Nasal Reconstruction Chicago
Nasal reconstruction is a broad term to describe complex surgeries of the nose to repair and reconstruct the nose in form and function after trauma or after tumor removal. The surgery is typically performed when there are asymmetries or defects of the nose. The complexity of the surgery depends on how extensive the defect is and what aspects of the nose require reconstruction. The reconstruction can involve all three layers of the nose: nasal lining, cartilage framework, and nasal skin.
Nasal reconstruction can also be useful to treat:
- A skin defect of the nasal bridge or nasal dorsum
- A skin or full thickness defect of the middle portion of the nasal dorsum or nasal sidewall
- Missing or absent nostrils
- Abnormally shaped or absent nasal tip
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR NASAL RECONSTRUCTION?
If you have an asymmetry of the nose from trauma or skin cancer removal, you may be a candidate for nasal reconstruction. If you are unhappy with the way your nose looks after a previous nasal surgery and still have asymmetries, nasal reconstruction may be an option for you.
Patients who have had skin cancer of the nose removed with Mohs surgery are good candidates for nasal reconstruction. Open wounds of the nose can be reconstructed with local tissue of the nose or regional tissue from the cheek or forehead.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION
Any medical center or practice you choose should be willing to sit down with you and take the time to explain all aspects of the procedure beforehand, including associated risks and recovery. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we thoroughly review your medical history, speak with you about your expectations, and provide you with an extensive overview of the nasal defect or asymmetry and how we will be performing the nasal reconstruction.
HOW NASAL RECONSTRUCTION IS PERFORMED
In most cases, nasal reconstruction after Mohs surgery for skin cancer can be performed in the office with local anesthesia. When the defect is small, local tissue and flaps can be used to reconstruct the nose. When defects are larger, the procedure may have to be performed in the operating room with general anesthesia or sedation in order to ensure safety and comfort during the procedure. If the defect is small, the hole may be closed primarily or sutured together. If the defect is too large to be closed together primarily, local tissue nearby can be used to close the defect. At time, cartilage from the ear has to be used to support the nose during the reconstruction. If the defect is large, tissue from the cheek or forehead may have to be used close or reconstruct the nose, for example cheek flaps or forehead flaps. Once the flaps are thinned and contoured, they are rotated to close the hole and sutures are placed to close the incisions. Incision lines are strategically placed to be hidden in shadow lines of the nose so that scars are not prominent.
RECOVERY AFTER NASAL RECONSTRUCTION
If the reconstruction is performed in the office with local anesthesia, the recovery is relatively quick. Immediately after the procedure, the patient is able to go home. If the procedure has to be performed in an operating room under sedation or general anesthesia, the recovery is longer. Patients are required to remain at the surgical facility until anesthesia wears off. It is also necessary to have another adult bring you home after a the nasal reconstruction procedure.
Recovery on the day of surgery should involve lying in a comfortable position, a lot of rest, liquids, soft foods, and prescribed medications. Immediately after surgery, the nose and the area under the eyes will typically be swollen and bruised. The swelling will go down within a few weeks. Patients should avoid any strenuous physical activity right after surgery, as it can increase the risk of bleeding and inhibit healing.
It is very important to follow all instructions issued by the plastic surgeon and to attend follow-up appointments so that your doctor can check your healing progress and let you know when it is safe to return to a normal activity and work schedule.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF NASAL RECONSTRUCTION
Patients should be aware that nasal reconstruction, as with any medical procedure, come with potential risks. Each individual should consider both the benefits and known risks before undergoing nasal reconstruction. Such risks may include:
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Altered sensation in affected area
- Nasal asymmetries
Always make sure that the surgeon performing the procedure is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.
WHAT DOES NASAL RECONSTRUCTION COST?
The cost of this type of procedure is going to fluctuate based on location, surgeon, center, and the individual patient’s needs. Nasal reconstruction is usually covered by medical insurance, but be sure to contact your health insurance carrier to verify your benefits prior to your consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago welcomes any questions from both potential patients and returning patients regarding any of the procedures that we offer. We are committed not only to excellent patient care, but thorough patient education; our professional staff will answer any questions you have and ensure that you understand every step of the process. If you’re interested in looking and feeling like the best version of yourself, call us today for a consultation.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM
As the seasons change, so should your skincare! Fall is all about keeping your skin hydrated as the air gets cooler and drier. Here’s a go-to fall skincare routine you can reference when swapping out your summer products to help your skin thrive: 🍂
