Nasal Contouring  Consultation/FAQ's

Reshapes and sculpts irregularities of the nose, balancing facial appearance. This may include the correction of a breathing obstruction.

Our meeting is the first step in bringing you closer to feeling good about yourself. It is always exciting and at the same time anxiety producing when going for the consultation.
But, congratulations, it is now complete.

My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years has allowed me to fine tune and think about every aspect of your care. I take great pride in my work and want my patients, you, to be extremely pleased with your results. How we achieve a content family of patients is by planning each step of your journey. The consultation was the starting point. From here we set up a day of surgery that fits into your schedule. My office staff will smooth the way for you. You will receive care instructions before the surgery that outlines what we both can do to improve your results and make you comfortable before, during and after surgery. Your prescriptions will also be written for you before the surgery so you can arrive home and not worry about how to get your medicines. These will be accompanied by guidelines informing you how and when to use these medicines.

I will meet you before the surgery and be with you as you are being sedated. It is my task to look out for your well being, which I take very seriously. Once the procedure has started my aim is to do the very best I can for you. I do not rush through surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the best outcome. I am often asked how long surgery will take. My only answer is as long as I need for both of us to be satisfied with the outcome. Rushing though one surgery to get to another is not how I take care of my patients. Often I will only do one major surgery a day. Not only have I studied and continue to learn and grow, but I keep my physical being in excellent condition as would an athlete prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted me with your care and as such I consider you unique. No two surgeries are ever the same; each is tailored to match your particular needs. The human form is the highest form of art. Once the healing has been completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery. As you awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining close a contact after the procedure, coupled with personalized and frequent evaluations in my office will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of satisfaction with the way they look and feel is what drives my office. We look forward to your joining our satisfied family of patients.

When is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and skin wise.  Having a procedure when there is something to correct is better than waiting forever.

Are there any other treatments that will improve my appearance and results?
Definitely- Good skin care and the proper skin care products will get your skin in the best shape before surgery and maintain it afterwards.  We have superb skin care aestheticians who will evaluate your skin and recommend the proper care for you. 

Where is the surgery performed?
Surgical Center or Bridgeport Hospital         

What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a medical evaluation by your family physician to ensure that you are in the best possible shape.

Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable throughout the operation.  Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you receive during the operation will be minimized.  By putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure and amount of oxygen will be optimized.                            

Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes- Each cigarette lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body and smoke is toxic. So, smoking causes the skin to heal poorly and the complications associated with smoking are tremendous.  Even second hand smoke during the weeks before surgery and after will adversely affect your results.  Stopping is a must before and after any operation.

How long will the surgery take?
My objective is to give you my best effort.  That means not rushing through your surgery to do someone else.  I take my time and like to be meticulous.  There are many things that must be done before the operation can even start.  Washing and preparing the area, making sure that your body is well cushioned and your legs are placed in special boots to compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to clean your face and apply a special dressing.  But rest assured that being asleep for hours is generally very safe so the 2 ½-3 hours you sleep will be just fine. I will also wait around in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.

What can I expect?
The nose has to be balanced to match the features of your face.  Usually, the top of the nose is lowered, the width is brought in, and the tip is sculpted to give a better shape. 

Will I bruise and swell after surgery?
With any surgery there is a degree of swelling and bruising.  The areas next to the nose will also bruise.  Although not everyone gets lower lid bruising, do not be surprised is it happens.  Usually, the discoloration starts to fade to green, then yellow and is gone between 1 and 2 weeks.

Where are the scars?
There is a scar on the bottom of the nose.  Occasionally, I need to bring in the nostril which places a scar in the grooves of where the nose meets the cheeks. 

How long will I wear a bandage?
I will put a splint on top of the nose which will be in place for 6-8 days.  There will be a small pad under your nose for the first 2-3 days to catch any drippings. You will change this pad as necessary over this time period.  Sometimes the splint loosens after a few days. Place a piece of paper tape, skin tape, over the splint.  Even if it falls off, just replace it with tape. 

When can I shower?
Usually the day after surgery you can shower; however, it is best to not let the water hit you face or the splint will loosen.  Bathes are not a good idea for 3 weeks after surgery so as to keep your swelling down.   

Will my nose hurt?
Generally, there is minimal discomfort.  You will note stuffiness but there should be very mild or not discomfort. 

When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 7-10 days.  Bruising is variable and usually located in the around the lids.  Seeing your best friends after 10 days is good, but I would wait at least 2 weeks before meeting new acquaintances. After 2 weeks you will look presentable.  After 3 weeks much better than before surgery but you still have another 3-4 weeks for 50% of the swelling to subside.  It is not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery.  This will help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal. 

What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what medicines to stay away from and which vitamins to take.  Not allowing anyone to smoke in your presence for weeks. Using ice and cool compresses often, resting, low salt diet and having a positive attitude go a long way to assisting your recovery. 

When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office within 4-8 days. There will be multiple visits, 2-4 which are included in your care, to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.

Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer, as there is never a rush, you may owe a bit more for the operating room and anesthesia.  However, if future surgery or procedures are necessary then there are additional fees for anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon. 

Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of you.  We appreciate your trust and confidence in us and do not take it lightly.  My aim is to refine your nose by blending it with your other features. A natural look is always best; especially one that maintains your personal facial identity.  Looking as good on the outside as you feel on the inside is what we will accomplish together.

If you have additional questions we are available to answer them. 

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.