Rhinoplasty

RHINOPLASTY WITH DR. DAVID SANTOS 

As the center of the face, the nose is vital to your overall facial appearance. When the nose has a functional or cosmetic issue, it can affect your health and self esteem. Rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the US and Seattle, but it is important to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon who will help you achieve the best possible look and contour to your nose. Accomplished facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David Santos of Seattle Plastic Surgery offers rhinoplasty procedures for patients in the Seattle and Tacoma areas.

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that can alter the size, shape, and structure of the nose. A plastic surgeon performs the surgery for a variety of reasons including cosmetic motivations and medical necessity. Every rhinoplasty surgery is individualized to each patient’s needs and goals. One surgery may correct a deviated septum, while another will smooth an unsightly hump on the bridge. 

It is usually possible to combine a rhinoplasty surgery with other cosmetic surgeries and procedures. Dr. Santos often concurrently performs brow lifts, facelifts, CO2 Laser Resurfacing, and fat transfers during rhinoplasty procedures. If you are considering multiple cosmetic procedures, mention this to Dr. Santos during your consultation and he can decide the best course of action. 

Combining cosmetic surgeries comes with distinct advantages, such as only undergoing one recovery period. Dr. Santos is a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon who can safely combine surgical procedures to give you the best benefit.

Because a rhinoplasty is a highly customized surgery, it can accomplish a variety of corrections to cosmetic and functional issues of the nose. Among the results you can see from a rhinoplasty in Seattle are: 

• Straighter nose and nasal bridge
• Improved breathing
• Repair of nose after injury
• Appropriately proportioned nose
• Proportioned and well positioned nostrils
• Wider airway
• Treat certain chronic health problems

WHAT CAUSES NEED FOR RHINOPLASTY IN SEATTLE?

Genetics, medical conditions, and environmental factors can all contribute to the look and function of your nose. Every person’s motivations for seeking a Seattle rhinoplasty will differ, but among the most popular reasons include: 

• Deviated septum
• Allergies or chronic sinusitis
• Restricted airways
• Health problems caused by the structure of the nose (such as sleep apnea, chronic nosebleeds, chronic sinusitis, etc.)
• Unwanted bumps or humps (especially on the nasal bridge)
• Crooked nose (caused by genetics or injury)
• Desire to improve facial profile

RHINOPLASTY SURGICAL TECHNIQUES:

Since the goals of a rhinoplasty surgery vary widely between patients, the surgical technique will differ depending on what you want to accomplish with your Tacoma rhinoplasty. Dr. Santos will tailor his surgical technique to fit the goals of your surgery and the natural anatomy of your nose. Ultimately, whether Dr. Santos uses an open or closed method during your rhinoplasty surgery will depend on your procedure entails.  

Open:

An open rhinoplasty surgery involves an incision along the columella to allow for full access to the nasal structure, including the bone, cartilage, and airway. This method allows Dr. Santos to be more precise and offers more visibility during the procedure. The open rhinoplasty method is often required for surgeries that require structural changes. 

Closed:

The closed rhinoplasty method means that Dr. Santos will not need to use large incisions and can enhance your nose through the existing structure of your nostrils. This method is normally used only during minor corrections or when only addressing the tip of the nose. 

The Surgery:

The open method is more invasive than the closed method, however, it also allowed Dr. Santos access to your nasal structures. This allows him to be more precise and make more corrections to your nose. There are times when the open method is unnecessary and Dr. Santos can recommend the best technique for your rhinoplasty in Tacoma. 

Regardless of the technique used, on the day of your rhinoplasty surgery, you can expect to be placed under anesthesia. Most of the time, Dr. Santos performs his rhinoplasty procedures under general anesthesia. But, for minor alterations to the nose, local anesthesia with oral sedation may be an option.

Dr. Santos will then perform your rhinoplasty. Once the surgical modifications are finished, a nasal splint will be placed to support your nose during the first week of recovery and healing. 

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR NOSE JOB IN TACOMA?

A nose job, while a common procedure, is a major surgical procedure that often requires general anesthesia. This means that not everyone is a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty. Firstly, you must be in good general health and able to handle general anesthesia.

Secondly, you must have a nasal or aesthetic issue that can be solved with surgery. Some may find non-surgical alternatives will provide satisfactory results and that a more invasive surgery is not necessary. Other patients may find more benefit from a sinus surgery or surgical procedure. In a consultation, Dr. Santos can examine your needs and decide what is possible with a Tacoma rhinoplasty. 

