Rhinoplasty FAQ
Nose reshaping surgery is performed in our Delaware plastic surgery center to enhance the size and shape of your nose in a way that complements your facial structure.
How does Dr. deLeeuw know how I want my nose to look after rhinoplasty surgery?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. deLeeuw will discuss your expectations and then, using digital photography, will create a computer simulation of your "new" nose. Each person's nose is sculpted to their specifications and balanced to their facial proportions, so the end result is very individual and natural.Where are the incisions placed?
Incisions are generally made inside of the nose, but in some cases may be made under the nasal septum. In any case, the incisions are generally invisible.Will my nose be packed or splinted?
Because Dr. deLeeuw is performing a cosmetic procedure and carefully sculpts the shape of your nose, he generally does not use packing. At the end of the procedure, the nose is taped with steristrips (slightly stretchy paper tapes) and covered with a molded plastic splint. The tapes and splint remain in place for one week after surgery. The tapes and splint are removed at this time. In some cases, your nose may be retaped for a few additional days.What are my restrictions after nose surgery?
After cosmetic nose surgery you may not have glasses resting on your nose for several weeks. For the first few days, you should not bend forward at the waist (squatting with knees flexed is OK), blow your nose or insert anything, such as cotton swabs, into your nose. You may notice a small amount of dried blood inside your nostrils. Once your splint is removed, you may gently begin cleaning just inside your nostrils with Vaseline and a cotton swab.Is the procedure painful?
Most patients say that the procedure is NOT painful. They often describe a "stuffy" feeling, similar to a head cold. We do provide narcotic pain medication to all patients, but may patients find that Tylenol or Advil is sufficient. Some patients may not be able to breathe through their nose initially, but this generally resolves in a short period of time.Will I be bruised?
Most patients experience some bruising and swelling. This generally resolves in 1-2 weeks.VitaMedica: Helping you Heal Faster
It is widely understood that wound healing, whether from accidental injury or surgery, is impeded by nutritional deficiencies. Because it is our goal to promote wound healing as quickly as possible, we have incorporated nutritional supplements into our pre and post operative care. Patients are instructed to discontinue all supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery because of the potential risk of bleeding or anesthesia interactions with their supplements. We provide all of our surgery patients with VitaMedica nutritional supplements to facilitate healing and reduce bruising and swelling postoperatively. Vitamedica was developed by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist who understands the importance of supplement interactions with anesthesia and improved patient nutrition before and after surgery. This program, designed to create optimal nutritional support for cosmetic surgery patients, includes a special 2 week presurgery supplement program containing Arnica and Bromelaine, ingredients believed to reduce bruising and swelling following surgery. The 2 week post op program reintroduces vitamin E which was contraindicated preoperatively. VitaMedica also offers complete Age Management and healthy skin supplements which will also be available in our office. Learn MoreThe same "before" and "after" results may not occur for all patients
