Indianapolis, Indiana

Rhinoplasty

Introduction

Introduction to Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty can help create a better balance between the face’s features and can be performed for both functional and cosmetic purposes. For instance, it can correct issues such as a bump on the bridge of the nose, wide nostrils, a bulbous tip, a “hooked” nose, or breathing issues.

Located in Carmel and Greenwood, Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery is led by double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., and offers rhinoplasty for men and women residing in the Indianapolis area as well as from across the Midwest, the nation, and abroad. Read on to learn more about which rhinoplasty procedure may benefit you, and schedule your consultation today!

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. With rhinoplasty, it is possible to increase or decrease the overall size of the nose, remove a hump, alter the tip or bridge of the nose, decrease the nostril width, or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. These changes can create a better balance between the facial features.

Surgeon Dr. Hamilton, wearing a surgical mask, glasses, and teal-colored gloves, performs a procedure focused on a patient’s eye. The surgeon’s hands hold a surgical instrument near the patient’s face. The patient lies in a surgical position, wearing a gown. Bright, focused lighting highlights the surgical area, while the background is blurred to emphasize the procedure. - Rhinoplasty in Carmel, IN

Dr. Hamilton Discusses Rhinoplasty

Types of
Rhinoplasty

  • Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

    The most common reason Dr. Hamilton performs rhinoplasty is for patients wishing to change the appearance of their nose. This most commonly includes a nose that is too large, a nose with a hump, a wide or asymmetric tip, or a deviated nose. Other issues include a nasal bridge that is too small, a nose that is too long, or a wide nose. Each patient’s anatomy and goals are unique and will require an individualized treatment plan.

  • Revision Rhinoplasty

    A revision rhinoplasty corrects the unsatisfactory results of a previous rhinoplasty procedure. This procedure may address functional or aesthetic issues created or unaddressed by the previous surgery.

  • Functional Rhinoplasty

    A functional rhinoplasty will address the basic functionality of the nose to improve breathing.

  • Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

    A non-surgical rhinoplasty addresses aesthetic considerations only, without interfering with the basic functionality of the nose. This procedure may address nasal humps, nasal tips, or other irregularities with the nose’s appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure, with many patients electing to undergo this surgery for the following benefits:

  • Changing the overall size or shape of the nose
  • Achieving better facial harmony with the surrounding facial features
  • Improving the basic functionality of the nose
  • Creating a better or preferred aesthetic appearance of the nose

Rhinoplasty Candidates

  • Cosmetic rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose to fit the face better. This can involve making the nose larger or smaller, taking down a nasal hump, making the tip smaller or changing the size and shape of the nostrils. What is done during the procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, and your physician’s evaluation. Prospective patients should wait until they are fully grown to have surgery, which is typically around 17 for females, 18 for males.
  • Repairing nasal trauma can involve correcting deformities caused by trauma and straightening the inside and outside of the nose to improve breathing. Some of the same techniques used in cosmetic nasal surgery are also employed for the correction of nasal and septal fractures.
  • Lastly, nasal surgery can be performed to correct breathing issues.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the First Step?

To learn more about which rhinoplasty procedure will best address your needs, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamilton, where he will meet with you to review your medical history and evaluate the necessity of a rhinoplasty, as well as which type of rhinoplasty procedure you are best suited to undergo as a candidate. He will show you before-and-after pictures of previous rhinoplasty surgeries so that you can better understand the possibilities and limitations of a rhinoplasty procedure. If you and Dr. Hamilton agree that you would benefit from a rhinoplasty, he will create a detailed and personalized surgical treatment plan for you. With your approval, you may schedule your rhinoplasty procedure later with our patient care team member.

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What to Expect on the Day of Rhinoplasty Surgery

Incisions are made either inside the nose or both inside the nose and one small one under the tip of the nose. The skin is then separated from the underlying bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is re-draped over the new framework, and the incisions are closed. Surgery usually takes about two to three hours and is done on an outpatient basis. Patients will have tape and a splint on the nose for the first week.

Rhinoplasty Questions to Ask

Rhinoplasty Recovery

There are some restrictions after nasal surgery. Patients are required to refrain from strenuous activities for two weeks and heavy lifting for three weeks. Additionally, patients should refrain from participating in any contact sports or activities that may cause trauma to the nose for six weeks. While much of what has been corrected can be visualized after a couple of weeks, the nose requires a full year for the final result to be fully appreciated.

Deciding if nasal surgery is right for you begins with a consultation. Video imaging, which utilizes computer photography to estimate the final result, can be very helpful for patients to understand their possible outcome and ensure they are on the same page as their surgeon. With successful nasal surgery, patients can both breathe more easily and achieve the look they’ve always desired.

Post Operative Rhinoplasty Instructions

The following is a list of general instructions for your care following surgery. Please read them carefully several times, as most of your questions should be answered here. Instructions for your care will also be reviewed the morning after surgery. Carefully following these instructions should help you get the best results from your surgery.

Dr. Hamilton Discusses Rhinoplasty Recovery

After Surgery

Following your surgery, another adult must stay with you the first night. You should remain within thirty miles of the surgery location for the first night. It is also important for you to keep your head elevated the evening after surgery and for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be achieved by sleeping in a recliner tilted at a 45-degree angle or by placing two pillows underneath your head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks after surgery helps to ensure this.

Cool compresses should be applied across the eyes for the first 48 hours after surgery. This involves using multiple washcloths and a basin filled with ice water. The washcloths should be changed out of the basins every twenty to thirty minutes to keep them cool. The washcloths should be applied diagonally over each eye and crisscrossed over the forehead. The nurse will demonstrate how to do this before you leave recovery. 

