Developing the Plan
The key to Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Murphy's ability to achieve outstanding results with Denver nasal surgery/rhinoplasty is his ability to determine which exact features of the nose require attention to optimize the contour of the nose and to bring the nose into harmony with the remainder of the face. The patient has an image in mind of how they want their nose to look and Dr. Murphy makes it his goal to satisfy the patient's desires. During the rhinoplasty consultation he will spend as much time with the patient as is necessary to evaluate the structure and function of the nose to be sure that the desired result is achieved. Frequently, computer imaging is used to help him understand the image the patient has in mind and to show the patient what is possible with rhinoplasty surgery.   He will combine the wishes expressed by the patient with his knowledge of nasal anatomy and changes possible with surgery to establish an appropriate surgical plan. Procedures to improve breathing may also be performed on the internal structures of the nose at the same time as the cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure.

The Procedure
Incisions are generally confined to the inside of the nose but on occasion an external incision may be needed, depending on the requirements of the patient. The internal structures are modified as required and then the skin is redraped to give the desired result.

The rhinoplasty procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in Denver under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure. Recovery and return to normal activities are dictated by swelling and bruising in the area around the nose and eyes. An external splint is applied at the time of rhinoplasty surgery. In the majority of cases when the splint is removed after a week, the swelling has resolved and the patient feels confident returning to public life. Bruising will take three weeks to fully resolve.   When the splint is removed, the appearance of the nose is close to the final appearance, but the ultimate rhinoplasty result can take up to a full year to emerge.  

Considerations
The risks of nasal reshaping / rhinoplasty procedures are minimal. There is a risk of residual deformity or difficulty breathing. Occasionally patients can have difficulty with a runny nose, known as vasomotor rhinitis, which is typically temporary and treated with medications. Rarer complications include difficulties with smell or taste, and a perforation of the septum.

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