Rhinoplasty

During Your Consultation

During your rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Davis will assess your concerns and examine your nose and face. He will then use the VECTRA 3D image software to “morph” or change your nose on the computer screen so you can see what the proposed changes will look like. Depending on your individual goals and starting point, he may also recommend combining your rhinoplasty with a chin implant so your result gives a balanced profile. You will have an opportunity to ask all your questions and discuss the 3D images.

Technique

During your rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Davis will lift the skin of the nose with only a very small external excision hidden under the nose to expose the underlying bone and cartilage supportive structures. He then will make the changes to the structures necessary to create the desired shape of your nose and also improve breathing. When necessary, extra skin from the base of the nose can be removed to narrow the width of the nostrils. The surgery takes around 3-4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery

After surgery you will have packing in your nostrils and a splint on the outside of your nose. You will return to the office the next day, and we will continue to check on you as you recover and are of course here and available any day if you have any questions or concerns. The splint is removed at your one week appointment.

Recovery from a rhinoiplasty takes about 1-2 weeks. That first week you’ll be a bit bruised and swollen but will be feeling very good at the end of the week. Many patients like to sleep in a recliner or with their head elevated on extra pillows to help reduce swelling. After the first week, you can gradually increase your activity level and most of the bruising can be covered with makeup at 2 weeks. You can begin strenuous exercise and rigorous activity at 8 weeks.