Dr. Mark Barlow MD, Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Clear Lake, Texas

450 Medical Center Blvd., Suite 207, Webster, Texas 77598

(281) 333-8999

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Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and/or function of the nose. There may be features of your nose you dislike or you may have suffered an injury, which changed your nose. Rhinoplasty allows modification of the shape and size of the nose. A deviated septum can make breathing through the nose difficult or impossible. In many cases, insurance will pay for correction of the deviation, known as septoplasty. Dr. Barlow strives to provide a natural-looking result while effectively improving your function and appearance.

During your personalized consultation, Dr. Barlow will discuss your nasal concerns with you. Together, you will formulate a surgical plan. Photographs will be taken as they facilitate the surgical planning of your procedure. Of course, you will have ample time to have your questions answered.

During your second consultation, any questions you may still have will be answered and your plan reviewed. Your post-operative course will be emphasized as you are prepared for surgery.

The next office visit will be your pre-operative appointment. This will occur approximately two weeks prior to your surgery. Your current health status will be reviewed, Dr. Barlow will complete a pre-operative physical examination and you will receive prescriptions. You will also have the risk, benefits and alternatives to your surgery explained to you. Your post-operative appointment schedule will be given to you at the time of your pre-operative visit. You will then register at the hospital.

The surgery, itself, is typically performed as a day surgery at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital under general anesthesia. A rhinoplasty can take between two and four hours to complete. Dr. Barlow performs open rhinoplasties, meaning an incision will be made in the columella (skin between the nostrils). You will awaken with tapes on the outer skin of your nose, and possibly a splint. If septal work has been performed, nasal packing will also be present for four or five days. Following the procedure, will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit to begin the recovery process. After continuing to recover in the Outpatient Surgery Unit, you will be discharged home. You will need to have a responsible individual drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours following surgery.

Although all surgical procedures have discomfort, most patients find that this procedure is very well tolerated. You will be provided with a prescription for pain medication for your comfort. Difficulty breathing through the nose is common and can be disconcerting until you learn to breath through your mouth. Your first visit is usually on the fifth post-operative day, at which time any nasal packing will be removed. Columellar sutures are also removed during this visit. You will be seen weekly for the first month, biweekly for the next month and then at four and six months. After that, you will be seen each year for an annual review of your condition.

A variable amount of bruising and swelling can be expected. Bruises may take a few days to appear. Swelling typically improves daily but will likely be noticeable to you for several weeks. The tip of the nose and the skin between the nostrils will remain swollen and firm for months. Numbness around the incisions and nasal tip is also common and may take months to resolve. As with all invasive procedures, your scars will take time to fade. Scars are not typically considered fully mature for over a year. In fact, it will take a year for the nose to recover from the surgery.

You will be restricted from exercising for a month following your surgery. This will allow your body time to recover from the surgery and avoid any unnecessarily prolonged swelling. During the early recovery period, increased activity will often lead to increased swelling.

Dr. Barlow looks forward to meeting with you and discussing your options. Call or e-mail today to schedule your appointment!

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