Reshaping The Nose

For patients who want to change the shape and appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty—casually known as a nose job—may be the solution. At Dr. Burke: Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery in Henrico, VA this procedure is also used to repair deviated septums.
Benefits of a Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty is a great option for patients wanting to:
Reduce the size of the nose
Straighten a crooked nose
Smooth a bump in the nose
Improve symmetry
Lower a high nose
Narrow a wide nose
Fix breathing problems
Am I A Candidate For Rhinoplasty?
It is important to have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of rhinoplasty and its potential risks and complications before deciding to undergo this surgery. Equally important is the patient’s ability to communicate their desires to Dr. Burke, so that he is able to transform your nose into the nose of your dreams. Ideal candidates:
Do not smoke
Their nose has stopped growing
Are in good physical health
Preparing For Your Rhinoplasty
If you are thinking about undergoing a surgical rhinoplasty, it is best to schedule a consultation at our Richmond, VA office to learn more about the procedure and see if you are a candidate. After the initial consultation, we will schedule a “MORPHS” and pre-op appointment. A “MORPHS” appointment is where Dr. Burke will use the patient’s photographs and computer morphing technology to visually map out and plan the procedure. He does this in close conjunction with each patient so that all information, ideas and plans can be carefully considered and shared. This process also helps define expectations and outcomes for a beautiful and well-breathing nose. During the pre-op appointment, the patient can discuss their goals for the procedure, as well as any concerns.
What To Expect?
This procedure is performed under general or deep sedation and takes about two to three hours. During the procedure, Dr. Burke places an incision inside the nostril or underneath the nose to avoid invisible scarring. He then breaks or reshapes the bones or removes excess cartilage to restructure the nose. Sometimes Dr. Burke will need to make a cartilage graft using cartilage from another part of the body.
Recovering From Rhinoplasty
The recovery time for this procedure can vary depending on the severity and techniques used, but it is typically around 2 weeks, with full recovery taking up to 6 weeks. After the procedure, the patient will wear a splint to protect and support the nose. There is no packing used in the nose. The splint consists of a molded plastic cast glued to the outside of the nose.

For at least the first 3 weeks, avoid any situation that may potentially cause harm to the face and nose area. It can take several months to see the results of the surgery. Swelling is normal and can last for months, and swelling or bruising around the eyes can also be expected. To ensure a smooth healing process, patients should follow Dr. Burke’s post-operative guidelines as closely as possible.
Risks And Complications
As with any major surgery, risks include infection and complications with anesthesia. A rare complication of this surgery is nasal septum perforation, or a hole in the nasal septum. For best results and to avoid revisional surgery, patients should have clear expectations of what the procedure can achieve.
Our Results
Before
After

Rhinoplasty
Before
After