1. Start with a hydrating cleanser
2. Use a toner to remove any excess dirt, oil, makeup, and residue
3. Incorporate a gentle retinol
4. Boost brightness with a Vitamin-C serum
5. Swap your lightweight moisturizer for a richer, thicker formula
6. Don’t skip the SPF (yes, even in fall!)
7. Take care of your lips with a nourishing lip balm
8. Moisturize your hands with a thick hand cream
#Explore #Explorepage #discoverunder100k #FallSkincare #FallSkincareRoutine #SeasonalSkincare #SkincareRoutine #SkincareTips #Skincare101 #SkincareHacks #GlowUp #PlasticSurgeon #Chicago #ChicagoPlasticSurgery #ChicagoPlasticSurgeon #FallSkin
This is a 3 month follow-up for an otoplasty or ear pinning procedure. The patient was bothered by how far his ears projected forward and how his ears were a major focus of his appearance. In the post-operative photos, the ears have been re-positioned in a more aesthetic and natural way. The patient’s facial features now become the focal point of his appearance and not the ears. A relatively simple yet powerful procedure. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #otoplasty #earpinning #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon
This is a 2 year follow-up revision rhinoplasty case. The patient had had 2 prior rhinoplasties in the past and was bothered by the nasal deviation, the dorsal hump, and the under-rotated and under-projected tip. In the post-operative views, you can see the nose is straighter, symmetric dorsal aesthetic lines have been established, the dorsal hump was removed, and the tip was elevated and rotated. It’s amazing how a more symmetric and proportional nose improves the balance and overall aesthetics of the face. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #nosejob #revisionrhinoplasty #rhinoplasty #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon #explore #explorepage
This is a great example of how buccal fat removal changes the face. Buccal fat removal involves removing fat from the lower cheeks and the purpose is to narrow the lower 1/3 of the face. With removal of the buccal fat pad, the face appears less round and more angular or V-shaped. Buccal fat removal was popularized and trending during the pandemic, however, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. Ideal candidates are younger patients in their 20-30’s with a rounder face, and excess volume of the lower cheeks. As we age, the face loses volume and therefore patients in their 40’s plus may not be good candidates. An article in our journal from 2021, The Role of Buccal Fat Pad in Facial Aesthetic Surgery, by Drs. Rohrich and Stuzin, highlighted that this procedure can be beneficial in certain patients but if over resected or performed in the wrong patient, can lead to premature aging and midface distortion. Posted with permission.
#explore #explorepage #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #buccalfat #buccalfatremoval #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon
How important is the chin in a rhinoplasty case? This patient’s results show how important the nose-chin relationship is for a balanced and proportional profile. This patient had a crooked nose, a prominent dorsal hump, and a very deficient chin. After straightening her nose, removing the dorsal hump, lifting and refining the tip, and performing a sliding genioplasty; look how much her profile has changed aesthetically for the better.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon #explore #explorepage #discoverunder100k #nosejob #nosejobbeforeandafter
Thinking about getting a rhinoplasty? Here are some things you should know before getting this procedure!
1. Are you physically and mentally ready for a rhinoplasty and recovery process?
2. Can you articulate what your rhinoplasty goals are and are they realistic?
3. Have you found the right surgeon and practice to get you where you want to be?
If you have any questions, leave them down below!
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #nosejob #rhinoplasty #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon #nosejobcheck #rhinoplastyquestions #explore #explorepage #discoverunder100k
In facial feminization surgery, a common question we get is how do we contour the forehead and orbital rim. There are two main techniques that craniofacial surgeons utilize. A type 1 technique is where we use a burr or shaving device to shave and contour the bone to set it back or make it less prominent. To be a good candidate for this technique, one would have to have thick bone, a smaller frontal sinus, and less frontal bossing. A type 3 technique is where we use a saw to cut off the outer part of the frontal sinus bone, shave down the forehead and then replace the bone with titanium plates and screws. Good candidates for this procedure are patients with thin bone of the frontal sinus, a large frontal sinus and significant frontal bossing. We determine which technique would best achieve a patient’s goals through a clinical exam and a CT scan. Posted with permission. Videos are educational.
#explore #explorepage #discoverunder100k
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #facialfeminization #ffs #feminization #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #chicagoplasticsurgeon #facialfeminizationsurgery
Is it a good night’s sleep, filler, or surgery? These patients underwent a lower blepharoplasty procedure, and in the post-operative photos, you can see an improvement in the contour of the lower eyelids, no more bags, and reduced dark circles. The results? A brighter, more youthful, and refreshed appearance. Posted with permission.
#explore #explorepage #discoverunder100k
#PlasticSurgery #PlasticSurgeon #CosmeticSurgery #Blepharoplasty #EyelidLift #Chicago #ChicagoPlasticSurgery #ChicagoPlasticSurgeon #BlepharoplastyTransformation #PlasticSurgeryTransformation #GlowUp #lowerblepharoplasty #blepharoplastysurgery
