Dr. Cat Begovic performs rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.
This is a patient who underwent rhinoplasty and follow up 2 years later. This is a complete set of all views.
This is another actual patient only a few weeks after rhinoplasty. Rectangles have been placed over the photos per pt request to hide her identity.
Reasons for Surgery
Reasons include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps as well as improving the angle of a nose. Conditions may be natural or due to external trauma to the face. This operation will also help patients who have difficulty breathing. The operation can be performed on all age groups, including teens and the elderly.
Before Surgery
A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. In your consultation, I will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features and make sure I have a complete understanding of the specific changes you want to make. In rhinoplasty, every small detail matters and as a plastic surgeon and a woman, I care about the specific details. I will use digital photographs and computer imaging allow to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. We will work together as a team to achieve your desired results.
Pre-operative instructions will include the elimination of certain drugs that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, herbal medications, and alcohol in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding.
Method of Surgery
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, angle or removal of a hump, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the surface. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem. The incisions are placed inside the nose, and often on the columella. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to improve the profile.
Post-Operative Information
The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed within a week. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.
Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.
Patients must be careful not to bump their nose, and refrain from any athletic activities or situations where they may suffer trauma to their nose (the bones are still mobile up to several weeks after surgery). The scar on the columella will slowly heal and eventually become completely unnoticable.
Overall, rhinoplasty surgery significantly improves a person’s appearance. I feel that this is one of the surgeries that really makes a significant impact. My philosophy is that a person should still look like themselves, but an improved version of their self. My patients are already beautiful – beautiful eyes, lips, they just have a nose that takes away from their face a little. After their rhinoplasty – they are stunning. Rhinoplasty is one of my favorite surgeries. As a Head & Neck and facial plastic surgeon for many years before getting additional training in Plastic Surgery, I really have a good feel for nasal anatomy – inside and out. More than anything, I have an eye for what makes a beautiful nose. I get more hugs and thanks from my rhinoplasty patients than any other. I look forward to seeing you in consultation and going through the process of surgery with you and seeing your smile when you look into the mirror after your surgery!