Redefining Beauty with Nasal Surgery Excellence
Are you considering a transformative journey to enhance your facial aesthetics and improve nasal function? Look no further than Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery, where our experienced Philadelphia, PA, surgeon, Dr. Thomas C. Spalla, specializes in nasal surgery, also known as rhinoplasty.
If you’re ready to enhance your appearance or want to learn more about nasal surgery, contact Dr. Spalla today by giving us a call at 215-273-3223.
What Is Nasal Surgery?
Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and enhance the appearance of the nose. Beyond cosmetic enhancements, it can address functional issues such as breathing difficulties. Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery stands out for its commitment to tailoring each procedure to the unique goals and needs of individual patients, ensuring a personalized and satisfying experience.
Septoplasty
The nasal septum is the structure made of cartilage and bone which divides our nose into a left and right cavity. Through aberration in development or injury, the septum can shift, curve or deviate. When this occurs, the nasal passage is narrowed which leads to a fixed obstruction of air passage through the nose. When the septum is significantly deviated, the only long-term solution is surgery. There simply aren’t medications which can “unbend” the nose.
Surgery to correct a deviated septum can be done in an open or closed manner, where the incisions are either hidden inside the nose or, in some less common situations, across the columella (the piece between your nostrils). Through surgery, the septum will be straightened which allows for a structured pattern of air intake and helps correct breathing difficulties. Septal surgery is often combined with a rhinoplasty, or reshaping of the appearance of the nose, and there is no better time to have everything corrected in one setting and recovery period. When done together, we refer to this as a septorhinoplasty.
Turbinate Reduction
The nasal turbinates are structures in the nose which help to warm, humidify, and filter the air we breathe. They also help to give resistance to airflow. However, they can become too large and intrusive. Having large turbinates causes patients to live with a permanently stuffy nose. This troubling situation does have solutions, however. Most commonly, some form of medication or nasal spray is employed. In other situations, allergen desensitization may be necessary. When all of this fails, or patients want an alternative solution, surgery may be warranted. Dr. Spalla has performed innumerable turbinate reduction surgeries for more than a decade. He is careful in evaluating the proper candidates and is judicious in his technique to avoid the dreaded “Empty Nose Syndrome.” He has never had a patient experience this after surgery, and has personally treated many patients who, unfortunately, were not handled with such delicate care. Through his expertise as a board-certified otolaryngologist (Ear Nose & Throat surgeon), he will guide you through this evaluation and come up with the best solution for your airway concerns.
Functional Rhinoplasty (Nasal Breathing Improvement)
When most people hear the word rhinoplasty, they think of a “nose job” as a purely cosmetic procedure. While rhinoplasty does commonly address the nose from a solely cosmetic perspective, it can also address internal and external structures of the nose. When we seek to improve airflow through the nose through surgical reshaping, we call this a functional rhinoplasty. During your consultation with Dr. Spalla, he will delve deeply into your concerns and will work with you to find the solution that best fits your needs to improve the form and function of your nose.
Given Dr. Spalla’s many years of experience in treating nasal conditions, he has an intimate understanding of the form and function of the nose and seeks to balance your concerns with appearance while not jeopardizing your ability to breathe well through your nose. He has seen countless patients from other surgeons who may be pleased with their appearance but are unhappy with their ability to breathe and need corrective surgery for their nose to regain function.
When done for purely cosmetic concerns, rhinoplasty addresses your concerns regarding the appearance of your nose. Some people feel their nose is “too big” or crooked while others may have more specific concerns such as a dorsal hump or a droopy tip. Whatever your issues are, Dr. Spalla will work with you to hear your feelings and develop a plan to help you. Rhinoplasty can also be done purely for functional reasons as well. In these situations, patients cannot achieve their nasal obstruction concerns through septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction alone. When these two common techniques aren’t enough, you need to a trusted nasal surgeon to help you with a functional rhinoplasty. These delicate procedures aim to improve your breathing through reshaping of your nose. As you can well imagine, this inherently risks a change to your appearance, so you want a surgeon who has spent their career handling such issues, and Dr. Spalla is uniquely qualified being dual board certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology.