Daily Care

This care will be reviewed the morning following your surgery:

    1. Go over suture lines inside the nose three times daily with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip. After this, apply a liberal amount of Vaseline ointment again with a Q-tip. The stitches inside the nose are dissolvable, and keeping them lubricated helps quicken the process.
    2. You may shower the second day following surgery, but keeping the tape and splint on your nose dry at all times is important. Baths are a better choice for most people. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo.
    3. Be sure to immediately report any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, infection, redness, fever, unusual drainage, or pain.
    4. Stitches, if present, will be removed on the seventh day after surgery.
    5. Following the removal of the tape and splint, gently wash your nose twice a day for a few days to help reduce oiliness.

What to Expect

  • Swelling: Swelling will vary from patient to patient. Swelling may actually increase the first three to four days before subsiding. When your splint is removed at the one-week point, your nose may appear fat and turned up too much- this is to be expected. Most of your swelling should resolve over the first two to three weeks. You can expect, however, to experience minor fluctuations in the remaining swelling over the next two to three months. To minimize swelling, follow these steps: keep your head elevated as much as possible for the first two to three weeks, avoid bending over or heavy lifting for the first three weeks, and limit prolonged sun exposure for the first two to three months.
  • Discoloration: Bruising, like swelling, will vary from person to person. Most bruising and discoloration should resolve over the first two weeks. With Dr. Hamilton’s permission, makeup can be applied 10 to 14 days after surgery.
  • Numbness: Your nose will be numb following surgery. This is normal and will subside over the coming weeks to months. Unusual sensations, pins and needles, and occasionally mild discomfort may occur as these nerves regenerate over time.
  •  Bleeding: If bleeding does occur, lie down with your head elevated. Try to relax. You may take a pain pill or a Valium. Place cool compresses over your eyes just as you did after surgery. You may apply light pressure to the side of each of your noses. Wait 15 minutes. If bleeding persists, please contact our office.
  • Depression: It is not uncommon for patients to go through a period of mild depression after cosmetic surgery. This typically occurs the second week after surgery, while some of the swelling and bruising persists, yet the patient is anxious to see a final result. Realize this is a temporary condition, and things will improve. Focus on diligently following the wound care as well as other activities to help divert your mind.
  • Eye Glasses: Eyeglasses may be worn with the splint in place. Once the splint is removed, they should be either suspended from the forehead or supported on the cheek for six weeks. This is critical—pressure on the nose may change its final shape. Contact lenses may be inserted the week after surgery.

*Cool compresses should be applied across the eyes for the first 48 hours after surgery. This involves using multiple washcloths and a basin filled with ice water. The washcloths should be changed out of the basins every twenty to thirty minutes to keep them cool. The washcloths should be applied diagonally over each eye and crisscrossed over the forehead. The nurse will demonstrate how to do this before you leave recovery. 

Restrictions

  1. No strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
  2. No heavy lifting for three weeks.
  3. No pullover clothing for two weeks.
  4. Avoid hard chewing foods for two weeks.
  5. Avoid yawning or opening your mouth wide for two weeks.
  6. Avoid blowing your nose or sniffing through your nose for two weeks.
  7. Use a baby toothbrush on the upper teeth for two weeks following surgery.
  8. If you sneeze, do so with your mouth open for two weeks.
  9. No driving for one, preferably two weeks after surgery.
  10. No contact sports for six weeks.

Finally

The healing time for nasal surgery is often less than expected, and the results are worth the wait. While swelling should be completely gone after four to six weeks, your healing will continue for the entire first year. Dr. Hamilton will follow you through this entire process, but be patient. Please do not hesitate to contact our office.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Indianapolis, IN?

procedure-cost

The cost of Rhinoplasty in Indianapolis will depend on the extent of treatment required, the type of rhinoplasty procedure selected, and facility fees. Dr. Hamilton seeks to make facial surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. We accept cash, major credit cards, and personal checks for rhinoplasty procedures to accommodate this.

Why Choose Dr. Hamilton?

Dr. Mark Hamilton, F.A.C.S., is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing solely in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. As a recognized leader and one of the top physicians in America in his field, Dr. Hamilton has authored multiple publications and lectured widely to his colleagues on all aspects of facial plastic surgery. Dr. Hamilton has been selected by his peers as one of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine’s “Top Docs” annually for over a decade and has been recognized by Castle Connolly as one of the “Top Physicians” in America for his work in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is actively involved in resident teaching at the IU School of Medicine and serves as a clinical assistant professor there.

Dr. Hamilton graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University and received his MD degree. He received a merit-based scholarship during his medical school years and was recognized nationally for his research. He completed his Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at Saint Louis University and followed this with a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Indiana University. Dr. Hamilton is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABO) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). He recertified in Facial Plastic Surgery in 2019 and received the highest score in the nation on the written exam.

Questions to ask before Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty FAQ’S

  • Enjoy the friendly, professional, knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery.

    Dr Hamilton and his staff’s expertise will help you to look years younger without letting everyone know your secrets.

    Enjoy the friendly, professional, knowledgeable staff at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery.

  • All personnel very kind and considerate.

    All personnel very kind and considerate.

    Dr Hamilton extremely informative and forth right. I was recommended to this practice and would highly recommend the same to others.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Hamilton and his staff.

    The staff is professional and highly knowledgeable. I leave the office feeling fully informed. I feel confident in both Dr. Hamilton and the staff’s abilities. I highly recommend Dr. Hamilton and his staff.

Schedule Your Consultation

A rhinoplasty consultation with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is necessary to ensure you make the best decision for your face. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hamilton in Indianapolis, please contact either of the Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery locations to serve the Indianapolis area easily. You may call us at 317-614-0639 (Carmel) or 317-210-4339 (Greenwood), or please complete our online booking form.

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