhinoplasty experience or has a history of producing less-than-impressive results. In either case, it may be best to consult with another New Jersey area plastic surgeon.
Ask to see before-and-after photos.
When it comes to rhinoplasty, proper proportion is paramount. Be sure to view before-and-after photos or an online portfolio of the surgeon’s previous patients, paying particular attention to whether noses appear proportionate on faces. Also, be sure that revision-rhinoplasty photos are included in the mix. The photographic examples should inspire confidence that the physician’s aesthetics are similar to what you also consider attractive and appealing. At The Peer Group in Florham Park., NJ, our board-certified plastic surgeons strive to design rhinoplasty procedures that ultimately enhance the patients’ features while preserving and improving nasal-airway function.
Speak with previous patients.
If possible, request that the surgeon put you in contact with his or her patients in New Jersey who have previously undergone rhinoplasty. By having an opportunity to speak candidly with them, you should be able to gauge their experience with the doctor as well as impressions about their results.
Follow the surgeon’s orders.
To optimize the odds of experiencing successful rhinoplasty results, patients must carefully follow their surgeon’s pre-and post-operative instructions. Alterations made during surgery are unique to each patient and their facial features. The surgeon will thoroughly explain the recovery process, during which patients are likely to experience mild to moderate amounts of pain, as well as bruising and swelling around the eyes and cheeks. Symptoms are usually alleviated with over-the-counter and prescribed medications. Be sure to follow the wound-care instructions provided and recommendations for limiting activity levels.
It is important to attend all follow-up appointments, even if you feel as though you have completely healed. A proper, thorough recovery takes time, and it may be as long as two years before your nose reaches its final post-surgery form. Having patience will play a significant role in achieving your desired results.
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
Only you and your surgeon can answer that question since many small but important details must be considered when planning and performing a successful rhinoplasty. Surgical methods and techniques are constantly evolving. We encourage you to call and schedule a consultation with one of the board-certified surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, where our staff has made it a priority to stay informed about the latest advances in this life-altering area of medicine.