Rhinoplasty

Experience The Highest Rated Rhinoplasty Surgery Services in Kentucky

It’s easy to see why nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in people of all ages. The nose can dominate the character of the facee. Some people can blame genetics on an unfavorably shaped nose, but others have suffered a traumatic injury and are left with a misshapen nose that often leads to breathing problems. A rhinoplasty can create a bigger or smaller nose, repair the septum, reshape nostrils, or alter the tip or bridge of the nose.

To find out more about rhinoplasty and the rhinoplasty surgery process in Lexington KY and Louisville KY, contact Lexington Plastic Surgery, PLLC today. Request a consultation or call our office at (859) 279-2111.

Schedule an appointment in our Lexington, KY office today!

see before and afters

Rhinoplasty Safety

Rhinoplasty is considered to be a very safe surgery that Dr. Gerstle performs dozens if not hundreds of times per year. Serious complications are rare. There is always a risk when anesthesia is involved. Other rare side effects can include infection, permanent change in sensation in the skin, or excessive scarring. Very occasionally, a revision is desired when the result is not as expected. Our in-depth pre-surgical planning and mirror imaging technology avoids as many pitfalls as possible, and the vast majority of our rhinoplasty patients are extremely happy with their outcomes. In fact, most of our rhinoplasty patients come from referrals!

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Your procedure will be performed at our outpatient surgery center in about two to three hours under general anesthesia. Your procedure will be as unique as you are, but there are several main rhinoplasty techniques that are commonly used. It may be necessary to incorporate cartilage grafts onto the nasal structure so they can support the new nasal structure and increase its longevity; cartilage grafts are almost always a necessary part of revision rhinoplasty.

Open rhinoplasty accesses the surgical position along the columella under the tip of the nose between the nostrils. This incision allows access to all structures of the nose so that they can be altered according to the surgical plan. This incision allows the doctor access to make dramatic changes and reshape nasal structures as far as necessary. While this approach can cause scars, they are generally well hidden and only noticeable if one is looking for them.

For less aggressive changes, a closed rhinoplasty allows the incisions to be made inside the nostril. This creates no visible scarring, but it does limit access, so it is not appropriate in all cases.

Once the procedure is complete, you will spend a few hours in the recovery area before going home. It’s important to have someone on hand to drive you as you will still be groggy from the anesthesia.

Rhinoplasty Post Op

It is very normal for patients to experience swelling, stuffiness, bruising and headaches after nasal surgery. You will have a splint over the nose and likely packing inside the nose. We will send you home with prescription strength pain medicine for the discomfort. You will notice quite a bit of swelling and possibly even some distortion of your facial features until the swelling and bruising subsides.

Patients usually follow up with Dr. Gerstle in the office within a few days after the surgery. They spend a few days taking it easy and usually return to work within two weeks. Vigorous activity should be avoided for four weeks after your surgery. You should also avoid the sun, as well as hitting or rubbing your nose. Of course, Dr. Gerstle is always available via cell phone and email for any questions or concerns you may have.

Keep your head elevated overnight to keep the swelling to a minimum. Avoid facial movements as much as possible until your pain lessens—even smiling! Eating soft foods and carefully brushing teeth will help keep mouth movements to a minimum.

Rhinoplasty Benefits

Sculpt the nose to a more attractive size and shape
Change nose size—smaller or larger
Reshape the nostrils
Resize the nasal tip
Reduce the size of the nose bridge
Eliminate sinus issues
Bring the nose into harmony with the rest of the face
Correct a deviated septum
Improve breathing/decrease snoring/correct sleep apnea/improve sleep generally

Sleep—An obstructed airway can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule, preventing you from getting the deepest sleep or causing you to wake up over and over again. Patients often find that their breathing is significantly improved after rhinoplasty.

Fix a broken nose—Sometimes rhinoplasty is needed due to injury. You don’t want to let your nose heal on its own in a crooked, misshapen way.

Improve confidence—When you feel good about yourself and your appearance, your self-esteem goes way up.

Resolve sinus problems—Blocked airways can contribute to congestion, headaches, and even ear trouble.

The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle

During your private, thorough consultation with Dr. Gerstle, the two of you will discuss your medical history, physical exam, and goals. Dr. Gerstle will want to understand if your concerns are purely cosmetic or if there are some underlying issues such as difficulty with breathing or snoring. Should you have any medical conditions associated with your nose, your insurance may pay for part of the procedure.

Our state of the art in-office imaging system will give you an accurate picture of what your nose will look like post-surgery. This is always a compelling vision and can help get patients through any trepidation they may have about the surgery itself.

Rhinoplasty FAQ

When will I be able to see the final results of the surgery?

Bruising and swelling are very common during the first week. Be patient—you won’t be able to see the results just yet! After a month or two, the swelling will have gone down , and the new you will begin to emerge. Healing is a slow and gradual process, so we suggest not judging the final result until about a year has passed.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, the results of a rhinoplasty are generally permanent.

Is open or closed rhinoplasty right for me?

Dr. Gerstle will choose between the two types of incision depending on the extent of change you wish to make in your nose. While open rhinoplasty will cause very minor visible scarring, it may be necessary when major changes need to be made. Closed rhinoplasty shows no scarring but limits the surgeon’s access to the nasal cavity, so less flexibility in shaping the final result is available.

Can rhinoplasty interfere with my breathing post-surgery?

An experienced surgeon should improve breathing if anything, not impair it. Correcting certain nasal shapes through rhinoplasty can improve restricted breathing. As Dr. Gerstle is experienced as both a cosmetic and a functional surgeon, you can expect a beautiful result that improves function where needed.

When can I return to work?

Your bandages will come off in about a week, and those who do sedentary office work should be ready to return to the job at that time. To avoid disturbing the incisions, you should avoid physical labor of any sort for at least several weeks. Dr. Gerstle will give you specific instructions.

Rhinoplasty Financing

Cherry is a payment plan designed for your health, beauty, and wellness needs and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments.

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs that can be used by your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.

Pay for health and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.