Archive | Rhinoplasty

Have you been thinking about a nose job (rhinoplasty)? It can be a big decision – not only are you trying to decide what (if any) changes you would like to make to your face, but you have to keep in mind that it is surgery, and with surgery there are always risks to consider. Here are some things you should know about rhinoplasty, to help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

What you need to know about rhinoplasty

If you are considering a nose job, you should:

1. Have realistic expectations. You may have your idea of your “perfect” nose, but a movie star or model’s nose may just not be right for the shape of your own face. Also, your nose will not look ideal right after the surgery – it will take time for swelling to go down, so make sure you keep that in mind for the first few days.

2. Know the cost. You should check with your insurance company to see what (if any) of your rhinoplasty will be covered. If it is performed to help you breathe better or for another medical reason, the entire procedure may be covered, whereas if it is only for cosmetic purposes it may not be covered at all.

3. Realize that there are risks. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, and any surgical procedure has risks. These may include an adverse reaction to the anesthesia, numbness, and excessive bleeding.

4. Consider carefully who will do your surgery. There is an art to plastic surgery, and you want to make sure you get a doctor with the expertise and the skill to do your nose job. He or she should also take the time to listen to your concerns and to talk with you about what you hope to get out of the procedure.

Deciding whether or not to have a nose job can be a big decision! Dr. Gary J. Price and his staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have so that you can make a decision that is right for you. Call the office in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, at (203) 453-6635 for a consultation appointment today!

Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a common plastic surgery procedure that can improve your appearance and self-image and even correct impaired breathing and other functional concerns. Read on to learn about who would make a good candidate and benefit from a nose job.

Functional and Aesthetic Concerns

There is a variety of functional and aesthetic reasons why someone will get a nose job. If you don’t have an aesthetic concern, nose surgery doesn’t always have to affect appearance. If you have breathing problems, a previous injury or birth defects that affect the function of your nose, a nose job may be right for you. A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of breathing impairment and why people seek rhinoplasty.

Often, patients want to change the size and shape of their nose, to make it more symmetrical with their face. A rhinoplasty can change the width of the nose at the bridge or the size and position of the nostrils. It can correct a nasal tip that is bulbous, enlarged, hooked, drooping or upturned. Nose surgery can correct visible humps or depressions on the bridge of the nose.

Age and Overall Health

If you are at least 13 years old, physically healthy and don’t smoke, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. It’s crucial to have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for what a nose job will do to your appearance. As with any plastic surgery that alters your appearance, you should be doing it for yourself, not to fit anyone else’s desires.

Two Techniques

Dr. Price uses one of two methods for nose surgery. During a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the two nostrils. During both techniques, the soft tissues that cover the nose are lifted away, while the bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape. If additional cartilage is needed to augment the nose, it is usually taken from the septum.

For a patient with a deviated septum, the septum and inner structures of the nose will be adjusted to improve breathing. After this, the tissues are re-draped and incisions are closed with stitches. If nostril reshaping is done, it is performed during the final stage of surgery.

A rhinoplasty is a life-changing surgery that can help patients not only look better but feel better, too. To learn more, call (203) 453-6635 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

“Deviated Nasal Septum”…it may be a new concept you haven’t heard much about or you may be a part of the roughly 80% of the population who has one. But what is it?

The nasal septum separates the left and right airways of your nose, dividing your nostrils. When your septum is crooked, off-center or “deviated,” it can cause a restriction of the airflow in one or both of your nasal passages.

Sometimes people with a deviated septum don’t even notice the condition. It often goes undetected for years before symptoms become bothersome. Sometimes, however, severe septal deviations can can trigger serious health concerns.

Here are 4 signs of a deviated nasal septum:

1. Difficulty Breathing Through Your Nose. One or both nostrils may be affected, but one side is usually worse than the other. Often, difficulty breathing leads to a preference of sleeping on a particular side, allowing for easier air passage through the nostril that isn’t narrowed. During sleep, you may breathe noisily due to swelling in the nasal tissues. In some cases, a deviated septum can interfere with how your sinuses work, which can lead to nasal congestion and recurrent sinus infections.
2. Awareness of the Nasal Cycle. As you breathe normally, one of your nostrils is blocked and then the other nostril is blocked. This alternating function of the breathing process is referred to as the nasal cycle. The nasal cycle itself is completely normal and most people are not aware of it. However, if you find that you are aware of your breathing cycle, that could indicate the presence of an abnormal nasal obstruction or deviation.
3. Nosebleeds. If you have frequent nosebleeds, a deviated septum may be the culprit. With a deviated septum, the membranes in the unobstructed side of your nose are more exposed to the air. This can dry out the surface of your septum, which can lead to bleeding.
4. Facial Pain. Facial pain doesn’t always indicate a deviated nasal septum. In some cases, however, a severe deviation can impact your inside nasal wall. When this happens, you may feel pain on the side of the face with the narrowed nostril.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to call to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Price to discuss the simple, surgical solution for a deviated septum: (203) 453-6635.

The teenage years can, at their best, be daunting. From prom dates to acne, fears and insecurities abound. To complicate matters, with adolescence comes facial changes. The sinuses grow, enlarging and changing the shape of the face and jaw. The nose also changes shape and grows…and may become just one more thing thing to be self-conscious about.

A “nose job,” or rhinoplasty, is the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure done during the teenage years. The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) indicates that the number of teenage clients receiving plastic surgery today is more than five times the number it was fifteen years ago.

It’s important to understand that like any cosmetic surgery, nasal surgery is a very personal decision. It is one of the most demanding of all cosmetic surgery procedures, especially for teens, and timing is critical. Operating on the nose before its growth has stabilized may result in unwanted nasal changes and disruption of facial growth.

Determining the appropriate age for rhinoplasty surgery is governed by many variables. Ideally, patients should have reached both emotional and physical maturity before proceeding with surgery. The optimum time is around the age of 16 for girls and after the age of 17 or 18 for boys. However, if there is a congenital defect or post-traumatic deformity that causes serious breathing problems, surgery may be done earlier.

For the most part, a rhinoplasty is irreversible and teens must understand the significance of their decision. The nose is located in the center of the face. Their appearance will be altered forever. However, the majority of patients who undergo rhinoplasty as teenagers report high levels of satisfaction.

If you are a teen or the parent of a teen who is considering rhinoplasty, it is important to clarify your goals and expectations and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Price. He will evaluate your request, discuss the procedure with you, answer any questions you may have and determine if you would be a good rhinoplasty candidate.

Call to schedule a consultation, today: (203) 453-6635.