Nasal Surgery By virtue of its central location, the nose is a very prominent feature and a major source of dissatisfaction to people regarding their appearance. Individuals unhappiness with the appearance of their nose can be related to congenital issues (large humps, fat tips, excessive length, etc.) or post-traumatic deformities. In addition to cosmetic issues, there can be functional problems with the nose resulting in difficulties breathing. A thorough consultation and extensive preoperative planning are essential to a successful outcome with nasal surgery. During your consultation you will be asked to define the specific concerns you have and the changes you hope to achieve. A careful history covering nasal trauma, prior nasal surgery, allergies, and breathing problems will then be obtained. Finally, a careful examination of the internal and external structures of the nose will be performed. Photographs and computer imaging can be very helpful in this situation, to help demonstrate the effect of various alterations in the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty (nasal surgery) can be performed in the office surgery center, usually under general anesthesia. Surgeries involving significant alterations in the tip of the nose are usually done in an “open” fashion. Technically this means a small incision is made at the base of the thin divider between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to see the structures he or she is working on directly, giving much greater precision and control. The surgery usually takes about two hours and recovery is ten days to two weeks depending on how extensive the surgery is. A splint is generally worn on the outside of the nose for one to two weeks and internal splints are used if work is done to improve breathing (septoplasty). The swelling typically lasts about a week and the bruising lasts two to three weeks. Surgery done to correct the effects of trauma (a crooked nose, a deviated septum causing breathing problems) may be covered by your insurance. Typically, you will need documentation of the injury such as x-rays and notes from the emergency room or your physician documenting the injury. Operations performed to change the appearance of your nose are considered cosmetic and will not be covered by your insurance. If you desire cosmetic changes for your nose, but also have breathing problems related to a deviated septum, your insurance may cover the cost of the septoplasty.     To find out more about Nasal Surgery, please call our office, or fill out our Contact Form to receive a free brochure.