Benefits of Nasal Surgery
When you decide to undergo nasal surgery, you’re receiving benefits for your well-being. Benefits include:
- Aesthetic Refinement: Achieve a harmonious facial appearance by addressing concerns like a dorsal hump, asymmetry, or a bulbous tip through precise nasal reshaping.
- Functional Improvement: Experience improved breathing function by correcting structural issues such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse.
- Confidence Boost: Nasal surgery at Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery doesn’t just enhance physical features; it boosts self-confidence and overall well-being.
Reasons for Nasal Surgery
Cosmetic Enhancement
- Dorsal Hump Correction: Many seek nasal surgery to address a prominent dorsal hump, achieving a smoother and more refined nasal profile.
- Tip Refinement: Patients may opt for surgery to refine and reshape the nasal tip, creating a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Symmetry and Balance: Addressing asymmetry and achieving facial balance are common aesthetic goals of nasal surgery.
Functional Improvement
- Breathing Difficulties: Individuals experiencing breathing difficulties due to structural issues such as a deviated septum often choose nasal surgery to improve airflow and overall respiratory function.
- Nasal Valve Collapse: Surgery can correct issues like nasal valve collapse, enhancing the ability to breathe comfortably through the nose.
Trauma or Injury
- Correcting Traumatic Deformities: Nasal surgery can address deformities resulting from trauma or injuries, restoring both form and function.
- Post-Traumatic Reconstruction: Individuals seeking reconstruction after accidents or injuries may opt for nasal surgery to restore facial harmony.
Congenital Abnormalities:
- Birth Defect Correction: Nasal surgery is a viable option for correcting congenital abnormalities or deformities present from birth, promoting both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Wondering if you’re a candidate for nasal surgery? Dr. Spalla recommends sinus surgery for patients who:
- Seek cosmetic enhancements or functional improvements.
- Experience breathing difficulties due to structural issues.
- Maintain realistic expectations about the procedure.
- Are in good overall health.
Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery conducts thorough consultations, ensuring each patient’s unique needs are met.
How Nasal Surgery Works
- Consultation: Dr. Spalla will assess patient goals and discuss potential outcomes.
- Preparation: Patients receive pre-operative care instructions for a smooth and safe procedure.
- Surgery: Under anesthesia, incisions are made inside the nostrils or across the columella, allowing the reshaping of bone and cartilage.
- Recovery: Post-surgery monitoring ensures minimal discomfort. Swelling and bruising subside over weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery period after nasal surgery?
The initial recovery period for nasal surgery typically spans one to two weeks. During this time, patients may experience some swelling and bruising, which is a normal part of the healing process. While there is a noticeable improvement in the first few weeks, complete resolution of swelling may take several months.
Can nasal surgery correct a deviated septum?
Yes, one of the functional aspects of nasal surgery is the correction of a deviated septum. A deviated septum can contribute to breathing difficulties and may also affect the external appearance of the nose.
Are nasal surgery results permanent?
Nasal surgery is designed to provide long-lasting results. While the initial recovery period takes weeks, the final outcome may take several months to fully manifest as the tissues settle and the swelling subsides. The structural changes made during the surgery are intended to be permanent.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with nasal surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks and potential complications associated with nasal surgery. These can include infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, complications are rare, and experienced surgeons at Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery take extensive precautions to minimize risks.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Spalla Today!
Embark on a journey to enhanced facial harmony and well-being with Nasal Surgery at Philadelphia Facial Plastic Surgery. Our skilled surgeon is dedicated to delivering personalized care, ensuring natural and satisfying results.
Schedule a consultation by calling Dr. Spalla at 215-273-3223 to redefine your beauty and experience the transformative power of nasal surgery.
