Rhinoplasty From a Female's Prespective

Rhinoplasty is a procedure designed to re-shape the nose and in some cases, alter its size. Humps on the front of the nose can be removed, bulbous tips can be re-shaped, and large noses can be made shorter or less projecting. Wide noses can be narrowed. For patients who have disliked the appearance of their nose for years, the results of the procedure can be life-changing. It is important that any potential rhinoplasty patient determine what areas of their nose are most bothersome to them prior to consultation. Dr. Flint feels it is important to assess each patient’s individual goals regarding the outcome of their surgery. She dislikes operated appearing noses and finds a natural result to be most appealing. In her practice, it is definitely not, “one size fits all.”
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed in a surgicenter as an out-patient under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the case, the procedure takes between one and a half and two hours. A small incision is made on the under surface of the nose between the nostrils to allow visualization of the underling bone and cartilage. If obstructed breathing is a problem, the septum inside the nose between the nostrils may also be re-shaped or partially removed. This is called a septoplasty. The sutures are removed one week post-operatively. An external splint is worn for ten days, and then an additional twenty days during sleep. No lifting is allowed for three weeks post-operatively.
Recovery from rhinoplasty is very tolerable and it is very rare for patients to complain of pain. Bruising in the lower eyelid region can last up to ten days. Swelling in the tip resolves over one year, although many positive changes are evident the day the splint is removed. The scar underneath the nose fades beautifully in the vast majority of patients. Tip numbness can persist for some months but is very rarely permanent. Rhinoplasty revisions are required in some patients, although Dr. Flint finds that when expectations are appropriate pre-operatively, revisions are rarely needed.
Approximately twenty percent of patients that request rhinoplasty have retrusive or small chins. These patients can benefit from placement of a chin implant. These implants are made of soft, shaped, solid silicone. They are placed through an incision inside the lower lip. Not all patients who would benefit from a chin implant desire one. Dr. Flint feels this is a very personal decision and leaves the choice up to the patient. After placement, a soft diet is maintained for a week. Bruising is rare and swelling is mild in the vast majority of patients. Complications are not common. Lip numbness can occur but is not common and is temporary. Implant mal-position can occur but is also uncommon. Infection is rare.
As a Scottsdale plastic surgeon Rhinoplasty is one of Dr. Flint’s favorite operations to perform. After evaluating a patient’s face and photos of noses the patient likes, she designs a personalized plan for surgery that allows the patient to obtain the desired result. It is a technically demanding procedure, and that is one of the reasons she enjoys rhinoplasty. She is a trained micro surgeon and enjoys the finesse required to provide excellent rhinoplasty results. If you are considering rhinoplasty, she would like to see you in consultation and start you on the road to obtaining the nasal appearance you desire.

Visit www.pattiflintmd.com to watch videos, view actual patient photo galleries and learn more about one of Scottsdale's most talented plastic surgeons.