Rhinoplasty
Altoona, State College, & Central Pennsylvania
Rhinoplasty, also called nose reshaping surgery, is performed to alter the size and shape of your nose and improve your overall facial appearance.
Skilled Pennsylvania nose surgeon Dr. Robert Louton views rhinoplasty as an artistic endeavor. In his hands, your procedure will do much more than just make your nose smaller and shapelier. Dr. Louton will work with all of your facial features when deciding how to proceed with your rhinoplasty so that the end result will look natural and complement all of your facial features.
The earliest recommended age for nose reshaping surgery is the mid-teenage years, when your nose has fully developed into the form it will have throughout your adult life.
Purpose of Rhinoplasty
Dr. Louton can accomplish the following cosmetic goals with your rhinoplasty:
- Remove humps and irregularities on the bridge of the nose
- Lower a high bridge
- Raise a low bridge
- Change the shape or tilt of the tip of the nose
- Change the size and position of nostrils
- Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Your rhinoplasty will be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation. The entire procedure will last between one and three hours. There are two different types of rhinoplasty procedures:
- Closed rhinoplasty – The incision is made inside the nose, providing access to the cartilage and bone which will be altered by the procedure.
- Open rhinoplasty – An additional external incision is used to provide Dr. Louton with a direct view of the bone and cartilage which will be reshaped.
Dr. Louton generally performs closed rhinoplasty procedures, but he will recommend the ideal type of procedure for the structural changes you desire. During your procedure, Dr. Louton will cut, trim, or build up the nasal bone or cartilage as needed to achieve your desired cosmetic results.
Recovery from Rhinoplasty
After your procedure, you will need to wear a protective splint and some packing to support your nose while it heals. The packing will be removed within two or three days and the splint will be worn for ten days after surgery.
It is important to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to your eyes to reduce bruising and swelling. Early results should be noticeable within two or three weeks, and you will continue to see an improvement in the shape and contour of your nose for six months to one year after your procedure.
Avoid wearing eyeglasses for several weeks after surgery. You may resume wearing contact lenses once swelling subsides. You can return to a normal regimen of activity within one week of surgery, and you should be back to work within 1-2 weeks.
If you are interested in learning more about our rhinoplasty services, please contact our Pennsylvania plastic surgery offices today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Robert Louton. Blair Plastic Surgery has offices in Altoona and State College, Pennsylvania.
