There is something about your nose that you are not happy with, otherwise you would not be here reading this page. Are there things that you like? For a rhinoplasty to look right for your face you need a careful clinical examination. The nose should fit the aesthetic proportions of your face and permit the delivery of air to the lungs. A beautiful nose has no set dimensions, but should be in harmony with the face. Building on the positive elements and nondestructively refining the negative ones have led to the current state of the art of rhinoplasty surgery. Learning what bothers you about your nose and what surgery realistically has to offer are essential for a successful outcome. Prepare to spend some time in Dr. Bermant's office during this exploration and consultation.

This patient had a rhinoplasty and septoplasty. The septum was straightened to improve airway obstruction. Patients usually have rhinoplasty surgery to get better breathing through the nose, to refine the nasal shape, or a combination of both. Many have a nose they were born with that they just do not like. Others have an injury to the nose that results in an undesirable change. Deformities and breathing problems related to such an injury may be covered by insurance. Rhinoplasty surgery for purely cosmetic correction is not covered by most policies.

If you desire to continue, a standard series of rhinoplasty photographs are taken to permit Dr. Bermant to assess your surgical options.

A second visit permits Dr. Bermant to present your rhinoplasty analysis.
Here we continue with the risks, benefits and alternate methods of care. Surgery can be scheduled and your before and after surgery care discussed. We want all of your questions answered before surgery.

Some patients will benefit from a deeper internal evaluation of the nasal passages. This can be important for those with mechanical obstruction of the airway passages. With nasal endoscopy a thin tube permits Dr. Bermant to see the anatomic details inside the nose. With this information he can better advise you about elements of nasal obstruction corrective surgery (such as septoplasty, surgery of the septum and turbinate resection).

Most nasal surgery is done as an out patient. We have hotels near by for our out of town patients. Rhinoplasty surgery can be done with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. During surgery the skin is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage. Dr. Bermant then sculpts the bone and cartilage or mold them with sutures. The skin then redrapes over the new shape. The supporting structures are modified emphasizing non destructive methods to preserve nasal stability.

While there is very little pain after nasal surgery, you can expect to be a little uncomfortable and to feel "stuffy" with a possible headache. Keeping the head neck and back elevated minimizes swelling. A cool gel pack rests over the nose and eyes and decreases discomfort and bruising. An external splint supports the outside of the nose. Sometimes internal soft rubber splints are added. Packing is not necessary in most cases. Sutures and splints are removed at about five to seven days. There is some swelling and bruising during the first seven to 14 days (especially if the bones are involved in the surgical sculpture. Although you will be able to notice the effects of rhinoplasty surgery in two to three weeks, details will continue to evolve over the next six months to a year. We design an individualized after rhinoplasty scar care program for each patient. Secondary correction is not usually necessary, but requires waiting for the tissues to heal and soften - about a year.

This web site covers much detail about nasal surgery and rhinoplasty surgical sculpture. There are many examples of patients operated by Dr. Bermant. It does not replace the education experience of an in office consultation and evaluation. All noses do not need to look the same, fitting some unusual "ideal", nor do they have to look "over operated". Each of Dr. Bermant's patients spends time in his office learning about such options. This educational experience is part of our surgical package. If you would like such education as part of your surgical experience, please call our office.