Am I An Ideal Candidate For Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty surgery is available for both men and women at Astra Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Killingsworth and his staff of plastic surgery professionals will listen to your concerns and help decide if open rhinoplasty is the right procedure for you. In order to make this decision, it is important that you are open with your surgeon about your health history, as well as your goals for the procedure.
The ideal candidate for open rhinoplasty surgery in Atlanta is in good general health and a non-smoker. Additionally, patients should have realistic expectations for the results of their nose surgery. It is also recommended that patients who opt for open rhinoplasty surgery are finished growing. Patients who are still growing are not ideal candidates for open rhinoplasty due to the potential for the facial anatomy to change after the procedure.
What Should I Expect During Open Rhinoplasty?
At Astra Plastic Surgery, open rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Your facial plastic surgeon will make a small, inconspicuous incision on the undersurface of the columella, or the skin between the nostrils. From this incision, our nose surgeons can access the underlying cartilage and bone structure of the nose. This technique allows our surgical team to refine every detail with accurate control.
After the nose is reshaped, the skin can be re-draped over the nose and the incision can be closed. In some cases, a splint will be placed inside or outside of the nostrils in order to promote healing. Although procedure times can vary, open rhinoplasty typically takes about 1 to 4 hours to perform. If the procedure requires cartilage grafts, it is likely to take longer.
What Should I Expect After Open Rhinoplasty?
Following open rhinoplasty surgery, most patients will experience mild swelling, bruising, bleeding, and discomfort. Patients will be sent home with their nose wrapped to promote healing and keep the split(s) in place. Typically, splints can be removed in-office during your first follow-up appointment. Our team at Astra Plastic Surgery is available to answer any questions you may have throughout your recovery period.
Before sending you home, our office will provide detailed aftercare instructions to expedite your recovery. It is important that these instructions are followed with care in order to get the best possible results from your procedure. It is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity and rigorous exercise, as well as keep their head in an elevated position to reduce swelling. Additionally, patients should refrain from swimming and wearing glasses to minimize the risk of infection.