Noses come in all shapes and sizes. Dr. Ness and Dr. Rolfes will work with you to determine the size and shape that will fit your face the best. Rhinoplasty is performed as a cosmetic procedure and is also use to correct deformities caused by trauma, such as a broken nose, or to help correct the structure of the nose to make for easier breathing.
Nose Surgery Consultation
During the initial consultation, our doctors will evaluate your medical history and determine if you are a good candidate for nose surgery. We will take the time to educate you about rhinoplasty surgery and welcome all of your questions about the surgery, our practice, and recovery after your nose surgery. We will take photographs and we can “morph” the images to help show you what you might expect after surgery and healing.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Procedure
The most common type of surgery we perform is a reduction rhinoplasty for patients who have a nose that is simply too big for their face. There are many types of surgeries for the nose, from nose tip surgery to surgery that involves the bony structure of the nose. Surgery of the nose is typically performed under a general anesthetic, but occasionally under sedation for minor procedures. Incisions are discretely made at the base or inside the nose depending on the extent of reshaping needed. An internal nasal splint may be used to support the new structure of your nose during surgery and will typically be removed the following day. Some patients are seen for problems related to breathing and insurance companies may provide coverage concerns that are related to breathing improvement. After your consultation we will determine if you meet the insurance criteria and we can help submit a request for permission to perform the surgery from your insurance company. This may help offset some of the costs.
Nose Surgery Recovery
Following your nose surgery, you will be cared for by the nursing staff in the recovery room. When you are fully awake and comfortable, you will be released to the care of a family member or friend with a list of after-care instructions.
Many nose surgery patients return to work and social activities after 5-7 days of recovery time at home. You will likely wear an external splint and this typically stays in place for 7 days. Many patients “feel fine” after 3-4 days and may choose to work from home if possible. There will be guidelines for after-care including lifting restrictions and limited exercise. We will schedule rhinoplasty surgery follow up appointments in one of our Minneapolis metro area or St. Cloud, MN clinics periodically.
