What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the generic term for operations to re-shape the nose. When combined with a procedure to straighten the septum and restore the nasal airway the term is septorhinoplasty.
Why have a rhinoplasty?
Concerns regarding nasal appearance (such as a large nose, poor nasal profile or ill defined tip) can be addressed by rhinoplasty techniques. Equally factors which compromise the nasal airway (such as deviation of the nasal septum, drooping of the nasal tip or a tendency for the nostrils to collapse on deep inspiration) can be corrected. Very often functional and cosmetic problems will co-exist.
What’s new in rhinoplasty surgery?
We now have a better understanding of the structural supports of the nose and how the final result slowly evolves over a period of months as the delicate nasal tissues heal. Over-resection of tissues to give an immediate impact will eventually give an unnatural appearance and often causes functional problems as well. Mr Mckiernan’s philosophy is to maintain structural integrity and to give a natural unoperated appearance in harmony with the rest of the face. The use of digital-image-manipulation software is used to demonstrate the likely outcome of surgery.
What is possible with cosmetic rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is sometimes erroneously compared with sculpture. In fact it’s more like pitching a tent! Great care has to be taken to address the underlying structural elements so that the skin can redrape. Clearly the size, shape and consistency of the underlying bony and cartilaginous structural elements and the quality and thickness of the skin do impose limitations on what can be achieved and these will be discussed at your consultation. Nonetheless it is generally possible to:
- straighten the nose and improve the nasal profile (either by removing a hump or by filling depressions with sculpted cartilage harvested from within the nose)
- improve the size and shape of the nasal tip and its relation to the rest of the nose
- adjust nasal breadth to achieve a more harmonius appearance
- alter nasal length
- improve the nasal airway
Is cosmetic rhinoplasty right for me?
This is clearly a very personal matter. If you have a particular deformity which is impacting on your self confidence or you have difficulty breathing through your nose it is highly likely that skillfully performed surgery can help. This is something that Mr Mckiernan will be very happy to discuss.
What happens when I meet Mr Mckiernan for a consultation?
You will be greeted in the clinic and a detailed medical history will be taken. The examination may include inspection of your nose with a delicate camera system. This is completely painless and allows us to show you what is going on inside your nose. Digital photographs will be taken to aid the analysis and allow for surgical planning. You will be able to see the likely outcome of surgery. If further tests are required (such as allergy testing or scans) these will be arranged and you will be seen again with the results. Very often these will be performed on the same day.
The diagnosis will then be discussed and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Do I need a letter from my GP?
This is not absolutely necessary but Mr Mckiernan likes to work closely with your doctor and providing you are agreeable will write to them after the consultation.
How much will it cost?
If your concerns are purely cosmetic Mr Mckiernan will see you for a nominal fee. However if there is a functional problem or you have recently suffered nasal trauma your medical insurance will cover your outpatient consultation. If surgery is required a written quotation will be sent to you , based on your individual treatment needs. In most cases we can offer a “Fixed Cost Care” fully inclusive package price for your operation and hospital stay. If you have any concerns please feel free to ask.
Why does Mr Mckiernan decline certain patients?
Mr Mckiernan has a very busy practice and receives a lot of referrals from colleagues. Experience has taught him that a superlative technical outcome alone does not guarantee patient satisfaction. A successful outcome is much more likely when patient expectations and Mr Mckiernan’s assessment of the likely outcome of surgery coincide. Digital-image-manipulation software has greatly aided these discussions. As this is elective surgery patients are also declined when serious co-existing medical conditions make general anaesthesia hazardous.
If surgery is required how long will I need to take off work?
You will generally spend one night in hospital following a rhinoplasty because of the possibility of bleeding. The surgery is not painful but you will feel blocked up (like with a cold) for a week to ten days and your nose will run. There will also be some bruising beneath the eyes which can be camouflaged with makeup. If your job is physically demanding you will require two weeks off but if you wanted you would be able to undertake “deskwork” after four or five days.
What about packs and splints?
With meticulous technique nasal packing is generally not required although you will have a light dressing at the front of the nose which is removed when you are awake and a nasal splint which maintains the position of the nasal bones and is left on for a week.
And follow-up?
Mr Mckiernan will review you at one week to remove the nasal splint. In routine cases he will see you again two months later and one year after surgery. If you have any concerns additional appointments will be made.