This surgery can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.
If you are considering a rhinoplasty, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
3. How is the surgery performed?
4. How is the recovery like?
5. What should I know about my results?
1. Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are healthy individuals who are looking for improvement, not perfection. You may be a good candidate if you are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Your visit with Dr Larocque will determine if you are a good candidate.
2. What should I expect from my consultation?
During the consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr Larocque understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. Dr Larocque will examine the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face and the thickness of your skin. Computer imaging is used to help you visualize the results that Dr Larocque has specifically designed for your surgery.
Your medical history will be discussed and be sure to tell Dr Larocque if you have any previous nose surgery or injury to your nose.
Finally you will meet with the patient coordinator to discuss surgery fees and scheduling dates.
3. How is the surgery performed?
There are two types of rhinoplasty surgery, endonasal and open. In the endonasal technique, the incisions are entirely inside the nose. In the open technique, there is a small incision between the nostrils. The choice of the technique depends on specifics characteristics of your nose and Dr Larocque will determine which technique is best for you.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours, although complicated procedures may take longer.
After your surgery, you will have a splint on the outside of your nose during 10 days. Some bruising may persist for the same period. Your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr Larocque. Most patients are back to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
5. What should I know about my results?
You will usually be able to see a noticeable change soon after the surgery but the swelling takes time to completely disappear. You will see the final results between 9 months and a year following surgery.
