Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can help to restructure bones, cartilage, soft tissue, and skin of the nose. The results are meant to be permanent. It takes an entire year, or longer for the nose, or longer, for any part of the body, to completely heal from any kind of surgery.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, there will be changes that occur in the nose over the course of the year that need to be addressed to obtain an optimal outcome. We have also come to appreciate that the nose changes significantly over our lifetime, whether or not surgery has been performed. This is one of the reasons why revision rhinoplasty is performed and it is a very common procedure. Some patients may opt to have follow-up surgery down the line if they wish to further correct or refine their nose.

Rhinoplasty can be performed on adults of almost any age, so long as they are in good general health and cleared for facial enhancement surgery. It is sometimes performed on teenagers to help them achieve a more harmonious facial profile.

A rhinoplasty may temporarily alter the appearance of your smile, but these changes are not permanent. Depending on the type and extent of surgery, the columella may swell, causing the upper lip to drop slightly. As the tissues heal, the lip should return to a normal position.

In some cases, rhinoplasty may cause subtle differences in voice. These changes are exceedingly rare and typically do not affect speech function or tonality in everyday conversation. Overall, the changes are hardly perceptible and tend to be noticed only by the patient. Rhinoplasty may improve an overly nasal voice to an extent by opening up the nasal passages.

Typically, plastic surgery is considered an elective procedure, and generally not covered by insurance. However, rhinoplasty can sometimes be required for patients who are looking to correct a structural or functional issue, such as a deviated septum or issues with sleep apnea. In these cases, you may be able to have a portion of your procedure covered by your insurance policy. Dr. Troiano does not accept insurance but will provide all of the documentation and codes needed to be reimbursed by the insurance company.

The incisions can be made in two primary locations: the closed (endonasal) and open (external) approaches. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are concealed within the nostrils, eliminating external scarring. This method is suitable for less complex procedures, resulting in a faster recovery and less visible signs of surgery. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils). Although this approach may leave a small external scar, it provides the surgeon with better visibility and access to nasal structures, making it preferable for more intricate or extensive nasal reshaping.

Yes, this procedure can be combined with other cosmetic procedures in a single surgery, a practice often referred to as "combination surgery" when performed alongside other aesthetic enhancements. Common combinations include rhinoplasty with chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, or facelifts. Combining procedures can be advantageous as it reduces overall recovery time and addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. However, the decision to combine surgeries should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon, taking into consideration individual health, recovery expectations, and the surgeon's expertise.

In most cases, this is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance. However, if the surgery is deemed medically necessary to address functional issues like breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum, insurance coverage may be applicable. The criteria for coverage vary among insurance providers, and documentation of medical necessity is usually required. Patients should consult both their surgeon and insurance provider to determine coverage eligibility, understand documentation requirements, and explore potential financial implications.

Nasal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so patients are comfortably sleeping during the process and don’t feel any pain. During your rhinoplasty recovery process, it is not uncommon to feel some discomfort, swelling, and pressure. Discomfort is managed with ice, head elevation above your heart, and tylenol and ibuprofen. Bleeding from the nose is expected for the first few days after surgery. It is very common to have black and blue eyes as well. This bruising generally resolves in 2-3 weeks.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure specifically designed to address issues with the nasal septum, the cartilage, and the bone that divides the nasal cavity. If you experience difficulty breathing, chronic nasal congestion, recurrent sinus infections, or snoring due to a deviated septum, septoplasty may be recommended. Consulting with an ear, nose, and throat specialist or a plastic surgeon can help determine if septoplasty is necessary. They may conduct a physical examination, assess medical history, and use imaging techniques, such as a CT scan, to evaluate the nasal structures.

Rhinoplasty can address functional issues such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or other structural problems that cause breathing difficulties. By correcting these issues, rhinoplasty can enhance airflow and improve overall nasal function.

Rhinoplasty may not be suitable for individuals with unrealistic expectations, those with certain medical conditions that could impair healing, or individuals who are not yet fully matured physically. It is essential to have a candid discussion with your surgeon to determine if rhinoplasty is right for you.

Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary to correct functional issues such as breathing problems or structural deformities. Troiano Facial Plastics does not take payment from insurance, so it is advisable to check with your insurer to see if your provider will be able to reimburse you once you provide the documentation from Dr. Troiano.