Rhinoplasty

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Las Vegas Rhinoplasty With Dr. Cambeiro

Dr. Cambeiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing nose surgery (rhinoplasty) in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, please contact us to learn more about our fly-in program.

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure to reshape the nose. It can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.This plastic surgery procedure can also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve breathing problems. Rhinoplasties are for people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may want to consider this plastic surgery procedure.

Age may be a consideration. If you’re a teenager it might be recommended that you wait until you have completed your growth spurt around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys.

If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a complimentary consultation or give our office a call at (702) 734-4100 for confidential and informative answers to all your questions.

How Nose Surgery is Performed?

The surgery is performed either using incisions on the inside of the nose, so no visible scars are present, or under certain circumstances, the base of the nose, the “open approach”. The “open approach” allows better visualization of certain internal structures of the nose.

During plastic surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon’s preferred technique. The skin then is redraped over the new framework.

When the procedure is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal pack or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

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Nose Surgery Consultation with Dr. Cambeiro

Dr. Cambeiro will perform a thorough medical and surgical history. He will need to know all of your medical conditions.

Your Pre-Op Meeting

Your height and weight will be recorded at each office visit — please note that our office is in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vagas. Dr. Cambeiro will discuss with you what you would like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. He will also explain the factors that can influence the plastic surgery procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

Furthermore, Dr. Cambeiro will explain the anesthesia he will use during your plastic surgery procedure. He will address the risks involved in the surgery as well as your expectations of the overall outcome. You will be given a cost estimate for your procedure.

If the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity, the procedure may be covered by insurance. Check with your insurer, and obtain pre-authorization for your plastic surgery. In most cases, your insurance plan will not cover a rhinoplasty, but you should check your policy to make sure.

It is important to let Dr. Cambeiro know if you have had prior nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was years ago. You should always discuss with him if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you’re taking medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs; and if you smoke. If you smoke, you will need to quit four weeks before your plastic surgery and not to resume for at least four weeks after your surgery. Smoking decreases blood circulation to the skin and impedes healing.

Always discuss any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Your Second Office Visit

You will meet with Dr. Cambeiro approximately 1-2 weeks prior to your Las Vegas plastic surgery, at which time any remaining questions you may have regarding the operation will be answered.

You will have an opportunity to discuss and receive the following information:

Exam

You will receive a general physical examination to ensure that no new underlying medical problems exist that may interfere with the safety of the surgery. Any infections that you may have should be discussed with Dr. Cambeiro before your operative date.

Pre-operative digital photographs are taken so that you can see the improvement from your plastic surgery afterwards. You will be asked to sign a photographic consent prior to having any photographs taken. Pictures are usually retaken 3 months after your procedure as well.

Patients with high blood pressure must have their condition well controlled prior to plastic surgery and should plan to take their blood pressure medication right up to the time of their operation.

Pre-Op Instructions

You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for plastic surgery. The instructions will include guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications.

A list of your medications will be reviewed and certain medications should be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to the operation.

You will be asked to refrain from taking any medications or other substances which could potentially be the cause of surgical complications such as aspirin, NSAIDs and vitamin E. These medications interfere with the blood clotting mechanism and can cause bleeding complications.

Dr. Cambeiro will write prescriptions for post-operative antibiotics to decrease your risk of infection and a pain medication for post-operative pain relief.

You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your plastic surgery.

Post-Op & Consent

You will be asked to sign a consent form for the surgical procedure and for board-certified anesthesia.

You will be asked to pre-arrange for somebody to drive you home from the surgery office after your surgery. You cannot operate motor vehicles after surgery, and we will not place recently sedated patients in taxis for transport home. We can arrange for medical transport in the event you cannot find an escort. It is mandatory to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours after plastic surgery for your comfort and safety.

You will be asked to pay your surgical fee at your pre-operative visit. The fee is determined at the time of the consultation, and is different for every scenario or combination of areas treated.

Scheduling plastic surgery involves payment of a non-refundable deposit, as there are costs involved with preparing for the operation, and for holding operating room time.

The Day of Surgery

Wear loose fitting clothing that will wash easily in the event they are soiled.
Leave all jewelry, contact lenses, or other valuables at home.
Remove all body jewelry from pierced body parts the day of plastic surgery.
Your vital signs will be checked by Dr. Cambeiro’s nurse before your operation begins.
The surgery will take 1-2 hours, though complicated procedures may take longer.
You will meet with the anesthesiologist to review your medical history.

Nose Surgery Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

After plastic surgery, during the first twenty-four hours your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for bathroom usage) for the first day. A little bleeding is common during the first few days following plastic surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Dr. Cambeiro will ask you to not blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.

During the first 24 hours your assigned caretaker will assist you in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. During the first 12-24 hours you will stay on a liquid diet and advance yourself as tolerated. You should be up and walking on the morning following your plastic surgery, and a light solid diet begun to the point of tolerance.

If you have a temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides, and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain—call the office immediately!

First week

You will notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after 2-3 days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel better. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you will feel much more comfortable.

You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your plastic surgery, but you will be up and about in 24-48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication. Antibiotics are continued for five days after the procedure to lower the risk of infection.

You should be able to return to work within a few days to week, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

You are allowed to bathe 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. Showering is then permitted but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool. Dr. Cambeiro will let you know when a good time is to start up your exercises and normal activities.

You should not drive until you have normal return of daily activity and are off all narcotic medications. You should avoid strenuous activities such as bending, lifting, and sports for about three weeks. Drinking alcohol can lead to fluid retention and delays recovery.

You will have frequent follow-up visits in the months after the plastic surgery, to check on the progress of your healing.

2 Weeks and After

Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within 2 weeks or so. After 2 weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for 8 weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics. Eyeglasses should be avoided for the first 4-6 weeks after the operation.

Final Result

Healing is slow and a gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more. You might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. However, remember to try to keep in mind why you decided to have this plastic surgery in the first place.

If you would like more information about rhinoplasty, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a consultation or give our office a call at (702) 734-4100 for confidential and informative answers to all of your questions.