Copyright © 2021 Somenek + Pittman MD. All rights reserved.
Rhinoplasty is a facial surgery procedure that is performed on people of all ages. Some seek this procedure because they are unhappy with the nose they were born with or with the manner in which aging has changed their nose.
Nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose. Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration using nasal surgery can greatly improve one’s appearance. If you are dissatisfied with how your nose looks, seek out a Washington DC rhinoplasty procedure.
Some of the features that one may look to correct are the nasal profile, a bulbous tip, a crooked nose, or a deviated septum. For others, an injury may have distorted the nose and caused permanent deformity. In addition to desiring a cosmetic improvement to the nose, some may also be looking to improve obstructed breathing.
This is one of the most complex and intricate procedures of the face. For this reason, one should go to a surgeon with a great deal of experience and knowledge of this procedure. Dr. Michael Somenek is specially trained in plastic surgery of the face with a particular focus on rhinoplasty in Washington DC.
Dr. Somenek has extensive training and experience with this surgery. His fellowship training was under the tutelage of some of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in the country, Drs. Regan Thomas and Dean Toriumi at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Somenek brings a unique perspective and understands how to not only make the nose look good but also preserve the structure for long-lasting and satisfactory results for the patient. Due to his vast expertise, Dr. Somenek is often sought by patients for some of the most complex rhinoplasty cases.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Somenek uses this time to understand your motivation and expectations for nasal surgery. It is an opportunity to develop a mutual level of trust and understanding. A detailed physical examination is performed to determine the areas that will require correction in the nose to provide the best results.
Dr. Somenek will go over a thorough list of expectations and risks that are involved in surgery. He will explain the various structures in the nose, including bone and cartilage, and how sculpting these can alter the appearance of the nose.
Photos will be taken of the patient’s face, and with the help of sophisticated imaging software, computer imaging will be performed. This will aid in creating realistic expectations for the patient that are in line with the patient’s needs and desires based on their individual anatomy.
In addition, Dr. Somenek may suggest other procedures such as chin augmentation and blepharoplasty surgery that can enhance the overall harmony of the face. It is always beneficial for the patient to compile a list of questions to ask during the consultation, as this can clarify any concerns about the procedure and help better delineate if your expectations are in line with Dr. Somenek’s aesthetic goals for your nose.
Dr. Somenek believes in creating a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing nose for the patient. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult operations in facial plastic surgery. The difficulty lies in the anatomy of the nose, as this varies from patient to patient. For this reason, Dr. Somenek creates an individualized surgical plan for each patient and utilizes comprehensive techniques to achieve this plan.
Dr. Somenek emphasizes preservation of the nasal structures and minimal excision of the supporting tissues. Removing more tissue and cartilage than necessary may lead to a pinched tip and nasal obstruction.
For primary rhinoplasty, Dr. Somenek uses cartilage grafts harvested from the nasal septum to reinforce critical structures and regions in the nose. These allow him to create a long-lasting result not only aesthetically but functionally for nasal breathing. In more complex cases, cartilage from the ear or rib may be used.
Skin thickness is an important consideration for this surgery. Special attention must be given to thin-skinned individuals, as they are at a higher risk for visible or palpable abnormalities post-operatively. Medium-skinned patients are more ideal candidates for rhinoplasty because as the skin contracts over the underlying cartilaginous structures, any abnormalities are more easily camouflaged.
The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia in our Washington DC clinic. Dr. Somenek will see you the following day to clean the area around the nostrils and ensure that you are doing well. Dr. Somenek does not routinely use packing for the nose, as he believes it adds unnecessary discomfort for your recovery.
At your one-week post-op visit, the nasal cast and the fine sutures that were used to close the incision will be removed. It is important to realize that your nose will be swollen when the cast is removed. Dr. Somenek will place tape on the nose when necessary to decrease the overall amount of swelling. The majority of swelling will resolve within two weeks.
Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Dr. Somenek will advise you to avoid blowing your nose for seven days after surgery. In the days immediately following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area. Cold compresses often reduce the bruising and discomfort. Your nasal splints and sutures are removed seven days after surgery.
Follow-up care is vital for this procedure to monitor healing, so it is essential that you keep your follow-up appointments with Dr. Somenek. Much of the swelling will decrease about two weeks post-operatively. However, the healing process will continue to occur for many months after surgery.
Persistent swelling of the nasal tip can occur in some patients depending on their individual anatomy and thickness of their skin. Throughout the follow-up period, Dr. Somenek may recommend steroid injections to the nose or nasal taping to aid in resolution of the swelling and produce the best outcome for his patients. Occasionally, a minor revision to the nose is required and will be discussed with the patient if needed.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve nasal function or surgery for major deformity or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. The office will work with the patient to provide the best care possible. Dr. Somenek looks forward to meeting you and working to provide the best aesthetic result to meet your needs.
If you have further questions regarding rhinoplasty in Washington DC, please call or contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Somenek.
Check out some of our work in these before and after galleries for rhinoplasty.
Copyright © 2021 Somenek + Pittman MD. All rights reserved.
