Rhinoplasty Oakland California

	Before & After Photos

As the central feature of one’s face, the nose is arguably the most important structure in determining identity, and influencing the balance and harmony of the face. So, it is easy to see why nasal deformities, however minor, can affect facial beauty. In addition, nasal shape can affect function as well as form, given the nose’s significant role in breathing. We feel that surgery of the nose should therefore be performed only by facial plastic surgeons, who are specialists in nasal anatomy, function, and aesthetics. This section will introduce you to the history and classifications of rhinoplasty, and summarize the complexity of nasal structure. You will also see how rhinoplasty, when performed by skilled hands, can create the harmonious, natural, and functional result you desire.

History of Rhinoplasty. The field of rhinoplasty began almost exclusively with reconstructive procedures. The earliest description of nasal surgery was made almost 5,000 years ago in an Egyptian surgical treatise, and involved the repair of nasal fractures. In 600 B.C., an Indian holy book reported the repair of severed noses using cheek skin flaps, which was common given the use of nasal mutilation as punishment. Interestingly, these early Indian facial surgeons were actually tile makers. By the 19th century, many reports had been published on the use of prosthetic noses (made of silver, aluminum, bone, and other materials), forehead and other facial skin flaps, arm skin flaps, and chest skin flaps to repair the traumatized nose.

Rhinoplasty for purely cosmetic purposes was much later in its development. In 1845, a procedure for straightening a crooked nose was proposed by a European surgeon, Johann Dieffenbach, and in 1887 an American doctor named John Roe described the reduction of a “pug nose”. However, the true father of modern cosmetic rhinoplasty is a German physician named Jacques Joseph. In 1907, his Treatise on Rhinoplasty extensively detailed nasal deformities and their respective surgical treatments. Some of these procedures, and several of Dr. Joseph’s instruments, are still being used by rhinoplasty surgeons today.

Nasal Anatomy. The nose is made of many types of tissue, which makes rhinoplasty especially difficult for the untrained surgeon. The nasal framework consists primarily of cartilage, which forms the lower two-thirds of the nose and the anterior septum. Complexity is created by the many individual pieces of cartilage, their unique shapes, and the strong connective tissue that holds them together. Bone is also important, forming the upper one-third of the nose and posterior septum. The nose also has the pink, moist tissue on the inside – the “mucosa” – and several small muscles that affect its shape. Most, if not all, of these tissues need to be altered during a rhinoplasty surgery, so the skin will lay down over them in consistent manner, and the nasal appearance and function will improve.

Types of Rhinoplasty. As you begin the evaluation process for rhinoplasty surgery, you will undoubtedly hear many new terms and concepts. Having an understanding of basic rhinoplasty classifications will therefore help you to better comprehend all that you will learn, and will make the process more enjoyable.

In general, nasal surgery is described as either “closed” or “open”. These terms refer to the placement of incisions – closed rhinoplasty incisions are completely hidden inside the nostrils, whereas open rhinoplasty also includes an incision made in the skin between the nostrils. You may also hear the terms “primary” rhinoplasty, referring to the first nasal procedure, and “revision” rhinoplasty, implying that you have had at least one rhinoplasty in the past. Revision procedures are often more complex given existing scar tissue, and are more likely to require an open technique. You should also consider if you desire a purely “aesthetic” correction, or if your complaints are mainly “functional”. For many of our patients, improving the aesthetic and functional components of the nose is required.

Suitable Patients for Rhinoplasty. Many patients seeking rhinoplasty have purely cosmetic complaints, such as a crooked or deviated nose, a large tip, a hump or depression along the bridge of the nose, wide nostrils, or a nose that is too narrow or wide. Patients may also complain that they are unable to breath well through one or both sides of the nose, or have had trauma to their noses. If you have any of these complaints, you are most likely a suitable patient for rhinoplasty.

Issues that do not relate to the nose also affect suitability. Ideal patients should be in good health, and should be able to avoid blood thinning medications around the time of the surgery. To ensure completed facial growth, patients should be past adolescence; for women, this is usually after the age of 16, and for men it is usually after age 18. Patients with severe seasonal or environmental allergies are sometimes not candidates for rhinoplasty, but our doctors can discuss this with you during your consultation.

