Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Information in Indiana

Before and After Rhinoplasty Your results may vary.

Whether you were born with a nose that is too large, bumpy or crooked for your taste or if you've had an injury or accident that has damaged the appearance and function of your nose, Rhinoplasty can repair, reshape and refine your nose. At both our Schererville and Valparaiso, Indiana plastic surgery offices, Dr. Galante performs nose surgery to give you a proportional, sculpted nose bringing all of your facial features into balance.

In Indiana, Rhinoplasty can be performed on girls and boys as young as 15. Because of growth spurts during the teen years, it is important to know that many teenagers outgrow the dislike of their noses. Unless there is significant damage to the nose from an injury or breakage, nose surgery is not recommended at a younger age as the nose is not completely formed until the teen years.

Each nose is as individual as the person who wears it. What is pleasing to one patient will not suit another. For this reason, the consultation for your nose surgery is very important. In your consultation with Dr. Galante at our Indiana cosmetic surgery office, you will want to specifically discuss the changes you desire. Bring pictures with you of nose shapes and sizes you find pleasing. You will also need to inform Dr. Galante of any prior surgery or trauma to your nose and if you suffer from allergies. If you are a singer or actor, you will want to discuss the impact Rhinoplasty may have on your vocal production.

At our Indiana plastic surgery offices, Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure. Nose surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery and Dr. Galante's recommendation. Rhinoplasty procedures usually take less than two hours.

Your Rhinoplasty surgery will be tailored for your specific goals, and Dr. Galante will discuss the exact procedure during your consultation. Typically, an incision is made inside the rim of the nostril. An additional tiny incision may be used under the nose to perform an open rhinoplasty to better visualize and sculpt the cartilages. After the cartilages are shaped, repositioning of the bones may be necessary to acheive an optimal contour. The nostrils can be narrowed and reshaped as well.

Many Indiana patients have surprisingly little pain after nose surgery, and any discomfort can be eased with medication.

The healing process, amount of stitches, and use of splints will depend on your specific procedure and will be discussed during your consultation. Splints are used when the size of the nose is reduced to reinforce the new shape. Your nose may be packed with gauze and tape may be used for support if a splint is not necessary. Stitches are typically self absorbing and do not require removal.

Swelling and bruising are normal and will last a few weeks. You will want to sleep with your head elevated for the first few days after surgery to reduce additional swelling. Bruising will start to fade after 72 hours and should be completely gone in 10 days. You will be able to resume light activities after a few days, but you will need to avoid vigorous activities for several weeks. Activities that could potentially damage the nose, like ball sports, should be avoided until the nose is completely healed.

Rhinoplasty has a long recovery period and requires a certain amount of patience. Your final outcome will not be complete for many months, and your nose may continue to change for up to a year. Once your nose is completely healed, changes from Rhinoplasty will be permanent.

Not everyone is a candidate for nose surgery in Indiana. Having realistic expectations about the impact surgery will have on your life is important, and other factors like skin tone, bone and cartilage structure can also be factors. Dr. Galante will discuss your expectations and evaluate your case during your consultation.

If nose surgery is necessary to alleviate breathing problems or is due to certain injuries, some insurance companies will cover part or all of the costs. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company and to arrange payment. In cases where Rhinoplasty is for cosmetic reasons only, it will not be covered by insurance, so fees and expenses are solely the responsibility of the patient. For your convenience, we offer links to patient financing online.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Galante at either his Schererville or Valparaiso, Indiana, plastic surgery offices, please call 800-721-3244 or contact us online to begin your journey to the confidence no body can resist.