The goal of rhinoplasty surgery is to improve the nose aesthetically, making it harmonize better with other facial features. Age, skin type and ethnic background are important factors that should be discussed with your physician prior to surgery. Especially for the young patient, one must reach full growth before altering the nose. Exceptions can occur when the breathing is severely impaired.

Occasionally, other procedures may be recommended to enhance the appearance of ones face. Many patients undergo chin augmentation in conjunction with rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features. Some patients may also require addressing functional problems such as endoscopic sinus surgery in conjunction with rhinoplasty surgery.

Making the Decision
Whether the surgery is for cosmetic or functional reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of utmost importance. Many facial plastic surgeons are trained both in ear, nose, throat, and facial cosmetic surgery, providing you, the patient, with the highest level of training and expertise. Dr. Honrado will examine the structure of the nose, both internally and externally, to evaluate what can be expected from a rhinoplasty. You are more likely to be pleased with the results of your surgery if you have a realistic idea of what nasal surgery can and cannot do for you.

Dr. Honrado will thoroughly discuss the expectations and the risks involved in your surgery. Following a joint decision to proceed with surgery, photographs will be taken to discuss the options available. Dr. Honrado, will explain how the nasal structures, including bone and cartilage, can be sculpted to reshape the nose.

After a thorough medical history is obtained, Dr. Honrado will offer information regarding anesthesia, the surgical facility that will be used, and the costs.

Understanding the Surgery
The true definition of rhinoplasty is shaping the nose. Incisions are made and the cartilage and bone support system of the nose is accessed. Most of the incisions are made inside the nose where they are hidden and invisible. In some instances, an incision is made in the area of skin that separates the nostrils to allow for greater exposure of the nasal structure. Next, certain amounts of bone and cartilage are removed, added to, or rearranged to provide a newly shaped structure. For example,if the tip of the nose is too large, Dr. Honrado can sculpt the cartilage in the tip to reduce its size. In addition, the angle of the nose in its relation to the upper lip can be altered for a more youthful look or to correct a distortion.

Before	After	Before	After

After surgery
A small splint is placed on the top of the nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable. It is left in place from five to seven days. Your face may be puffy, especially after the first day. Pain medication is usually required. Dr. Honrado recommends that you do not blow your nose for seven days after surgery. In the following days after surgery, bruising and minor swelling in the eye area may occur. Cold compress use often reduces the bruising and discomfort. Absorbable sutures are usually used inside the nose which does not have to be removed. Sutures used on the skin do need to be removed after five to seven days along with any dressings and splints.

It is crucial to keep your head elevated for a certain period after surgery. Some activities are prohibited in the weeks after the procedure. Sun exposure, exertion, and risk of injury must be avoided. Special arrangements must be made to make sure that glasses do not rest on the bridge of the nose if you wear glasses. Tape is sometimes used to allow wearing glasses without stressing the area where surgery was performed.

The follow up care is vital for this procedure to monitor healing. Anything unusual should be reported to Dr. Honrado as soon as possible. It is essential that you keep your follow up appointments with your surgeon.

Insurance generally does not cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery that improves or corrects the function of the nose or surgery for major deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part.