Finally, you must have realistic expectations for the procedure. A rhinoplasty procedure is precise and delicate, but it may not solve everything. After major trauma or injury to the nose, rhinoplasty can improve your condition, but it may not return your nose to how it was previously.

Rhinoplasty is performed on people of all ages for a variety of reasons, however, rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular plastic surgeries for teenagers and young adults. Dr. Santos will happily perform a rhinoplasty on a patient over the age of eighteen, but patients under eighteen will warrant understandable caution. The bone and cartilage in our nose does not fully develop and stop growing until between the ages of 15 and 18. Dr. Santos will need to make sure that the nose is fully developed and that he will not stunt growth or compromise results with a rhinoplasty surgery. In patients under 15, a rhinoplasty is generally only performed in extreme cases or when absolutely medically necessary. Dr. Santos normally advises waiting until legal adulthood in most cases to ensure a safe and successful surgery.

You May Not Be A Candidate For A Rhinoplasty If You:

• Have or had skin cancer on or around the nose
• Have undergone previous unsuccessful rhinoplasty surgeries
• Smoke (and are unwilling to quit well in advance of the surgery)
• Have a bleeding or blood disorder
• Suffer from any major, unmanaged health problem
• Have cardiac or pulmonary disease
• Have unrealistic expectations
• Are under 15, or the nose has not finished growing yet

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY RECOVERY LIKE?

Since a rhinoplasty deals with delicate structures of the nose and face, a rhinoplasty recovery requires some downtime. When you wake up from surgery, you will find yourself in a nasal splint that will remain in place for a week or so after surgery. The first few days after your surgery, you can expect some side effects of rhinoplasty like discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Santos may prescribe pain medications to help you manage any discomfort or pain. 

Dr. Santos will also recommend various home care techniques, such as applying ice compresses to the nose for the first 48 hours, using a gentle saline rinse beginning the day after surgery, elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees for two weeks, and utilizing a proprietary scar treatment protocol. All of these procedures are meant to prevent infections and improve your comfort during your Seattle rhinoplasty recovery. 

Usually around one week post-op, Dr. Santos will remove the splint and stitches, if applicable to your surgery. At this point, the worst bruising has usually subsided and any residual bruising you can cover easily with makeup. Many patients can return to work after a week, but Dr. Santos will evaluate your recovery and progress. As far as exercise or strenuous activities, Dr. Santos restricts these for up to two week in most cases. 

Every rhinoplasty surgery and recovery is unique. Dr. Santos will provide more detailed and personalized instructions for your recovery once he fully understands the scope of your surgery. 

You Can Help Along Your Recovery By: 

• Avoiding NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin
• Taking prescribed medications
• Following all recovery instructions set forth by Dr. Santos
• Attending all post-operative appointments
• Contacting Dr. Santos and Seattle Plastic Surgery if you have questions or concerns post-operatively

When your nasal splint comes off, you will most likely see the immediate results of your rhinoplasty surgery. The final results, however, will take many months set in. Normally, healing completes around six weeks after surgery, but you can expect to continue seeing results for up to a year after surgery.

LEADING SEATTLE & TACOMA RHINOPLASTY SURGEON DR. SANTOS:

Rhinoplasty is a challenging surgery requiring precise techniques performed by an experienced and knowledgeable surgeon. Dr. Santos is a leading facial plastic surgeon who performs over a hundred rhinoplasty surgeries a year. As a board-certified otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon, he is the perfect choice when considering a medical rhinoplasty. Dr. Santos will ensure that your nose has the best possible look and function.

Seattle Plastic Surgery has served the Seattle area for decades and is a state-certified facility held to the same standards as hospitals. We ensure that all of our equipment and facility is state-of-the-art.

Our office is located in Seattle off Broadway on First Hill. This convenient location is close to lodging and other accommodations, if necessary for your rhinoplasty. We have relationships with local lodging and transportation companies to make the day of your surgery easy.

When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Santos at Seattle Plastic Surgery, Dr. Santos will lead a thorough conversation where he will ask about why you are seeking a rhinoplasty, your expectations for the procedure, and medical history. He will then conduct an examination of the nose and surrounding area to determine if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty in Seattle. This exam will also help him understand your nasal condition and what you can expect from the surgery.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Santos at Seattle Plastic Surgery, call us at 206-324-1120. Chat with us using the icon on the lower left, or contact us using the form above. 

Still Have Questions?

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