As you may suspect, the answer is dependent on what needs to be done. There are minimally invasive techniques such as injection of fillers that can be used to fine tune nasal shape in a nonpermanent, lower cost, easier recovery manner. Although not typically dramatic change, this could be a good starting point for someone with minor aesthetic issues who is not quite sure if surgical intervention is necessary. An injection may help guide this patient's ultimate decision to proceed with surgery, continue with injections alone, or do nothing.

However, most patients who present for nose surgery have more significant aesthetic issues that are best treated with surgery. The surgery may involve altering bone, and/or cartilage. It may involve altering any region of the nose (the base, the top, the bottom). Cartilage grafts may be recommended. The options are truly staggering. Dr. Albright will help simplify and explain why one approach may be best in your specific case. An individualized surgical plan will be created, and he will make sure you are comfortable with this plan.

Yes it can. For the majority of patients, breathing will either stay the same or improve. A small minority of patients however, can develop worsening breathing through the nostrils depending on postoperative scarring. Dr. Albright will assess for underlying breathing problems present before surgery, as these may become more pronounced after surgery. If you have concerns about nasal breathing, come in today to discuss it with Dr. Albright.

Rhinoplasty is notorious for having a slow recovery. The reasons for this are occasionally unpredictable scarring and very predictable swelling. The face has robust blood flow and has a tendency to swell with injury. For most nose surgery patients, the surgical techniques involved (such as elevating the skin of the nose off of it's underlying structures) creates significant injury and therefore significant swelling. 6-8 months is common and occasionally out to 12 months. While the swelling resolves, the breathing will typically improve, and the tissues are developing mature scars. Scar maturation takes 8-12 months.  After one year, the final result should be apparent.