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Rhinoplasty in Fort Myers

ALSO SERVING PATIENTS IN NAPLES AND BONITA SPRINGS

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos >>

Rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery of the nose) is the procedure that reshapes and refines the nose. In addition to the shape of the nose, Dr. Stevens’ background in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat surgery) allows him to take into account the functional nature of the nose (breathing, sinus issues) at the same time.

During your Fort Myers rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Stevens will use an imaging system to enhance your conversation with him and determine what aspects of your nose you wish to change and how that will be accomplished. Dr. Stevens will also evaluate your facial profile because it is not uncommon for the nose to appear large due to a deficit of chin projection. Restoring this balance is necessary to achieve overall facial harmony.

When Dr. Stevens has a firm concept of the appearance you wish to achieve he will recommend proceeding to surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is performed with anesthesia at a certified ambulatory surgery center.

Rhinoplasty can correct:

  • Wide or poorly formed nasal tip
  • Hump or saddle of the nasal profile (dorsum)
  • Crooked nose

For most Fort Myers Rhinoplasty patients, the procedure typically takes 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. There may be a cast required to be worn for one week. Most patients then return to their normal lifestyle after the cast is removed.

How important is the preoperative analysis in rhinoplasty?

When a patient pursues a rhinoplasty, it is safe to say that the preoperative analysis is actually the most important part. This is the time in which the surgeon and the patient discuss the desired outcome of the surgery. Culturally and aesthetically, a rhinoplasty changes a person’s look, so this time is very valuable. The surgeon needs to fully understand the goals of the patient.

Additionally, the physician needs to assess the structural integrity of the nose, asking questions about prior procedures or injuries. This is a time of complete honesty. The surgeon needs no surprises.

What are the Risks and Limitations of Rhinoplasty?

As with any surgery, there are risks. There are risks that infection could take place. There are concerns that the patient may not heal properly. However, these scenarios are far from normal. Instead, it is safe to assume that with
appropriate recovery and healing time, the risks and limitations are minimal.

How can I prepare for rhinoplasty?

There are two main ways. First and foremost, prepare for the surgery by doing your research ahead of time. Find out what shape you’d like to see for yourself and ask what you don’t want to see. Secondly, be honest with the surgeon. He or she must know what the patient’s nose has been through. This includes everything from childhood injuries to adult sport accidents.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

In rhinoplasty recovery, a patient needs to very much follow the doctor’s orders. That often includes rest time, recovery and cleaning procedures, as well as medication schedules. It may seem overwhelming after the surgery to have a routine to follow, but this chore is minimal in everyday life.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips

For this recovery, we highly suggest some time off of work for your recovery. This means that you can be back to work in a short amount of time, often a week at most, if you give yourself ample time to heal. Additionally, we suggest you have a buddy around when you are recovering from a rhinoplasty. Often, you cannot drive, so a spouse, friend, or loved one is a necessity.

Rhinoplasty Cost

The cost of rhinoplasty varies from one practice to another and even from one patient to another. The following factors affect the total cost of rhinoplasty:

  • Length and complexity of surgery – Some patients require only minor modifications, such as removing a small bump on the bridge of the nose or adjusting the nostrils. Other patients need more extensive recontouring or reconstruction of the nose. The cost of surgery reflects the extent of the specific treatment plan.
  • Adjunct procedures – Some patients opt to combine rhinoplasty with other procedures, such as the placement of a chin implant or chin reduction. In those cases, patients can expect to pay more than a patient who undergoes only rhinoplasty.
  • Location and skill of the surgeon – More experienced, established facial plastic surgeons in larger geographical markets typically charge more for their services.
  • The type of anesthesia used – Anesthesia fees can vary based on the provider and whether local or general anesthesia is administered. General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia.

During your pre-operative consultation, a member of our team will go over the projected costs of your rhinoplasty and make sure you understand what is included in the total price.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

How old do I have to be to undergo rhinoplasty?

If you are a teenager, Dr. Stevens prefers to wait until your nose has stopped growing. This usually happens at an earlier age in girls (around 15 or 16 years old) than it does in boys (around 16 or 17 years old). Operating on a nose that is still developing can compromise the ultimate result.

What is an “open” or “closed” rhinoplasty?

Open and closed refer to different surgical approaches to rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty procedure is performed through incisions made inside the nostrils and across the strip of skin separating the nostrils (the columella). A closed rhinoplasty procedure is performed through incisions made inside the nostrils only. With closed rhinoplasty, there is no external scarring; however, open rhinoplasty provides better access and visibility to the internal nasal structures.

Dr. Stevens can recommend the approach that is right for you depending on your nasal anatomy and treatment goals.

Can rhinoplasty fix a crooked nose?

Yes, many rhinoplasty procedures are performed to straighten a nose that has always been crooked or became crooked after a fracture or other injury. This is a challenging issue to correct, but Dr. Stevens’ advanced training and experience make him the perfect choice to fix the problem.

Can rhinoplasty fix a deviated septum?

A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and/or bone separating the nostrils is off-center or crooked, narrowing the nasal passageway and impeding normal breathing. The specific procedure to correct a deviated septum is called septoplasty, but it is often combined with rhinoplasty. A combination septoplasty-rhinoplasty improves breathing and enhances the appearance of the nose at the same time.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Rhinoplasty is performed with anesthesia in an operating room setting, so you will not feel or remember anything during surgery. As the anesthesia wears off after surgery, you may feel mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Most patients only need to take pain medication for a few days after surgery.

Will I still look like myself after rhinoplasty?

Yes. One of Dr. Stevens’ gifts as a rhinoplasty surgeon is his ability to improve the appearance of your nose while helping you retain your unique physical traits.

During your pre-operative consultation, the two of you will assess your facial features together and develop a surgical plan that addresses the flaws that bother you and ensures your altered nose will still “fit” your face. Dr. Stevens is proud to offer advanced imaging technology that allows you to visualize the planned changes and your desired results.

How long will it take for swelling to resolve after rhinoplasty?

The worst of the swelling should resolve over the course of a few months or so. It can take up to a year for residual swelling to subside, especially in the tip of the nose.

Does insurance cover the cost of rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty performed purely for cosmetic reasons is considered elective, and insurance likely won’t cover the cost of surgery.

Those having rhinoplasty or septoplasty for medically necessary reasons, such as to correct a birth defect, breathing problem or similar medical issue, may be eligible to receive partial or complete insurance coverage.

It is best to speak with your insurance company after you and Dr. Stevens have determined your treatment plan. Our office can also answer general questions about insurance coverage for rhinoplasty.

Call for a consultation with Dr. Douglas Stevens.

Schedule Your
Consultation

Douglas Stevens, MD
Facial Plastic & Laser Center

15721 New Hampshire Court
Fort Myers, FL 33908

(239) 481-9292

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