Rhinoplasty and Nose Surgery in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona

Surgery to reshape the nose, known also as Rhinoplasty or nose job, is a very common plastic surgery procedure. There are a variety of nasal issues that rhinoplasty can correct, including reducing a large nose, or enlarging a small nose, changing the shape of the tip or the bridge of the nose, raising or lowering the tip of the nose, narrowing large nostrils, and changing the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Birth defects, injuries to the nose, and breathing problems can be corrected by rhinoplasty as well.

Is Rhinoplasty right for You?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. They are healthy, emotionally stable, and realistic in their expectations.

Age is a consideration. Unless there is a nasal deformity from a birth defect, it is usually preferred to delay surgery on teenagers until after the growth spurt has completed; this is around 14 or 15 for girls, and a bit later for boys. It is important to consider a teenager's social and emotional adjustment as well, and to make sure it is what they, and not their parents, really want.

Your Nose Surgery Consultation with Dr. Weinrach

During your initial consultation, Dr. Weinrach will discuss your expectations with you. He will carefully evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and will review options available to address your concerns. There are many factors that can affect the outcome and results of rhinoplasty, and Dr. Weinrach will review these with you. Examples of these are: your age, thickness of your skin, the shape of your face, and structure of the bones and cartilage of your nose.

Dr. Weinrach will also explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and any risks involved.

Please let Dr. Weinrach know if you have had an injury to your nose in the past or any previous nose surgery. Please also inform him if you have any allergies or troube breathing, if you smoke, or are taking any medicine, vitamins, or recreational drugs. Please do not hesitate to ask Dr. Weinrach any questions you may have.

Before Your Nose Surgery

You will be given instructions on how to prepare for surgery. Dr. Weinrach will let you know what medications to take or avoid, and when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. Please be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery.

Where Your Surgery Will be Perfomed

Your safety is always Dr. Weinrach's number one priority. He only operates in accredited surgery centers and hospitals. He has hospital priviledges for every procedure he performs. Rhinoplasty is almost always done as an outpatient procedure. Rarely, unusually complex procedures may require a short inpatient stay.

Types of Anesthesia for Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and personal preference.

With local anesthesia, you will usually be lightly sedated, and your nose and the surrounding area will be numb; you will be in a light sleep during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. With general anesthesia, you will sleep through the operation.

The Surgery - Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can take anywhere from about one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the situation. Local anesthetic is placed in the nose. The nasal skin is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage give the nose its shape and support. The bone and cartilage are sculpted to create the desired contour of the nose. There are various methods of sculpting bone and cartilage which vary depending on your problem. When the desired framework of bone and cartilage has been created, the skin is then redraped over it. A splint is usually applied on the nose to help protect your nose and maintain its new contour. Soft splints may also be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the nose from the inside as well.

Getting Back to Normal after your Nose 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.

Dr. Weinrach will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. In general, strenuous activity should be avoided for two to three weeks. Try not to let anything rub or hit your nose. Wash your face and hair gently.

Dr. Weinrach will follow your progress closely with frequent check ups after surgery. Please call anytime if you have any questions about activity or concerns about unusual symptoms.

Your New Look after Rhinoplasty

Initially, you will have some bruising and swelling. Gradually, your nose will begin to look better. Within a week or two, you will no longer look as if you have just had nose surgery.

However, healing after an open rhinoplasty is a gradual process. Depending on the extent of your procedure, there can be subtle swelling present for months, especially in the tip. It may take a year, or even more, for the final result of a rhinoplasty to be apparant. Rhinoplasty can be a life changing event; relief of breathing problems and the creation of a more aesthetically pleasing nose can greatly boost self confidence and quality of life.