The Consultation. When you arrive at our office for a consultation, you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about your medical and surgical history. Dr. Kabaker will then take standardized photographs, and examine the outside and inside of your nose. Most importantly, you will be given ample time to describe your complaints, and to learn about your proposed procedure and how it might help you. Our doctors will also use a state of the art computer photo alteration program to predict your surgical outcome.

As mentioned elsewhere in this website, we stress patient education. So, during the consultation, you will learn a great deal about the anatomic considerations that cause your complaints, how they will be changed, what you will experience during the recovery, and your risks and alternatives to treatment. You will be given much information in writing, and we are always available for a second consultation, if you wish to review anything.

The Pre-operative Process. For the two weeks prior to your procedure, you should refrain from using common medications that decrease your blood’s ability to clot, including aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Bufferin, Naprosyn, and large doses of vitamin E. Our doctors will give you specific instructions based on your current medications. If you have any headaches or other pain, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) is fine. You should also avoid smoking for two weeks before your surgery. The night before your surgery, you should eat a normal dinner but avoid all oral intake after midnight. This includes drinking anything, even water.

When you schedule your surgery, you will be given a detailed set of instructions that includes much more information. A copy of these Rhinoplasty Instructions is available for you to review now.

Your Procedure. It is often said that a surgeon has three chances to evaluate a nasal patient; the first two are the consultation and the immediate pre-operative checkup. However, it is during the procedure that the most important treatment decisions are made. By directly examining your nasal anatomy, Dr. Kabaker will determine the changes necessary to creating a better nasal shape – one that fits your overall facial structure, your chin position, your cheeks and eyes, and your forehead shape. Anatomic blockages to your breathing can also be corrected.

You will need to arrive about two hours prior to the start of your procedure. The procedure itself will take approximately two to four hours, depending on the technique used. You will stay in our recovery room one to two hours, and then you will be able to return home. You will need a companion to accompany you when leaving our surgery center.

Anesthesia. Most rhinoplasty patients receive a deep sedation, which means they are completely asleep during the procedure but are breathing on their own, so there is no need for a breathing tube. This type of anesthesia is always provided by a highly qualified doctor or nurse anesthetist, who will be dedicated to the anesthetic treatment for the entire case. Other patients can have a more shallow sedation or even just local anesthetic, but they are usually having very short procedures. No matter what, every patient will be completely comfortable and the procedure itself will be pain-free.

Recovery. Most patients fear that the post-operative experience after rhinoplasty is painful. This is not true! Almost all patients are pleasantly surprised with their level of comfort. You will be provided pain medication and other suggestions to minimize your soreness. Most patients report a mild burning sensation inside the nostrils, from healing incisions. If the bones of your nose need to be reset, then you may experience mild mid-facial soreness by the second or third day.

After rhinoplasty, patients have small gauze wicks in each nostril for one day, so you will need to return to the office the day after surgery to have them removed. The wicks cause nasal obstruction for the first day, but upon removal the nasal airways open. You will also have a small plastic cast on your nose after surgery, and you will return to the office one week after surgery to remove this cast. If your procedure was done with the “open” technique, you will have your skin sutures removed at this visit. If you had the “closed” technique, there are no sutures to remove.

You will have mild drainage from the nose for two to three days, and may have bruising under your eyes that should resolve after 7 to 10 days. You will have swelling of the cheeks that will also last about one week.

One of the biggest challenges for patients after rhinoplasty is waiting for the nasal swelling to resolve. While swelling of the top of your nose will last about two weeks, the swelling of the tip of your nose will require months to resolve. This can be quite frustrating for patients who are anxious to see the “final result”, but swelling is absolutely unavoidable after rhinoplasty. You will have to be a “patient patient”, and not get pre-occupied with the appearance of the tip too early.

Surgical Instructions - Rhinoplasty

Read frequently asked rhinoplasty questions.