Rhinoplasty

The nose is visually the most prominent feature of the face and serves an important purpose (it needs to breathe!).

Yet aesthetically, the nose should not distract from other desirable features of the face such as brilliant, youthful eyes or a beaming smile.

Many patients, therefore, seek a change in their nasal appearance. Patients seek out our very own Dr. Andrew Campbell in Milwaukee and Madison areas of Wisconsin for cosmetic reasons such as decreasing or increasing the nose size, altering the tip or bridge, or changing the shape of the nostrils. Our expert surgeons provide functional rhinoplasty to correct structural defects in the nose that cause breathing problems, revise birth defects, and correct problems caused by injury.

After nose surgery, the doctor places a thin plastic and metal splint over the bridge of the nose. Unlike other surgeons, Dr. Campbell leaves no packing in the nose during recovery. This allows the patient to breathe through their nose and have a significantly more comfortable recovery period. Patients can go home the same day as surgery but need a responsible adult to drive them home. It is then important for the patient to keep their head elevated to minimize swelling and maintain nasal breathing. Some mild bleeding is common during the first 24 to 48 hours, and the patient may experience a dull headache, but pain is typically minimal.

Rhinoplasty patients at Quintessa are typically able to return to their normal routine about a week after surgery. At this point, the sutures that were placed on the outside of the nose and the splint can both be removed. A small amount of bruising may occur under the eyes, which almost always subsides within a week. The majority of swelling typically subsides within the first few weeks, but residual mild swelling in the nose may exist for several months, especially at the tip of the nose. For this reason, final results may not be visible for six months to a year. However, the majority of the improvement is noticeable as soon as the splint is removed. The results of a rhinoplasty are permanent and scarring is generally minimal.

Revision rhinoplasty is performed to correct a previous nose surgery which resulted in an undesired appearance or breathing difficulties. Dr. Campbell is highly experienced in performing this procedure. In fact, many of our patients are referred by medical colleagues who are familiar with their skill and expertise.

Nasal surgery is complex and even the most gifted surgeons have patients that require revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is typically reserved for patients that are unhappy with the results. It’s important to allow the nose to have time to heal prior to considering undergoing a revision rhinoplasty. A minimum of 12 months should have elapsed to allow adequate healing and swelling reduction, but our doctors are happy evaluate a potential revision rhinoplasty candidate any time during their healing phase.

In some cases, swelling in the nose can persist for beyond a few months. Therefore, the final results may not be visible for up to a year. Once the swelling resolves, all abnormalities can be appreciated and a plan can then be made to resolve any concerns regarding the patient’s appearance or breathing.

Revision rhinoplasty can be challenging due to the scar tissue and reduced cartilage framework. Frequently, additional cartilage is required to help provide needed support and structure to the nose. Dr. Campbell has experience utilizing advanced techniques, such as rib or ear cartilage grafting, to improve your nasal contour and your breathing.

Revision Rhinoplasty Technique

Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed with an open approach unless it is a small bony deformity. Depending on how many septa you have remaining will determine if you need a cartilage graft from your ear or your rib. This will be discussed with extensive preoperative care.

Postoperative Recovery

Nasal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility with the assistance of an anesthesiologist. The procedure may take between 3-4 hours. Nasal packing is rarely used but thin nasal splints and a cast will be in place for 7 days. It typically is not that painful but you may have a dull aching sensation for the first few days. Head elevation and ice are helpful to reduce swelling and bruising.

The majority of the swelling will be resolved by 10-14 days but it may take 6-9 months for the final nasal contour to be appreciated as the healing process occurs.