Rhinoplasty

The first step in finding out more about a rhinoplasty is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with Dr. Duerr. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered. You will have the opportunity to tell the doctor the type of nose you envision for yourself. Feel free to bring a photo of a celebrity or other person who has what you consider to be the perfect nose for you. At our office, we have many photographs to help you through the process, including people with a similar facial structure or nose issue, so you can see the "before and after."

During your personalized consultation for a nose job at Doctors Memorial Hospital, Dr. Duerr will ask you about your medical history, as well as any issue of substance abuse, tobacco use, or alcohol use. Furthermore, you will need to bring in all medications and supplements you currently take. Part of the consultation involves a full and accurate medical history. Tell Dr. Duerr about any past surgeries, procedures, and complications you have experienced in your life. He can then make a decision based upon your general health, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure – most people are.

During your consultation, Dr. Duerr will make recommendations about best course of action to take for your nose job to achieve the most attractive result. Every person is different, and the nose structure may need to be altered significantly or just minimally, depending upon what needs to be achieved. He will also advise you about any further cosmetic procedures available to give you the best possible appearance, such as a facelift, neck lift, brow lift, or chin augmentation. After settling on the expected type of nose job to be performed, Dr. Duerr and the Doctors Memorial Hospital Cosmetic Surgery care team will take photographs of your face for comparison and preparation purposes.

The Evening & Morning Before Rhinoplasty Surgery

As with all surgeries, you will need to stop eating and drinking fluids for a specific period of time the evening prior to your nose job, most often midnight. In some cases, defined by your physician, you may need to take certain medications with a small sip of water, e.g. beta-blockers, cholesterol medications, or other medicines.

For the least possible chance for infection, shower with an anti-microbial soap the evening before your nose job surgery. This removes and discourages the growth of bacteria on the surface of your skin. Try not to cause too much irritation of the face, specifically the nose, while scrubbing. Repeat this process the morning before the procedure. Don’t wear nasal or any facial piercing to the hospital. We don’t want them to get lost, and they may have bacteria on them.

The Rhinoplasty Surgery

The procedure will begin with a brief consultation with the nursing staff. They will review your adherence to the guidelines in relation to smoking, eating, drinking, and bathing the evening before and day of your procedure. When you go into the operating room, you will be administered the appropriate anesthesia. Most often, Dr. Duerr prefers to work with general anesthesia; however, local anesthetics can also be used. With local anesthetic, you will hear the surgery being performed. This may be stressful and frightening and most patients are more comfortable with general anesthesia.

Dr. Duerr will begin making the incisions for the procedure once you’re sedated. In order to reduce the appearance of scars, the incisions will be made on the interior of the nose. Tiny incisions may be required where the nostrils (nares) meet the cheek for changes made in the shape, size, and appearance of large or misshapen nostrils. Dr. Duerr will reshape your nose to match the vision you expressed in your consultation. He desires to give you only the best rhinoplasty the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Most nose jobs require several hours if other procedures will be performed at the same time. After closing the incisions and addressing any issues with the nasal wall, or septum, you will be sent to the recovery room.

All medical procedures carry risks. These are some of the most common risks of Rhinoplasty.

Bleeding: Due to the incisions made, bleeding may occur. If excessive bleeding or a dramatic decrease in energy occurs, please contact your surgeon immediately. If unable to contact your physician, go to the nearest emergency room.

Damage to the Septum: Depending on the extent of the nose job, you may develop an injury or hole in your septum. This can be corrected by the physician.

Subpar Results & Decrease in Skin Quality: The healing process varies for each person. In some cases, the skin may not heal appropriately.

Obstruction of Nasal Passages: While rare, the procedure can result in a blockage caused by the amount of swelling in the nose.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Remember to move around to maintain proper circulation. A DVT refers to a large blood clot formed deep inside veins in the body. If it becomes dislodged, it can result in many problems including stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Anesthesia Complications: Some people may suffer from problems caused by the anesthesia. This can best be prevented by discussing any past surgeries during the consultation. Advise Dr. Duerr if you have a history of anesthesia complications.