Rhinoplasty (Nose) surgery in Anchorage

Dr. Szutz performs rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose, thus improving appearance. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure by which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging and reshaping bone or cartilage. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today.

Do You Need More Information Rhinoplasty Surgery? Call Alaska Oral Surgery Group Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 Today

Book OnlinePatient RegistrationDirections

Reasons for Surgery

Reasons include reducing the size of the nose, removal of bumps as well as improving the angle of a nose. These conditions may be genetic, from past surgery or due to external trauma to the face. In addition to the cosmetic benefits, this operation can also help patients who have difficulty breathing.

Before Surgery

A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health and surgical goals. We will discuss with you the way your nose could look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs aid our doctors in evaluation and surgical planning. Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs or herbal medications to help reduce bleeding.

Method of Surgery

Surgery is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia on a case by case basis. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, alteration of the angle of the nose, or removal of a hump, the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the surface. Cartilage from your septum may be needed to aid nasal reconstruction. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit from this. The incisions are placed inside the nose and across the skin between the nostrils. In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeon may make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin or cheek augmentation to improve the profile.

Postoperative Information

The recovery takes about two weeks with the first being the most uncomfortable. Most people resume their normal activities in several weeks. Following surgery, to maintain the new shape of the nose a lightweight splint is applied which is removed within a week. Intranasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum and are also removed within a week. Some stuffiness of the nose is expected especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is generally well controlled with medications. Bruising may occur around the eyes, and will fade with time. Most postoperative bruising and swelling will resolve in a month but it takes 4-6 months for most of the nasal tip swelling to resolve. Antibiotics may be prescribed after the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Insurance

Health insurance generally will not cover cosmetic surgery. It may cover or reduce your out of pocket expenses for a surgery related to previous trauma. It is recommended that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage, prior to making an appointment.