RHINOPLASTY/REVISION RHINOPLASTY
Because of its central location in the middle of the face, the nose has a dramatic impact on our overall appearance, and can add or detract significantly to the harmony and balance of the entire face. For individuals who are unhappy with the size or shape of their nose, rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping surgery) can be a life-altering procedure. Rhinoplasty is performed to surgically reduce, enhance, or correct the shape of the nose to improve the proportional balance of the face. If you are unhappy with the results of a prior nasal surgery, a secondary procedure known as Revision Rhinoplasty can help to correct the defects caused by the original surgery.
Dr. Hugh L. Vu, Board Certified lead plastic surgeon at Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery has the surgical skill and artistic vision to understand how even subtle, minute changes to the nose can have a dramatic impact on your entire facial profile. Just as every face is unique, every nasal surgery must be unique as well, and Dr. Vu will not take a “cookie-cutter” approach to your rhinoplasty. Instead, he will develop a customized surgical plan that takes into account your unique facial anatomy, your medical history, and your desired aesthetic outcome, to ensure that you leave his office with a balanced profile and naturally-beautiful face.
WHAT A RHINOPLASTY INVOLVES:
Most rhinoplasty surgeries can be completed within an hour or two under general anesthesia or IV sedation. In general, the surgeon will make small incisions inside the nose and/or at the base of the columella (the strip of tissue separating the nostrils), placing the incisions carefully to avoid future scarring. The skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage and the nasal structures reshaped according to the surgical plan. The skin then is re-draped over the new framework and sutured in place.
The new nasal shape will be maintained by a temporary splint, and nasal packs may be placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum. Common post-operative rhinoplasty side effects may include: slight bleeding, drainage of blood and mucus, swelling, and bruising around the eyes. Strenuous physical activity and movements that stress the nose should be avoided for several weeks. While these side effects will disappear within 2-3 weeks, the nose will slowly take its final shape over the course of the next year.
ABOUT REVISION RHINOPLASTY
A revision rhinoplasty can be performed to improve upon the results of a prior nasal surgery, which may have been unsuccessful because the changes were not carefully planned and didn’t harmonize with the patient’s existing facial features, or because improper surgical technique led to the build-up of scar tissue and a distorted final result.
Revision rhinoplasty is a more complicated procedure than a primary rhinoplasty because the nose has already been altered: pieces of the original nasal framework may be missing or scar tissue may be distorting the anatomy of the nose. During a revision rhinoplasty, the existing structural framework will be reshaped, but may need to be augmented with a graft cartilage taken from behind the patient’s ear or from another donor site on the patient’s body.
Contact Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
At Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Stockton, CA, we set ourselves apart from other cosmetic enhancement practitioners with our professionalism, state-of-the-art facility, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Our lead plastic surgeon Dr. Hugh L. Vu operates under the premise of two very simple, yet critically important goals:
- Offer only the most advanced surgical and cosmetic techniques in order to maximize your safety and comfort
- Earn and maintain your trust and confidence by upholding the highest possible code of ethics and personal integrity
When you select Dr. Vu as your cosmetic surgeon, you can feel confident knowing that you will receive the highest quality care and the best possible results. If you would like more information about having your primary rhinoplasty or revisional rhinoplasty performed at Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, please contact our office today for an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!