Rhinoplasty or surgical reshaping of the nose is one of the most common and rewarding elective procedures performed today.  The procedure can be tremendously gratifying for both the patient and surgeon.  There are several reasons behind a patients’ motivation to seek corrective surgery of their nose.  The nose is one of the most prominent features and often times, a distinguishing characteristic of your face.  Deformities of the nose stem from familial predisposition, the result of trauma, and even prior attempts at corrective surgery.

Many factors enter into the evaluation of your nose prior to undertaking aesthetic improvement of your nose.  The size and shape of your face, your gender, your ethnic background, the thickness of your skin, and even your age are considered in determining whi8ch nasal shape best suits you.   After discussing your goals and expectations, using computer imaging techniques in combination with Dr. Schoenfeld’s years of experience in cosmetic surgury, we will be able to demonstrate what will likely be the most ideal nose for you.

Often times, patients who present for evaluation of an external nasal deformity also have difficulty with the function of their noses and complain of chronic nasal congestion.  Dr. Schoenfeld will perform a thorough evaluation of the external deformities as well as the intranasal; issues which are contributing to your nasal congestion.  A detailed surgical plan will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Improvement of your nasal airway may be fairly straightforward and require only straightening of the nasal septum and turbinate reduction, or the procedures may be more involve which is often the case in revision rhinoplasty and previous facial trauma. As a double board certified surgeon, Dr. Schoenfeld has extensive experience in revision rhinoplasty and sees patients from around the world who seek corrective functional and cosmetic nasal surgery.  Although cosmetic surgery of the nose is generally not covered by insurance, portions of the surgical procedure may be.  Our experienced staff will work with you and your insurance provider to determine the cost of the procedure which you will be responsible for.

The Procedure

Rhinoplastic surgery is carried out under local anesthesia with I.V. sedation or under general anesthesia.  The procedure takes from one to three hours to complete depending upon the the complexity of your particular case.  The majority of incisions for rhinoplasty are made inside the nose.  A small “inverted V” incision may be required in the skin between your nostrils  (the columella) and changes to the nostril size may also require incisions in the outside creases of your nostrils.  Any external incisions created are well camouflaged and heal imperceptibly.   Dr. Schoenfeld will then procede to sculpt the cartilages, bone, and soft tissue (skin, muscle, and fat) of your nose to achieve the desired outcome.

Recovery

Postoperatively, you will have two intranasal splints to ensure proper healing of the nasal airway.  Dr. Schoenfeld does not use packing and your nasal passageways, although mildly obstructed, will still function. 
A small, low profile, external nasal splint and taping will be placed to maintain the proper position of your nose and reduce postoperative swelling.  The amount of brusing and swelling you will experience varies between patients.  Dr. Schoenfeld’s detailed post-operative instructions which you will receive prior to surgery are designed to minimize bruising, maximize your comfort, and expedite your recovery.

All sutures, internal splints, and external dressings will be removed at your first post-operative visit, usually day six or seven.  On your first visit your nose may appear swollen and unanimated.  There is no need for concern.  Total resolution of swelling and edema following rhinoplastic surgery is a lengthy process.  You can expect to look presentable in eight days, but your final result will not be realized until six months to up to one year after your surgery.

(301) 652-RENU (7368) • moreinfo@renudc.com