Click here for the Rhinoplasty Photo Gallery (Before and After)

Description: Surgery of the nose in which cartilage and bone are reshaped to produce a more aesthetically balanced nose that is in harmony with one’s facial features.

Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations

• Computer Imaging
• Being able to see what your face might look like after rhinoplasty can be very useful, and computer imaging makes this possible. Computer images help to ensure that you and your doctor are on the “same page” with respect to your goals of surgery. Computer imaging is not a guarantee of results, but a wonderful tool for demonstrating possible enhancements to the nose and face. Dr. Lin strives for a natural looking result that is aesthetically balanced with the rest of the face.
  
• Form and Function
• It is crucial to maintain the function of the nose after rhinoplasty. Dr. Lin specializes in the treatment of nasal obstruction from a variety of causes, including a deviated nasal septum, turbinate hypertrophy, chronic sinusitis, or collapse of the nasal valve due to previous rhinoplasty surgery.

Commonly asked questions before Surgery:

• Where will my incisions be located?
  In over 95% of cases, all incisions will be hidden inside the nose. A select minority of patients may require a small incision underneath the nose on the columella. During your consultation, ask your doctor for more information on which type of surgical approach you are more suitable for.
  
• What will I look like immediately after surgery?
  A small splint will be placed on the nose immediately after the surgery and remain for one week, at which time the splint will be removed and the nose cleaned. There may be some bruising and swelling around the eyes, but there are several things that can help including medication and cool compresses.
  
• Is there much pain involved with the surgery?
  Usually there is a little discomfort with nasal surgery. Oral medication will be prescribed to help with any discomfort.
  
• How long will my nose be swollen?
  Approximately 80% of the swelling is gone after two weeks; another 10% after two months. The tip of the nose may retain swelling longer and continued improvement in the tip can be seen over the next several months. There may be some temporary numbness of skin of the nose, which improves as swelling improves.
  
• When will I be able to return to my usual activities?
  Most patients can be seen in public in one week after the splint is removed. It is important to avoid strenuous activity for two weeks. At this time you can gradually work back to your usual exercise routine. Contact sports should be avoided for at least two months.
  
• Will the surgery affect my breathing?
  Yes, it should improve it! Usually the nose will feel congested after the surgery, but after several weeks improvement should be noticeable, particularly if you had obstruction before your surgery.
  
• Do I need a chin implant?
  Since rhinoplasty is about creating facial balance and harmony with the rest of the face, you may wish to consider chin augmentation at the time of rhinoplasty surgery. Ask your physician if you are a good candidate for chin augmentation during your consultation.
  
• Will I need to have more surgery on my nose?
  The individual goals of nasal surgery can usually be obtained in one surgery. There are times when a "touch up" procedure needs to be performed. Noses that have been broken, crooked noses, and noses that have had previous surgery are generally more difficult to correct. These situations are more likely to require a revision procedure.
  
• What are the risks?
  Bleeding, infection, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry and persistent nasal deformity are the most common risks of rhinoplasty surgery. These risks, as well as ways to avoid them, will be discussed during your consultation.

Photo Gallery (Before and After)

Rhinoplasty
(Before and After)

 

Rhinoplasty and Chin Implant
(Before and After)

Contact us

• Dr. Lin practices at our East Side New York office. If you are interested in making an appointment with Dr. Lin, or would like more information, please call our 86th Street office at (212) 722-5570.
  
• Medical insurance may be applicable in some cases and should be discussed with the office manager during your appointment. Dr. Lin accepts most insurance plans; please call to verify your insurance plan with us.
  
• If your interest is purely aesthetic, please schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Lin.

back to Dr. Lin’s Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Introduction