Overview

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their Nose. Dr Jennifer Levine uses the most advanced surgical techniques to sculpt the nose for an attractive and natural appearance. When Dr Jennifer Levine performs nasal surgery she emphasizes structural support and preservation of nasal breathing. By using these concepts, the results of the Rhinoplasty surgery are long lasting. Dr Jennifer Levine’s goal is to improve both nasal aesthetics and function.

Dr Jennifer Levine believes that even small changes in nasal appearance can greatly enhance the face. The results of Rhinoplasty surgery should harmonize the other facial features such as eyes, cheek bones and smile. Nasal surgery is a surgery of millimeters and these subtle changes can provide big difference in facial aesthetics.

Careful and extensive preoperative discussions and planning will take place before your surgery. We will consider the prominence of your cheeks, your jawline, your skin thickness and quality, and the overall dimensions of your nose before advising you of how not only to achieve the changes you want, but also to achieve overall harmony of all your facial features. Dr Jennifer Levine can improve features in your current nose that detract from your overall facial aesthetics.

If your breathing is a problem, Dr Jennifer Levine will conduct a detailed examination and advise you as to how this can be improved with surgery. Sometimes, special tests to measure your degree of obstruction or to evaluate your sinuses may be required. If you suffer from sinus problems, these can be improved at the same time as nasal surgery.

The Surgery

Cosmetic or functional surgery of the nose usually takes 1½ hours to 2½ hours and may be done either with you asleep under general anesthesia or awake under sedation. Most incisions are placed inside the nostrils, but in some cases a small incision may be made in the natural creases along the sides or near the base of the nose. These heal quickly and leave scars that are nearly invisible. At the end of the operation, a cast will be placed on your nose. If there is any bleeding, a light dressing may be placed inside the nostrils and removed the same day or the next day. If any sutures were placed in a natural crease, they are removed in several days. The cast is usually removed in one week.

The Recovery

Most people are amazed by how little pain there is after nasal surgery. The most uncomfortable part of the recovery is the inability to breathe through the nose for several days due to swelling. This usually improves within one or two weeks. Expect some swelling around your eyes for several weeks. As the swelling subsides, you will start to see the improvements from your surgery. A few special precautions are required during your recovery. Bending or lifting can prolong swelling, so this is not recommended for three weeks after nasal surgery. Running, cycling, or aerobics should not resume for three weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for six weeks, as it takes that long for the bones to fully heal. You may drive when the swelling subsides enough not to interfere with vision, and you may fly two to three weeks after nasal surgery.