If you are interested in reshaping your nose for cosmetic purposes or you want to improve your breathing ability, then rhinoplasty at Shah Aesthetic Surgery may be the right treatment path for you. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Manish Shah provides services for patients near Cherry Creek and South Denver.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty refers to an invasive surgery used to correct the features of the nose. At Shah Aesthetic Surgery, we provide three main types of rhinoplasties:
- Cosmetic: minor to moderate corrections to improve the shape and appearance of the nose
- Functional: corrections to improve breathing function
- Reconstructive: corrections to reshape the nose after trauma or cancer removal
Why would someone get rhinoplasty?
Men and women have a wide variety of reasons for participating in rhinoplasty surgery, and those reasons are personal and unique. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons, clearing the nasal airways, or achieving a natural-looking nose after trauma, Dr. Shah can provide desirable and natural-looking results. After performing initial examinations, collecting your personal history, and listening to your goals, Dr. Shah will help you develop a customized rhinoplasty procedure to help meet your expectations.
Am I an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?
Both men and women are excellent candidates for rhinoplasty surgery if they meet the following criteria:
- They have completed the midface growth period: typically 14 years of age for girls and 17 years of age for boys
- They are in good health
- They have realistic expectations for rhinoplasty results
- They are fully committed to the surgical process
Rhinoplasty at Shah Aesthetic Surgery is not designed to create drastic changes to the nose but rather minor to moderate improvements that harmonize with the facial structure as a whole. Since rhinoplasty produces long-lasting results, patients should have the mindset that they are seeking nasal improvements for their own benefit and not for others. Individuals who are pregnant or who have blood-clotting disorders, immunological conditions, or cancer may not qualify for rhinoplasty surgery.
What can I expect during the initial consultation?
During the initial assessment, Dr. Shah will take pictures of your nose from various angles and upload the images into rhinoplasty simulation software. The results will help Dr. Shah determine and recommend the best surgical approach while revealing to the patient what outcomes are possible and what are not. Although the simulation is close to accurate, the software results may not guarantee identical results in person.
What is the surgical process like?
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed in the comforts of one of our private operating rooms at Shah Aesthetic Surgery. Since rhinoplasty is invasive, patients will be placed under general anesthesia and will be unconscious for the entire procedure. Dr. Shah strategically creates incisions where necessary for optimal access while minimizing scarring. Once the procedure is complete, the patient may return home the same day for recovery.
What is the recovery period like after rhinoplasty?
Typically, it takes patients six weeks to recover after rhinoplasty surgery. Depending on the surgical procedure selected, patients may return home with a bandage or a splint placed on their nose for the first week. Patients should expect bruising, tenderness, and swelling during the first few days, and patients should consider taking the first week off from regular activities to rest. Patients are expected to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or physical exercise, that could damage or swell nasal tissues. Once the swelling goes down, patients will begin to notice their rhinoplasty results.
Can I eat after rhinoplasty surgery?
For the first week, patients should eat foods that are bland and easy to chew. Examples include:
- Soda crackers
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Scrambled Eggs
Soft foods prevent excessive movement of the nasal passages to allow for optimal healing and to minimize swelling.
Learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty in South Denver
If you reside near South Denver or Cherry Creek, CO, and wish to learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty surgery, contact our team at Shah Aesthetic Surgery and schedule a consultation. Dr. Manish Shah will walk you through an introduction to rhinoplasty surgery, discuss your goals, and assess your current and past medical history to ascertain if rhinoplasty surgery is right for you.
