The nose is a primary focal point on the face. The goal of ethnic rhinoplasty is to reshaping the size and contours of the nose to create a balanced, aesthetic facial harmony while maintaining your ethnicity. Dr. Meier specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty and firmly believes in a natural appearance by improving features and enhancing your ethnic aesthetic beauty.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial surgeries worldwide. Around half a million are performed in the US every year alone. Rhinoplasty cannot only achieve aesthetic improvement, but can also be used in combination to correct breathing difficulties and other functional impairments. If you are interested in Ethnic Rhinoplasty in Florida, we want you to be familiar and comfortable with the entire process.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Consultation

So you have decided that you are very interested in rhinoplasty and would like to take the next step. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Meier will give you the information you need about the entire process. Feel free to bring photos of what you ideally want your nose to look like as well as a friend or family member for support.

During the one-on-one consultation, you will meet with Dr. Meier and discuss your goals with rhinoplasty. Dr. Meier will review your medical and surgical history as well as medications. It is important to let Dr. Meier know of any other nasal surgeries or other facial surgeries that have been performed in the past. Every nose is different and Dr. Meier will examine the inside and outside of your nose in detail. Based on your goals and the examination, he will tailor an individualized plan to give you the best result. Dr. Meier’s staff will then take standardized photographs of your face and nose and use photography software to give you a preview of your new nose and what can be achieved with ethnic rhinoplasty.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Procedure

Prior to Surgery

Dr. Meier will give you a detailed list of instructions on what to do prior to surgery. Blood thinning medications should be discontinued for a period of time prior to surgery. It is also important not to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your rhinoplasty. Certain medications that Dr. Meier specifies are allowed, such as blood pressure medicines, can be taken with a sip of water.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty Surgery

You will arrive at the facility for the surgery and meet the nursing staff. They will review your paperwork and start an IV for anesthesia. You will then meet the board-certified anesthesiologist who will be administering your anesthetic for the procedure. They will ask you questions regarding your medical and surgical history and review the anesthesia process with you. Dr. Meier will also visit with you in the preop area prior to surgery.

Once you are given an anesthetic and you are asleep, Dr. Meier will make incisions for your rhinoplasty. A tiny incision is typically used between your nostrils as well as inside of nose. Through these incisions, Dr. Meier will reshape your nose to match what was discussed in the consultation. The surgery typically takes several hours to get it just right and give you the best rhinoplasty result.

Recovery

Recovery begins immediately after surgery. Nursing staff will make sure you are comfortable in the recovery room and apply ice to the nose and eyes. Dr. Meier uses an external support splint as well as tape to maintain the shape of your new nose. These will stay in place until your first postoperative visit at 1 week. Unlike other surgeons, Dr. Meier rarely uses any internal splints or packing. This allows for better pain control and the ability to breathe through your nose immediately after surgery.

Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes are common. To minimize bruising and swelling, use ice packs as instructed for a few days after the surgery and sleep with your head elevated on a couple of pillows. Drainage from your nose is common for a few days and minor bleeding may occur. Use nasal saline to keep the inside of your nose moist and healing well. Clean the incisions as instructed but be careful not to blow your nose as this can cause bleeding or damage to the result.

Make sure you are getting the appropriate nutrition and rest for optimal healing. Dr. Meier recommends doing nothing strenuous and no bending over or heavy lifting for at least a week. Dr. Meier typically allows light exercise to begin a few weeks after surgery. To prevent blood clots and promote good circulation, walk around at least few times a day.

FAQs

How long will I be swollen or bruised? Most bruising and swelling resolves in about 2 weeks but can take longer (up to a few months) for all swelling to go away.

When can I go back to school/work? Most patients go back to work around 7-10 days after rhinoplasty. Bruising is typically gone and the splint and sutures are removed but there is usually some swelling still at that point.

Is rhinoplasty painful? All surgeries have some degree of discomfort. Dr. Meier provides you with pain medications to alleviate this. Most patients use pain medicines for a few days after surgery.

Can I drive myself home after the rhinoplasty? No. All patients will require someone to drive them home due to the effects of anesthesia and surgery.

I had rhinoplasty done elsewhere and am unhappy with the result. What can I do? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Meier as he specializes in revision rhinopasty. Please see the revision rhinoplasty webpage for more information.