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Nasal Surgery :
WHAT IS NASAL SURGERY?
Aesthetic nose surgery is typically performed to reduce the overall size of the nose, reshape a tip, remove a nasal hump or improve a poor angle between the nose and the upper lip. In some patients it is necessary to add tissue in order to improve contour. One or all of these changes can be made during a single operation. The extent of the procedure depends on what changes are desired.
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HOW IS NASAL SURGERY PERFORMED?
In most nasal surgeries a minute scratch-like incision is made underneath the nose, through which the work will be done. Dr. Viera uses a technique he developed called the "one stitch technique". A single running stitch which melts by itself is all that is required - this reduces scarring and discomfort to the patient. The "open method technique" provides Dr. Viera with access to cartilage and bone which can be cut, trimmed and manipulated to reshape the nose and alter its external appearance. A hump is removed by using a shaving instrument or a rasp and then bringing the nasal bones together to form a narrower bridge. Removing cartilage reduces the size of a nasal tip and provides better contour. To improve the angle between the bottom portion of the nose and the upper lip, the nasal tip is elevated or lowered. If the base of the nose is disproportionately wide, to narrow it, small skin wedges are removed and the nostrils are brought close to the center. Following surgery, a splint composed of tape and plastic overlay is applied to the nose to maintain bone and cartilage in their new shape. The procedure usually lasts from 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the extent of the surgery. Dr. Viera does not "break" the nose. He makes fine incisions in the bones with a special instrument, allowing him to narrow the bridge of the nose. Also, Dr. Viera does not place packing inside the nose, allowing the patient to breath through their nose right after surgery.
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WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
After the operation, there is some mild discomfort that is easily controlled by medication. In as much as Dr. Viera does not "break" the nose, pain is minimal to non existent. You will be asked to keep your head slightly elevated and apply cold compresses to your eyes for 2 days to reduce postoperative bruising and swelling.
The splint is often removed within four days of surgery, Bruising around the eyes will begin to fade within a few days following the operation and will generally disappear within the next two to three weeks. Subtle swelling of the nose subsides gradually. No eye glasses should rest on the bridge of the nose for the first month after surgery. Since most aesthetic nasal surgeries are performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring. Only when the procedure calls for narrowing flared nostrils will an outside incision be made, leaving behind a barely visible scar in the crease of each nostril.
It is unrealistic for a patient to expect an immediate transformation after surgery. Normal healing is a gradual process, with final results not fully realized for a period of time. The ultimate appearance of the nose may not be apparent for weeks, months or, in some patients, even a year.
Although you may be up and about in a day or two following surgery, Dr. Viera will advise you on the proper schedule for resuming your normal routine. To permit proper healing, activities which raise blood pressure, such as jogging, swimming, or even bending, should be restricted during the first few weeks. The decision to return to work depends on the individual's degree of swelling and discomfort.
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WHERE IS THE NASAL SURGERY DONE?
Nasal surgery is well suited to our office Outpatient Surgical facility. Patients are able to go home without undue difficulty after the procedure. The operation is carried out under general anesthesia or I.V. sedation. Patients are required to rest quietly for a day or so after the surgery but this can easily be carried out at home.
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WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Thousands of nasal surgeries are successfully performed each year. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the potential hazards of surgery and specific risks associated with nasal surgery. When performed primarily to improve appearance, post operative complications such as infection and bleeding are uncommon. Poor healing may necessitate a second operation. Risk of complications can be minimized by closely following Dr. Viera's advice on follow-up care during the healing process.
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BEFORE & AFTER
 
BEFORE & AFTER
 
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