Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)

No one feature affects the way you look quite as much as your nose. A nose that is too long, too wide, or too big can seem to dominate your face. Maybe your tip projects too far, appears big or bulbous or points down. A nose that's crooked or humped may also detract from otherwise pleasing facial features. Perhaps there is something 'just not right' about the nose you were born with...or maybe you have broken your nose and now find the appearance far from pleasing- whatever the reason might be, consider joining with thousands of others this year and seriously consider how nose surgery can help you.

Surgery to improve the appearance of the nose is called rhinoplasty. In rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery), Dr. Shumway seeks to create a more harmonious facial appearance while maintaining the structural integrity of your nose. The improvement may be quite dramatic or subtle, but as rhinoplasty is a surgery of millimeters, even the most minor correction can make a big difference overall!

Other Considerations

Before making the decision to have a rhinoplasty, ask if there are any additional facial procedures that may enhance the effects of your nose surgery.  Many patients elect to have chin or cheek implants to enhance and balance their facial features.

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.  The procedure usually takes an hour or two, although a complicated procedure may take linger.  Most incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible.  The skin and tissues of the nose along with the underlying bone and cartilage are sculpted by the surgeon to your new shape.

If your nose is too large, for example, Dr. Shumway may sculpt away cartilage to reduce its size.  Noses that point up or droop down can be redirected by trimming the septum which divides the two nasal passages.  Skin can be removed from both sides of the nostrils at the center, to narrow the base of the nose.  Sometimes the contour can be improved by adding tissue.

What About Insurance?

Breathing problems are common, even in younger people.  Correcting problems that interfere with your breathing may be covered by your health insurance.  However, when a rhinoplasty performed for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered, in part or in whole, by your health insurance.  It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance provider for information on the degree of coverage.  We will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding payment.

What will my recovery be like?

Most rhinoplasty patients are up and active within two days.  Your first day should be spent in bed with your head elevated.  You will wear a small splint over your nose to protect it and keep it stable, for a week or so.  Your nose and head will probably ache and your face will feel puffy.  This discomfort can be alleviated with medication prescribed by the doctor.  After about three days, the swelling and bruising around your eyes will begin to subside.  It should be almost completely gone in about two weeks.  Cold compresses applied to the area will help reduce the swelling.

Some bleeding is common the first few days after surgery, along with some stuffiness that could last a few weeks.  It is recommended that you not blow your nose during the first week while tissues are healing.  After ten to twelve days all dressings, splints, and sutures should be removed and you can return to a normal life.  Strenuous activities, rubbing or bumping your nose should be avoided for several more weeks.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to flatten a protruding abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin.  The procedure is a common one and can benefit men and women who are bothered by a protruding abdomen.

Patients whose weight had been stabilized in their weight loss program or who feel they are at their ideal weight are the best candidates for a tummy tuck.  Many patients combine their tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures such as liposculpture, or breast augmentation.

Keep in mind while a tummy tuck will enhance your figure and your self-confidence, it’s not likely to change your life or the way people treat you.

The Procedure

There are three basic techniques used to flatten a protuberant abdomen.  The best technique for you will depend largely on your goals and your specific problem.  Liposculpture alone can produce a thin abdomen wall for some.  If your laxity and excess skin is below your naval, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you.  For those with severe laxity of their abdominal muscle or excessive skin, a full tummy tuck may be their only solution.

A tummy tuck is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia with the patient asleep, or with spinal anesthesia.  A full tummy tuck involves an incision around the belly button and another incision that runs from hip to hip.  Your entire abdominal wall is tightened with permanent sutures, and the excess skin and fat is removed.

A mini tummy tuck is usually performed in conjunction with liposculpture of the upper abdomen and the flank areas.  With a mini tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made around your belly button.  Dr. Shumway will remove your excess skin and fat through this incision.  Permanent sutures will also be placed through this incision to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall.

Regardless of which procedure you have, your incisions are closed with small sutures.  Small drains may also be inserted to eliminate fluid buildup.  Snug elastic bandages are then applied to the area.

Recovery

Bed rest is recommended for the first day.  Most patients experience some numbness in the area of their abdomen, which may last as long as a year.  Any pain or discomfort that follows surgery can be controlled with oral medication.  If drains are used, they may remain in place for three to seven days until discharge fluids decrease.  Sutures will be removed in 1-2 weeks; however, your bandages may remain a little longer.  A special abdomen support garment is often necessary for several weeks.  There will be some scarring that will fade significantly over time.  During your recovery, you must refrain from any strenuous activity or lifting.  Most patients are back to work within one to three weeks, depending on the degree of surgery.  Dr. Shumway will decide when you can resume normal activities.

Results can be quite dramatic, and patients love their slimmer, trimmer figures and flatter abdomens!