nose surgery

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Because of the prominence on the face of the nose, it has tremendous emotional significance to each person and deviations from a normal range can make a person feel self-conscious. For this reason, rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done in the nation and at Edina Plastic Surgery.

The procedure itself involves several tissue types (bone, cartilage, and skin) as well as a complex structure and involves the important function of breathing. For these reasons, rhinoplasty is best approached conservatively and by a surgeon with experience. All surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have many years of experience.

Most rhinoplasty is cosmetic in nature and therefore not insurance covered, however, some breathing problems may qualify for insurance coverage. Commonly, a rhinoplasty will involve components covered by insurance and components that are not. The covered portions are subject to the provisions of your individual policy.

The surgery itself is most commonly done with general anesthetic for patient safety and airway protection. Some minor procedures can safely be done with local anesthesia or local with IV sedation. We perform most rhinoplasty surgery at our on-site, fully accredited and licensed facility. This is a specialty facility with the finest staff we can assemble and train.
The best way to determine what your best options are to address your areas of concern is to come in for a consultation with one of our surgeons. At that visit, we will review your areas of concern do an exam and discuss treatment options to best help you achieve your goals.

Rhinoplasty can be done "closed" (with only incisions inside the nose), or "open" with the same incisions as closed, along with a small incision in the skin between the nostrils. The incision choice depends a great deal on the complexity of the procedure planned. The rhinoplasty can address the nasal tip, the hump of the nose, a crooked appearance, breathing problems, or even all of these. If the nasal bones are narrowed, it will be necessary to wear a nasal splint for about a week. Swelling after rhinoplasty will last, to some extent, for up to a year. Most swelling will start to subside after a couple weeks, however. Your return to work will depend on the nature of your job. Return to full sports activity may be 6 to 8 weeks.

Because of the complexity of this procedure and healing variability, it is not uncommon to need minor revision work. This can commonly be done with a local anesthetic, but should not be done before swelling is no longer present.

The surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery will be happy to see you in consultation to evaluate your concerns and come up with a safe and realistic surgery plan!

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