Rhinoplasty Surgery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure used for numerous reasons. Rhinoplasty is a surgery of the nose. It can be performed to alleviate breathing problems, reshape the nose including increase or decrease the size, change the shape of the tip or bridge, or expand or narrow the size of the nostrils.

Our cosmetic surgeon at Radiance Plastic Surgery in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area can discuss rhinoplasty procedures with patients.

Rhinoplasty Surgical Risks

If asymmetry or an undesired contour is present after rhinoplasty surgery, you may require an additional small surgical procedure to revise the appearance. This seems to occur more commonly in nasal procedures than in other cosmetic surgery operations because we cannot always predict how the nose will heal over time. If a second procedure seems necessary, we usually wish to wait at least 6 months from the time of the most recent procedure. At that time, please contact one of our locations, with our main Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania location at (412) 220-8181.

It takes 10-12 months for ALL swelling to disappear and for your final rhinoplasty results to show.

Nasal surgery causes swelling both inside and outside the nose. If your septum has been operated on, you will have plastic splints within the nostrils. Dr. Cherup or a nurse will usually remove the splints in 7-14 days.

Internal scarring or adhesions may occur, but are unlikely complications of rhinoplasty.

Reduced sensation or numbness may occur (usually in the nasal tip) following rhinoplasty. The problem usually (but not always) disappears with time.

Possible healing problems may occur which may result in the airways remaining blocked or obstructed causing difficulty in breathing.

Injury to nerves, tear ducts, muscles and sense of smell are very rare, but can potentially occur after rhinoplasty.

A permanent hole (perforation) developing through the septum (divider between the two sides of the nose) is a remote possibility following rhinoplasty. Most small perforations are essentially asymptomatic. In rare cases, further surgical correction may be indicated. Very rarely, the septal perforation cannot be corrected.

There may be persistent swelling in the nose especially around the tip that may be temporary, last several months or years, or may be permanent after rhinoplasty.

The patient may notice changes in the sound of his/her voice (uncommon).

Further information on rhinoplasty risks can be obtained by reaching our staff at one of our offices around the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Postoperative Rhinoplasty Instructions

We usually are able to avoid nasal packing after rhinoplasty surgery. If you have bled slightly more than usual during your operation, or if there is some other reason, we may occasionally use packing. With packing in place, you will have to breathe through your mouth, and you will have somewhat more swelling than usual. We will usually remove such packing in 24-48 hours.

Further information on rhinoplasty postoperative instructions can be obtained by reaching our staff at one of our offices in or near the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Healing from Rhinoplasty Information

You may experience some degree of numbness of the tip of your nose for up to one year. You may have some swelling for 12-36 months, and the incision site inside the nose may remain swollen or feel firm for many months after rhinoplasty surgery.

Intermittent increases in swelling will occur for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty surgery.

You may want to carry some tissues with you for a few weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, as your nose may "drip."

Nasal surgery usually hurts very little. Many people feel quite "normal" within a day or two. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return when you are able. Heavy exercise or straining can cause bleeding or swelling during the first 2-3 weeks. Please be careful!

For more information on the cosmetic surgery risks, postoperative instructions or healing information for the rhinoplasty procedure, contact surgeon Lori Cherup at her main office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.