Trust Your Nasal Surgery To A Facial Plastic Surgeon

Our nose affects the overall balance, harmony, and aesthetic appeal of our face. Also, its structure affects the quality of our breathing. Septorhinoplasty is the surgery designed to improve on both form and function of the nose. Most of us desire a nose that complements our face and helps us breathe as well. A nose can appear attractive only if it appears natural.

Cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is a popular facial cosmetic enhancement procedure for teenagers and adults who are unhappy with the size and shape of their nose. For some patients rhinoplasty corrects a deviated septum, which is structural defect in the nose that interferes with breathing.

Having the appropriate education, training, and experience is critical to getting optimal surgical and aesthetically pleasing results. Dr. Donn Chatham, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, blends the skill of a surgeon with the eye of an artist to help your nose harmonize with your face in proportion and balance.

Who Is A Candidate For Nasal Surgery?

Typically, patients undergo nose surgery for the following reasons:

• The size of their nose and/or nostrils
• The bridge of their nose (wide, visible hump)
• The tip of their nose (bulbous, enlarged, hook)
• Dissatisfied with their facial harmony due to their nose
• Traumatic injury to the nose, recent or past

Your Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Chatham will discuss your goals and what results you can expect. He is highly skilled in surgically addressing the aforementioned primary concerns of nose reshaping/contouring while preserving and enhancing the function of the nose so that breathing is easy and comfortable. During your consultation, Dr. Chatham will inspect the internal structure of your nose and your facial structure. He will make suggestions for nose improvement based on his assessment, your facial features, and your cosmetic goals. His goal is to blend your nose aesthetically, thereby providing balance and harmony to your face.

Dr. Chatham brings extensive facial surgical experience and artistic sensitivity into the discussion so that his patients understand what results to expect. a final surgical plan will be adopted to achieve optimum results for your rhinoplasty.

It should be noted, that if a patient has had previous rhinoplasty surgery, “revision” nasal surgery typically is more difficult. Dr. Chatham will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking revision rhinoplasty.

The goal is to achieve our patient’s desired cosmetic improvement while achieving facial harmony and balance with a natural appearance. While some noses need to be smaller, some larger, some wider, some straighter, the goal is always harmony and aesthetic improvement, as well as a good airway for adequate breathing. “Natural” is the goal.

Ethnicity & Rhinoplasty Considerations Of Non-Caucasian Noses

Dr. Chatham has performed nose surgery on patients of different ethnicities. He understands that individuals from specific ethnicities, such as African Americans may desire to correct nasal deformities while retaining ethnic characteristics. One of the main concerns is how to perform ethnic rhinoplasty without upsetting the delicate balance of facial features that define patients of specific ethnicity groups.

During your personal consultation, Dr. Chatham will candidly discuss your desired aesthetic goals. He will make every effort to retain the ethnic features that you desire.

How Is A Cosmetic Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Surgery Performed?

Rhinoplasty is surgically performed using a closed procedure or an open procedure. The difference between the two surgical techniques is the placement of incisions.

• With a closed procedure, the incisions are inside the nose.
• With an open procedure, the incision is made across the columella (the strip of the nose that separates the nostrils).

The nasal skin is lifted gently to allow access to reshape and sculpt the structure of the nose. The scars are minimal, heal quickly and are well-hidden. Dr. Chatham will discuss with you what he has determined will be the best surgical procedure to accomplish your nasal surgery goals.

Rhinoplasty is best performed using either deep sedation or general anesthesia at a surgical facility. Patients do not recall the surgery. The time varies, but typically takes 1½ to 2½ hours. Some patients will stay overnight in a hospital prior to discharge.
After the surgery, dressing and a splint is used to support the nose as it heals.

Typically, we do not find it necessary to “pack” the nose which is uncomfortable. The splint dressing usually is removed at one week. Immediately after the surgery, patients can experience some soreness, and discomfort. There is typically only moderate discomfort which typically is managed by medicine that Dr. Chatham has prescribed.

What Is The Recovery Process For Nasal Surgery?

The degree of discomfort varies and for some, the most uncomfortable part of the recovery being difficulty breathing through the nose for several days due to swelling. Within 1 to 2 weeks, the swelling subsides, and breathing improves. Some patients experience some discoloration under the eyes for a week or so. Typically, the swelling and bruising resolves after 2 weeks.

Nose surgery patients should reduce physical activity postoperatively. Physical activities such as a strenuous working out and contact sports should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Dr. Chatham will discuss your recovery plan with you and provide you with detailed written post-op instructions on what to expect and when you may be able to resume certain activities.

Why A Facial Plastic Surgeon?

Nasal surgery requires specialized surgical expertise and should be performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. As a facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Donn Chatham, Medical Director of Chatham Facial Surgery, and a double board-certified surgeon, will do his best to provide a safe comfortable procedure and positive and artistically pleasing results.