Rhinoplasty is a procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance or function. For many people, a prominent, asymmetrical or bumpy nose leads to extreme self-consciousness and lack of self-esteem. Rhinoplasty offers them a chance to improve their appearance by eliminating what they consider to be an undesirable physical feature.

Rhinoplasty can change the nose by:

• Altering its size
• Sculpting the nasal tip
• Removing nasal bumps by contouring nasal bony tissue
• Correcting any other deformity
• Resolving a breathing problem

Rhinoplasty is best performed on adult men and women who feel their outward facial profile negatively affects the way they feel about themselves.

Good candidates include people who:

• Are at least 18 years of age who no longer experience growth spurts
• Do not have life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that impair healing
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook but realistic goals for their appearance improvement

First, you will:

• Discuss your goals and the shape of your nose
• Learn options available to you
• Learn the likely outcomes and potential risks of the procedure
• Get a course of treatment recommended by Dr. Swier
• Ask questions and get answers to help you understand the process

Be sure to:

• Openly share your expectations
• Disclose your complete health history, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Commit to precisely follow all of Dr. Swier’s instructions

During rhinoplasty, Dr. Swier will expose the tissues of the nose—most of which are cartilage—along with the small bony tissue at the top of the nose. These are the tissues that will be sculpted to refine your appearance. If surgery will leave the tip of your nose out of line with the rest of it, Dr. Swier will also sculpt the nasal tip. If there is a deviated septum and airway obstruction, that can be corrected as well. The contouring of bony nasal tissue can also be performed. In some cases the bony tissue of the nose must be broken to be repositioned.

You will:

• Be given diagnostic testing slips
• Be given medication prescriptions
• Be given day-of-surgery instructions
• Be given specific information related to the use of anesthesia
• Be asked to sign consent papers
• Learn the risks associated with surgery

Once your procedure is completed:

• Small sutures close the incisions
• Packing material is placed inside the nostrils
• A splint may be placed on the nose to keep it in place for seven to ten days
• You will learn how to care for the surgical site
• You’ll be given a medication prescription for postoperative discomfort
• You’ll learn what to look for in the surgical site and overall
• You’ll be asked to keep your head elevated at all times for 48 to 72 hours
• You’ll be given specific postoperative instructions, including how to cleanse your face
• You’ll learn when you may return to light activity
• You’ll receive a follow-up appointment with Dr. Swier

Most rhinoplasty incisions are well-healed within a week. Healing will continue for at least several weeks afterward as swelling resolves and incision lines continue to improve. It may take several months and possibly a full year for swelling to fully dissipate. It is wise to stay at arm’s reach of children and out of situations where your nose could be accidentally bumped during the healing period.

At first you may experience common conditions including:

• Swelling
• Numbness and discomfort
• Bruising or discoloring
• Temporary restriction of facial movements

Within 48 hours:

• You may feel a heaviness between your eyes and a bit of a headache
• You may see black-and-blue bruising around the eyes

After one week:

• The packing is removed from the nostrils

In seven to ten days:

• Bruising begins to dissipate
• The splint is removed
• You will still see some swelling
• You may return to work or school
• Makeup may be applied to improve your appearance

Within three weeks:

• You may still feel nasal stuffiness
• Most swelling has dissipated
• You may return to normal activity

In six or seven weeks:

• You may resume wearing sunglasses or glasses