Rhinoplasty Ottawa
Importance of nasal appearance
Although we often think that the first place people look at when they meet someone are the eyes, scientific evidence has shown that it is just below the eyes. This area of course includes the nose. The ideal appearance of a nose is one that is in keeping with a person’s gender, ethnicity and the rest of their face. It is also important that the nose is harmonious with the rest of the face and that it does not distract from the eyes. Furthermore it is of utmost importance that the nose not only looks great, but functions great. As a board-certified ear nose and throat surgeon with specific certified training in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck, Dr. Javidnia has extensive experience in nasal surgery and is uniquely suited to performing cosmetic surgery of the nose that ensures great function and a beautiful natural look.
Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)
Nasal surgery can be done to change the shape or function of the outer part of the nose (Rhinoplasty) or the function of the inner part of the nose (septoplasty) or both (septorhinoplasty). What was previously known as a “nose job” usually referred to surgery to change the outside appearance of the nose.
Any reshaping or changes in the appearance of the nose requires careful attention to other facial features in order to create a look that is harmonious and in balance with the rest of the face. The goal of rhinoplasty surgery is to create a nose that matches and enhances, rather than deters from other features of the face such as the eyes. Furthermore, the nose is a very functional structure, that affects our breathing, sleep, and sense of smell. Nasal surgery should be planned carefully to give an optimal aesthetic appearance to the nose while maintaining and improving all of its functions.
How the surgery is done
Rhinoplasty is a day surgery where patients come to the operating room for usually a half day and go home after they have recovered from anesthesia. The procedure can be performed under both general anesthetic or sedation (twilight surgery) depending on your preference and Dr. Javidnia’s assessment. Most of the incisions for rhinoplasty are made on the inside of the nose. Sometimes an incision is needed on the outside (in the small area of skin between the nostrils – the columella) to achieve optimum results. After the skin of the nose has been lifted, several techniques including cutting, reshaping, or adding cartilage and bone to the nose, are used to address nasal function and appearance. Once complete, the skin on the nose is re-draped, the incisions are closed with sutures and a dressing or cast is placed on the outside part of the nose.
After surgery
After going home, patients are advised to have a caregiver and to stay in bed for the remainder of the day and night except to go to the washroom. After the first day, light activities can be resumed. After 1 week all dressings and any removable sutures are removed and most patients can return to work and resume most normal daily activities. We advise our patients to avoid heavy lifting or high impact activities for at least 2 weeks after surgery. We also recommend refraining from heavy exercise and working out at the gym for at least 1 month after surgery to allow the nose to heal and the swelling to decrease. Care of the nose after surgery is paramount to the final results of rhinoplasty.
