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.
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Midterm follow-up on this lovely #rhinoplasty patient who wanted nasal surgery to improve her nasal breathing but also to improve the aesthetics of the nose. Fixing the crooked nose is a challenge in rhinoplasty and on the bird’s eye view, you can visualize improvement in the dorsal aesthetic lines. Dorsal aesthetic lines are two curvilinear light reflex lines that travel from the inner eyebrow to the tip of the nose on frontal view. On profile view you can see a nice profile with the dorsal hump removed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #hybridrhinoplasty #septoplasty #crookednose #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Honored to lead the Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons (MAPS) as president for 2021-2022 with this group of esteemed colleagues on the board with me. MAPS is a plastic surgery society that was founded in 1961 to foster the development of plastic surgery in the Midwest region and involves plastic surgeons and plastic surgery programs from the states of Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. We are currently planning our annual meeting which will take place in Chicago on May 20-21st. The meeting will have renowned plastic surgeons from all over the United States to share ideas and to advance our specialty forward.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #MAPS #cosmeticsurgery #craniofacialsurgery #microsurgery #aestheticsurgery #handsurgery #pediatricsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #burnsurgeryspecialist
Happy for this mother of 2 who wanted to improve the contour and aesthetics of her abdomen and waist with an #abdominoplasty or #tummy tuck. After children, women can experience rectus diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles as the uterus expands. During a tummy tuck, plastic surgeons will address this separation by stitching the muscles back together. In the post-operative photos you can visualize the muscles re-positioned more centrally. Additionally, we will perform liposuction, remove excess abdominal skin and re-set the belly button. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #tummytuck #abdominoplasty #rectusdiastasis #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Asian upper blepharoplasty or “double eyelid surgery” is a variation of an upper eyelid lift or upper blepharoplasty procedure where the upper eyelid crease is raised and more defined. Additionally, the epicanthal fold or skin that covers the inner corner of the eye can be removed depending on the patient’s goals. The goal of this surgery is not to necessarily create an occidental appearing eye but to maintain the patient’s features and create the appearance that the eye is larger and more refreshed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #asianblepharoplasty #doubleeyelidsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
It’s amazing how a small surgery can have a large impact on a person’s facial proportions. This patient underwent a #genioplasty or chin augmentation and #neckliposuction to improve the aesthetics and balance of the lower 1/3 of the face. In the post-operative photos, the patient’s face appears less round, more angular, and the lower 1/3 more proportional with the middle and upper 1/3 of the face. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #neckliposuction #craniofacialsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Six month follow-up on a natural #otoplasty procedure or #earpinning procedure. Plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have pioneered the techniques used today for ear pinning surgery. The surgery entails improving the definition of the ears and setting the ears closer to the scalp. The patient reports feeling more confident in the size, shape, and symmetry of his ears in social and work settings. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #otoplasty #earpinning #prominentears #ears #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery
6 month follow up on a #malerhinoplasty patient who wanted his dorsal hump removed, the nose straighter, and the tip less bulbous. The patient underwent a #primaryrhinoplasty where the dorsal hump was removed, the entire nose was straightened, and the tip refined. Pay close attention to the tip of the nose, in male rhinoplasty we try to avoid over rotating the nose or making the tip “upturned”. This maneuver feminizes the nose. Posted with permission.
#rhinoplasty #malerhinoplasty #plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This patient is 3 months from a breast augmentation with gel implants. The patient’s goals were to go from an A cup to a D cup but to still look natural. In the post-operative photos you can see that the patient has improved volume, more projection, and a natural result that fits her frame. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #breastaugmentation #gelimplants #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look and feel more rested and youthful. The patient underwent a lower facelift and neck lift to improve the aesthetics of the lower 1/3 of the face and neck. In the post-operative photos you can see improvement in the jowls, the contour of the jawline, and the neck. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #facelift #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Just a little hi def liposuction and abdominal etching before sweater weather.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #liposuction #liposculpture #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look less tired, more youthful, and natural. The patient underwent an upper and lower #blepharoplasty or #eyelid lift. In the post-operative photos, you can see improvement in the “bags” under the eyes, the deep crease between the eyelids and cheek, and loose skin. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #botox #fillers #fattransfer #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Proud of our research team for getting 4 abstracts accepted for podium presentations at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 90th annual meeting. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is one of the oldest and largest plastic surgery societies in the US and internationally. The membership requirements are strict, requiring each member to have completed a plastic surgery residency or fellowship and be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #ASPS #craniofacialsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #PSTM21 #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Challenging #rhinoplasty in a thick-skinned patient with a lot of things to address. The patient wanted a reduction in the dorsal hump, a straighter nose, and a smaller nose over all. The patient underwent a dorsal hump reduction, the nose was medialized, and the tip de-projected or pulled closer to the face and refined. Still her nose that fits her ethnicity but more balanced and refined. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #nosejob #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This mother of 2 wanted a #mommymakeover to get her pre-baby body back plus more. The patient underwent a #BBL and breast augmentation. In the post-operative photos you can see the snatched waist, the abdominal etching, and improved contour of the hips and buttock. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #BBL #breastaugmentation #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this mother of 3 who wanted improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of her breasts. The patient underwent a breast augmentation with 400 cc gel implants. In the post-operative photos you can see restoration of volume and improved shape and symmetry. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #breastaugmentation #breastimplants #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Neck liposuction or neck lift? This patient underwent neck liposuction and liposculpture of the jawline. In the correct patient, less invasive procedures can be very effective in achieving great results. Happy for this patient and his new look. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #neckliposuction #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
My fellow Chicago Booth alumni will appreciate this post. It was a great night for the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons where we had Professor Jean-Pierre Dube speak about “The Chicago Booth Approach to Pricing”. Dr. Dube is the James M. Kilts Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and he is the director of the Kilts Center for Marketing. Dr. Dube discussed strategies on how to use marketing models and analytics to price medical services and medical products.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #chicagobooth #chicago #kiltscenterformarketing #pricing #marketing #mba #chicago
I don’t usually post rhinoplasty results this early but she was looking so good so early that I had to share. This patient with thick skin is 6 weeks out from a primary ethnic rhinoplasty but already showing a positive impact from the surgery despite the long road to recovery. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #rhinoplasty #nosejob #ethnicrhinoplasty #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Not getting the gym gains you want? Your plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help. This patient underwent hi-def liposculpting and abdominal etching to improve the contour and aesthetics of his abdomen and waist. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #maleplasticsurgery #liposuction #hidefliposuction #liposculpture #abdominaletching #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This is a great case to highlight the importance of evaluating the chin with the nose in all rhinoplasty cases. Look at the video and focus on the nose, watch it a second time and focus on the chin, and then watch it a third time and focus on the nose and chin or the whole face. For the rhinoplasty, most of the work was focused on the nasal tip. For the chin, a reduction genioplasty was performed to narrow, lower, and set the chin back. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #nosejob #rhinoplasty #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
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