Close to 50, and never having had surgery in my life, I was a bit nervous, and wanted to make sure I selected the best surgeon for the job possible. The job - to help me stop snoring before my wife throws me in the backyard! I mean, I like to camp, but not in my own backyard, and not on a daily basis! I was referred to Dr. Furze through a variety of sources, and then followed up online, including Yelp! First off, Dr. Furze' office was extremely professional starting with the very first phone call. They asked appropriate questions, set up a convenient appointment, and then emailed me forms to fill out and take to my primary care physician. I completed the forms and emailed them back to the office. I brought a copy with me to my appointment, but was told they already had everything updated from my email. My wait time was very short, and then I was in to meet Dr. Furze. Dr. Furze is very likable, comforting, and to the point. He had clearly read my records, told me he'd try to save me from the backyard tent, and then checked out my nose and throat. He used a camera, as well ass other devices to check everything out. It was determined that I had a double-deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, and collapsing nasal walls. He had checked out my throat, as well, but said he'd rather start with the nose, as this alone, may clear up my snoring, and would be much less painful than removing tonsils from an adult, and other things that may need to be done.... I liked his approach and optimism. I was also impressed by the fact that he could use some nasal wall degradable-implants in my nostrils for the collapsing nasal walls due to the fact he was certified not only in ears, nose, throat, and neck, but also facial cosmetic surgery. A date was set for surgery.... After then seeing my primary care physician, and getting the OK for surgery, I met Dr. Furze again at the surgery center. He was jovial, and confident. Next thing I knew, I was being taken to the car to go home! The pain was actually much less than he had indicated, and I able to eat as soon as I returned home! Surgery was on Friday, and I was back in my office working a bit on Monday! Sure the nose was uncomfortable, but manageable, and the swelling was there, but no black eyes. A week later and I was back in his office having the inserts removed to keep the nose in position while healing. Wow, those were bigger than I thought, and it sure felt good to have them removed! I could immediately breath out of both sides of my nose! For years, I could only breath out of one side! Dr. Furze indicated that it would get much better within a couple weeks, and 100% in a couple months! I can tell you already, it is much better than ever before! I can't wait for the rest of the swelling to go down to feel how it is to truly breath through my nose; both sides! I have a follow up in a month, but if things stayed as the are, I'd be happy! Now, let's cross our fingers and see if I can learn to sleep through my nose at night, so I stop my snoring, and can stay in the house! Otherwise, it's me, the tent, and the dog in the backyard!
Yes you can certainly have a slimmer look to your nose with rhinoplasty. You look like you have thick skin which will limit the definition that can be achieved in the nose but it is certainly possible to get a more slim appearing nose. You should consult with rhinoplasty surgeon so that they can create computer generated images of what would be realistic for your nose. I think you will be surprised how much a difference can actually be achieved.
Yes it can. Osteotomies are not needed to upset the cartilagenous support of the lower 2/3 of the nose.
Typically you should follow your surgeon's recommendations for aftercare of your rhinoplasty. In most cases, your surgeon will want to be the one to remove the splint as your nasal bones may still be somewhat unstable. In rare cases where the splint is used to help contain swelling without actual fracture of the bones that may be less important. You should call your surgeon's office and get their recommendations. You just went through surgery and you certainly don't want to alter your result negatively.
As you may already know, most surgical procedures are associated with some level of edema/swelling. This can be especially true for the lips. Typically, if it is edema you can help it along by keeping your head elevated, massaging the area with your fingers, applying ice on and off and following a low salt diet. If it is just edema it will likely improve over the next 1-2 weeks. If your lips are painful, more red than usual, or are draining any fluid you will want to consult with your surgeon immediately as you may have an infection.
Waiting at least a few weeks between the two surgeries will likely be enough time to prevent any cross infection from the two procedures. However, you may still have significant swelling/edema at that time of your second surgery which may make if difficult for your surgeon to give you the absolute best result. To be safe and for the best results I would wait at least 3 months between the two procedures. Also you want to make sure that you are at least 6-12 months since your original rhinoplasty.
