Rhinoplasty Charleston, SC
The nose is a very prominent part of the face, and it typically plays a major role in first impressions. When someone’s nose has aesthetic issues, it’s very easy to see. Do you ever wish that you could change the way your nose looks? If so, rhinoplasty in Charleston, SC, may be for you.
Rhinoplasty
Also called a nose job or nose surgery, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure done for cosmetic and/or functional reasons. It involves the use of several techniques to alter the shape, size, and alignment of parts of the nose. It’s an incredibly popular procedure, and the number of people opting for rhinoplasty every year continues to increase.
Reasons for Getting Rhinoplasty
There are a wide variety of reasons why people choose nasal surgery. Here are the most common ones:
To correct the length or width of parts of the nose- To make the nose appear more symmetrical
- To correct a pointy, rounded, or bent nasal tip
- To correct the size of the nostrils
- To remove a nasal hump
- To restore the appearance of the nose after an injury
- To address breathing troubles caused by a deviated septum or the structure of the nostrils
Functional Rhinoplasty
While cosmetic rhinoplasty corrects aesthetic issues, functional rhinoplasty is performed to correct sinus concerns or breathing problems. Functional rhinoplasty addresses nasal obstructions caused by the nasal septum, the nasal turbinates, or damage in internal and external valve structures.
Nasal obstruction is a leading cause of many problems, including:
- Nosebleeds
- Airflow issues
- Dry mouth
- Sleep apnea
- Reduced sense of smell
- Sinus headaches
A person may be considered a good candidate for functional rhinoplasty if they suffer from any of these conditions:
- Nasal trauma caused by repeated infections
- Congenital defects in the nose
- Injury to the nose (such as a broken nose)
- A very narrow nose
- Collapsed nasal airways
Different kinds of functional rhinoplasty surgeries are performed depending on the exact issues being experienced. There are three areas that come under the purview of functional rhinoplasty:
- Turbinates – These are tissue structures that are located in the nasal passageways. When they are swollen, a functional rhinoplasty procedure called turbinate reduction can be performed.
- Nasal Valves – These are located in the middle ad lower thirds of the nose. Typically, functional rhinoplasty performed on the nasal valves involves keeping them adequately open through the placement of grafts.
- Septum – This internal structure is composed of cartilage and bone, and it divides the nose into two halves. Septoplasty involves realignment of the nasal septum.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure – What to Expect
During nose reshaping surgery, corrections are made in one or more parts of the nose in order to achieve the desired results. This process varies from case to case and can include techniques like grafting and alteration of various tissues.
In most cases, general anesthesia is preferred. Dr. Ulm will evaluate the patient during a consultation and decide on a suitable anesthesia option for the operation.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the incisions are created. For open rhinoplasty, the incision is created on the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, and then the skin of the nose is lifted. For closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made within the nostrils and the skin is not lifted. The choice between these incision locations is made depending on the goals of the patient.
Cartilage, bone, and soft tissue are then altered as needed. A graft – an implant made of a material like cartilage – may be placed to bolster and strengthen parts of the nose. These grafts are typically autologous, meaning they are made from the patient’s own tissue.
To complete the procedure, the incisions are closed using medical stitches. A dressing may be placed on the incisions, and there might also be some support that is packed in the nose. A nasal cast may be used for further support.
The Recovery Process
During the rhinoplasty recovery process, the patient will need to follow Dr. Ulm’s care instructions in order to achieve the best results from their procedure. They will likely be prescribed medications for external application and pain relief. Keeping the incision areas clean and being mindful of the medications being taken will ensure that the incisions heal completely within a short time.
There will be bruising and swelling in the area after the surgery is complete, and these will persist for a time. The use of cold compresses will help to reduce the swelling.
The patient will be called in for follow-ups in order to track the progress of the healing. Once all the healing is complete and all the swelling has disappeared, the patient will be able to see the full results of their nose job.
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Rhinoplasty Cost
Functional rhinoplasty is a procedure that is covered by medical insurance providers. For cosmetic rhinoplasty, price is determined by numerous factors, such as the exact techniques used, the time required to perform the surgery, and the type of anesthesia administered. Financing through Prosper Healthcare Lending can help with rhinoplasty costs.
Make a Change for the Better
If you’re looking for the best rhinoplasty surgeon for your procedure, consider Dr. Jason Ulm. Dr. Ulm has years of experience with rhinoplasty and will be happy to meet for a consultation to discuss the details of the procedure, show you before and after photos, and answer any questions you may have. To arrange a consultation regarding rhinoplasty in Charleston, SC, contact us today.
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