Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper – Charlotte’s Top Rhinoplasty Specialists
In order to deliver the best possible results for all of their rhinoplasty patients, Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper take the time to develop highly personalized treatment plans. By taking into account each individual’s facial characteristics, aesthetic concerns, and desires, Dr. Graper and Dr. Harper tailor each treatment to realize the patient’s aesthetic dreams.
Rhinoplasty: What Is It?
Rhinoplasty is the medical name for reshaping the nose. It is a cosmetic procedure that is different than surgery to improve the nasal airway, which is a functional or reconstructive procedure. Frequently, the procedures are done together.
Rhinoplasty Overview
During your consultation, we will take a medical history, discuss what you would like to change about your nose, examine the structure and support of your nose, look for nasal airway problems, and finally, photograph your nose. From these photographs, we will make computer images of your current nasal shape. Using the images and your physical exam, we will be able to make a diagnosis as to what is causing the nasal shape to be unsatisfactory. We will then morph the nasal shape based on your facial proportions and your goals to give you an idea of what is possible, given your basic nasal structure. We must be careful to note that the images are a goal, not a guarantee.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis using twilight anesthesia, in which the patients are breathing on their own but feel no pain and have no memory of the procedure. Operative time is approximately two hours, depending on the changes being made. Our Charlotte rhinoplasty patients go home the same day with a splint on the outside of the nose to protect its new shape. They may also have an internal splint. These splints are removed approximately five days later. After the surgery, swelling will resolve rapidly and will be 80% gone at 6 weeks. However, the remaining 20% may take a year to resolve entirely.
The dynamics of nasal surgery are very complicated and we must be realistic about what we can achieve. Nasal skin thickness and bone structure determine what is possible for each nose. Using your actual photo with computer imaging, we will show you what we believe is an achievable appearance for your nose. Your nose will not be perfect, but it will be safely, predictably, and reliably much improved.
