A cosmetic surgeon may perform rhinoplasty procedure using various surgical techniques, but the broad procedural steps will usually remain the same in each case. Rhinoplasty may be performed as an open or closed surgery, and may involve cosmetic refinements or functional corrections or both. The surgeon will customize the procedure according to the patient’s unique needs.
At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will explain the steps involved in the procedure to relieve the patient’s anxiety about the surgery. When the patient is fully aware about the procedure, they can be more confident about it and make more appropriate decisions related to the surgery. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey provides rhinoplasty to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding locations.
Initial Consultation
The consultation before the surgery is the first key step in the rhinoplasty procedure. At this stage, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the patient’s general health condition and review their medical history. They will also assess the patient’s personal cosmetic goals, examine the nasal anatomy, answer the patient’s questions and concerns, and provide pre- and post-operative instructions.
In some cases, the surgeon may order a few medical tests to determine candidacy or plan the rhinoplasty surgery. Any pre-existing sinus or nasal breathing concerns will be taken into account at this stage. The patient’s nasal skin quality and thickness of the skin will also be assessed.
Surgical Planning
Based on the inputs collected during the pre-op consultation and the patient’s feedback, the surgeon will create a rhinoplasty plan tailored to meet the patient’s specific needs. The plan will have a careful balance between the patient’s aesthetic requirements and the limitations of their natural facial and nasal anatomy.
The type of rhinoplasty technique to be used will be determined at this stage. The plastic surgeon will finalize the nose changes required, and whether it will be an open or closed surgery. If any additional procedure is necessary for facial balance, it will be determined at this stage in consultation with the patient. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia
Rhinoplasty may be performed with the patient under light general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Anesthesia will be performed by anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse, who may remain present in the surgery room throughout the procedure.
Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery may involve addition, removal or modification of nasal tissue as needed. Synthetic implants or cartilage grafts may be used in some cases. Open rhinoplasty will involve lifting the skin off the nasal structure to expose the underlying tissue for modifications. In case of closed rhinoplasty, the incisions will be placed inside the nostril. No external scarring will occur in closed rhinoplasty.
Closing the Incisions
After the procedure, the surgeon will carefully suture the incisions and cover them with bandages. A splint or nasal packing may be temporarily placed to retain the modified shape of the nose until it firms up naturally. The patient can return home the same day of the surgery. The surgeon will provide post-op recovery instructions, which should be followed carefully for the most promising outcome to come to fruition.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: