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504-264-7833 Appointment

Rhinoplasty
In New Orleans

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Also known as a “nose job”

Rhinoplasty changes the appearance of your nose to address its shape, improve your breathing, or a combination of the two. This treatment can involve changing the skin, cartilage, and bone in your nose to produce the most effective results, creating a more harmonized, proportional nose. Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery specializes in a wide array of rhinoplasty procedures, including cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, and male rhinoplasty.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Harmony & Symmetry To The Face

At Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery in New Orleans Rhinoplasty is an effective cosmetic and functional procedure that can help create harmony and symmetry to the face while also improving nasal breathing should this be an issue. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can include multiple aspects, including correction of a large nasal hump, a crooked nose, wide or upturned nostrils, a flattened nose, or a droopy or bulbous nasal tip. The goal of rhinoplasty is to harmonize the structure of your nose with the rest of your face, allowing you to gain confidence in your appearance. Simultaneously, maintaining or improving your breathing through your nose is equally essential. One of the advantages of undergoing rhinoplasty with a facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Melancon is her in-depth understanding of nasal proportions without compromising nasal breathing.

Dr. Melancon, Facial Plastic Surgeon New Orleans

Why Dr. Melancon?

Dr. Melancon has spent a considerable amount of time fine-tuning her cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty skills, making her an expert in the field.

She trained under world-renowned rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Russell Kridel and has developed her own unique approach to rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgeries in the face and neck and takes dedicated training to perfect its nuances. Dr. Melancon has dedicated the time and is well known for her precision, eye for beauty and proportion, and appreciation for the nasal airway.

Male Rhinoplasty

The male nose usually has a straight, prominent bridge with a nasal tip at a 90-degree angle, while female noses usually have softer bridges and wider angles at the tip. Male rhinoplasty is specifically designed to preserve the masculinity of the nose while also addressing issues with nasal proportion and breathing.

ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY

SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES FOR RE-SHAPING

Ethnic rhinoplasty requires specific unique techniques for reshaping the nose that differ at times from traditional Rhinoplasty. Ethnic rhinoplasty focuses on maintaining aspects of your ethnic identity or family features while still meeting your goals for rhinoplasty. Sometimes, for example, in ethnic rhinoplasty, you might wish to maintain a small hump. You can also request improvements to flat noses, wide noses, flared nostrils, or other similar features without changing your overall ethnic identity.

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You may find that you’re unhappy with the width or shape of your nose and feel it doesn’t fit with the rest of your face.

Alternatively, you may have had trauma to your nose and now have trouble breathing. In either case, rhinoplasty may be an excellent option for you. To determine whether you are a candidate for Rhinoplasty in New Orleans, you will need to book a consultation with Dr. Melancon, who will examine you, review your medical history, and discuss a possible surgical plan. This kind of surgery is most effective after your nose has finished growing, as your nose can change during growth, such as during puberty. Contact Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment.

Rhinoplasty patient in hat

Consultation and Preparation

At your New Orleans Rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Melancon and the team at Audubon will learn about your aesthetic and functional goals and discuss what you would like to achieve with this surgery. We will review your medical history and answer any questions you might have regarding the procedure. Dr. Melancon will perform an exam and make suggestions on what she believes would be an ideal plan for treatment. If you decide that this procedure is the best option for you, we will schedule your surgery and give you detailed information on how to prepare. This typically involves pausing certain medications and clearing your schedule for several days post-surgery. Blood thinning medications, some herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, and alcohol should all be avoided for several days since they can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Smoking makes the healing process very challenging, so we require smoking cessation leading up to surgery and for a period afterward.

What Happens During Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Melancon Will Design Well-Hidden Incisions

In most cases, during Rhinoplasty New Orleans patients will be under general anesthesia. The surgery itself can take two to four hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the problem. Dr. Melancon will design well-hidden incisions to access the bone and cartilage in your nose during the surgery. She will next adjust, reposition, and trim the necessary skin, cartilage, and bone according to the plan she customized for you.

After completing the corrections, the incisions are then meticulously sutured closed. Dr. Melancon will then place a hard cast or splint on the external portion of your nose for protection and soft nasal packing on the inside of your nose. She will remove the packing in your nose in the first couple of days and the external cast about a week later.

Profile of rhinoplasty patient

Recovery from Rhinoplasty

You will need to sleep with your head elevated. Dr. Melancon recommends that you take at least one to two weeks off from your daily obligations.

It’s important to avoid lifting heavy objects, bending over, wearing glasses, or participating in any activities that can put pressure on your healing nose. After Rhinoplasty surgery, you may experience your nose and the surrounding area will be bruised, sore, and swollen. While a good portion of the swelling will fade in the first two weeks, it takes almost three months for about 80 percent of the swelling to go down, and it can take up to a year, if not longer, for subtle swelling to completely fade.

Rhinoplasty Results, and Aftercare

gradually see the changed shape

Because of the splints and cast on your nose, the results will not be visible right away. However, after they are removed, your nose will still be quite swollen, making it difficult to see the extent of the results. You will gradually see the changed shape in your nose over the next year. You should notice improved breathing once the packing is gone and as the swelling in the nose decreases with time.

It's very important to follow each of the guidelines given by your surgeon and support staff during your recovery. Keeping swelling to a minimum is key, so icing and sleeping position are both crucial for several days. Ice should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes on the nose and under the eyes, around every 2 to 3 hours while you are awake. We recommend keeping this up for 3 to 4 days. You should also sleep on your back in a slightly elevated position for at least a week. In most cases, by the end of the first week, your external splint will be removed. At this point, if you’re comfortable, you could return to work or social activities. Strenuous activity or exercise will still need to wait a few weeks, and you should be cleared by your surgeon before you proceed. Great healing usually means great outcomes, so following these instructions should further boost the chances of a successful Rhinoplasty recovery.

Consultation for Rhinoplasty in New Orleans

New Orleans Rhinoplasty at Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery

We can effectively improve the shape of your nose and your breathing. If you're considering rhinoplasty New Orleans facial plastic surgeon Dr. Claire Melancon is one of the country's top experts in successful cosmetic, functional, ethnic, and male rhinoplasty. To find out more, call, text, or email to set up your consultation today.

Rhinoplasty FAQ

When should you get rhinoplasty?

You may be unhappy with the size or shape of your nose and want it to fit your facial proportions better. In this case, Rhinoplasty can offer the solution you’re looking for. If you have had trauma to your nose and have trouble breathing, you will likely need nose surgery to repair the damage.

What are the risks associated with Rhinoplasty?

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, rhinoplasty is one of the lowest-risk procedures, and complications are extremely rare. Any surgery, especially those that involve anesthesia, does carry some risk, including infection, bleeding, and anesthesia allergy. However, the risk is very low in the hands of a double board-certified plastic surgeon.

Is Rhinoplasty permanent?

Yes, the results of the procedure are permanent and should only need revision if the patient decides they want to adjust the results. Rhinoplasty typically blends in well with the natural aging process.

How long after Rhinoplasty can I wear glasses?

This depends on the style of frames that you typically wear. Lightweight frames can usually be worn within 1 to 2 weeks, but heavier frames should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. There are many products online that are designed to redistribute frame weight and allow you to wear your glasses sooner.

Will I need to have someone drive me home following my Rhinoplasty?

Yes, whether performed under sedation or general anesthesia, it will take time to recover, so you will need someone to drive you home, and it's best to have some assistance for about 24 hours.

How long after Rhinoplasty should I sleep on my back?

It's important for the healing process to relieve pressure and avoid swelling after surgery by sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated. We recommend this position for at least a week or longer if it's a position you can tolerate.

How long is the recovery after Rhinoplasty?

In most cases, the average recovery time for rhinoplasty is 7 to 10 days. After 10 days, swelling will be nearly gone, and bruising should be minimal. Following icing and medication guidelines is always best to help accelerate your recovery time.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

There will be swelling and bruising that will likely make you feel tender and sore, but these symptoms should be mild. You will have a pain prescription to ease your discomfort.

Will you have scars?

Dr. Melancon makes most Rhinoplasty incisions inside the nose, which means they will not be visible. Any incisions made on the skin outside of your nose are usually tucked into the natural folds of your nose to minimize their visibility, plus they will fade over time. Dr. Melancon is meticulous in the placement of her sutures to minimize scarring, and she follows along with her patients during the entire course of healing to maximize outcomes.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

Due to the complexity of the surgery and the variations involved, the cost will vary from patient to patient. If needed, there is financing available through outside companies. Please call or visit Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery for an estimated quote.

At Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery, we know one of the most challenging parts of this process is the first step. We are a welcoming, restful place for you to come and learn about all the ways you can live life to the fullest and be the most beautiful you. Call or click to schedule a consultation to learn how you can breathe easy at Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery.

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery
6001 Magazine Street, Ste D, New Orleans LA 70118

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery - Northshore Location 1090 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville LA 70471

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504-264-7833

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery
6001 Magazine Street, Ste D,
New Orleans LA 70118

Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery - Northshore Location
1090 W. Causeway Approach,
Mandeville LA 70471

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Phone: 504-264-7833

Fax: 504-345-2030

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Friday: 8am - 3pm
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