Advanced computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the possible aesthetic outcome of your rhinoplasty procedure. Your assessment and imaging will provide the foundation for your consultation with Dr. Barr, where your individual concerns and expectations will be thoroughly discussed.

The benefits, risks and potential complications associated with nose surgery will be thoroughly explained during this consultation. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and should enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not nose surgery is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package will be provided to you at the time of consultation which includes instructions for both before and after surgery.

The ideal candidates for a rhinoplasty procedure are healthy men and women who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes.

While optimal surgical changes desired will vary based on your individual characteristics, the rhinoplasty procedure is generally pursued by those patients seeking one or more of the following aesthetic surgical improvements:

• Narrow the width of the nose
• Soften the tip of the nose
• Reduce the length and/or height of the nose
• Decrease the size of the nostrils
• Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
• Make the nose appear smaller

It may be possible to schedule another surgery at the same time as your rhinoplasty procedure. Some patients elect to have a septoplasty at the same time as their rhinoplasty. A septoplasty is performed when the primary goal of surgery is to correct internal structures of the nose that are causing breathing problems.  During rhinoplasty surgery, patients experiencing problems with nasal airflow can undergo a septoplasty procedure to improve this condition. Septoplasty surgery is an insured procedure covered under the current Ministry of Health guidelines.  Combining these two procedures is possible and can be discussed at the time of your consultation with Dr. Barr.

Your procedure will be performed within the state-of-the-art facilities of Barr Plastic Surgery, located within the Northern Ontario Surgical Centre.

Northern Ontario Surgical Centre has been awarded accreditation by the CAAASF (Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) for meeting the standards of a hospital in regards to monitoring, emergency and resuscitation equipment. With two levels and entrances that conceal the actual size of the facility, the centre itself spans 8000 square feet and incorporates fully equipped major and minor operating rooms, a monitored multi-bed recovery area, 10 laser and treatment rooms, spacious consultation areas, private offices to discuss financing options, elegant waiting areas and a private waiting room and secure rear entrance/exit for additional privacy when desired.

There are 2 techniques used in Rhinoplasty surgery: a closed rhinoplasty, or an open rhinoplasty.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In the closed rhinoplasty procedure, all incisions are hidden inside the nose.  All structural changes to the nose can be made through these hidden incisions.  Patients whose nose does not require extensive correction of the nasal tip can usually be done using the Closed Rhinoplasty technique.

Open Rhinoplasty

In an open rhinoplasty, all but one incision is hidden inside the nose.  In addition to the hidden incisions, a single incision is also placed across the columella (the piece of skin between the two nostrils).  An open rhinoplasty is performed when Dr. Barr needs to remold/reshape the tip of the nose in order to achieve the optimal aesthetic outcome.

During the rhinoplasty procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape from the inside of the nose.  The skin is then re-draped over the newly structured framework.  This surgery will be performed under general anaesthesia.  Rhinoplasty surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.

A board-certified anesthesiologist will administer your anaesthetic, stay with you during the entire operation, and will be there as you wake up.

During office hours our Patient Coordinators and nursing staff are available to answer any questions or concerns following your surgery. After hours, Dr. Barr is available by pager.

Affording your procedure can be made simpler by using Medicard which enables you to pay for your surgery with monthly payments. Please note that this company is not affiliated in any way with Barr Plastic Surgery. For more information on how financing can help you afford your procedure, visit:

MEDICARD
www.medicard.com
1-888-689-9876

•  Fax, online, phone application
• Approval within 1 business day
• Payment terms: 6 months to 5 years
• No down payment
• Rates based on overall credit history (11.9% – 25%)
• No penalties for early payments

In Ontario, nasal procedures to correct breathing difficulty or nasal deformity from trauma may be covered by OHIP. In these cases, Dr. Barr will assess your condition and submit photos and breathing test results to the Ministry of Health to determine health insurance coverage.

The facility fee, surgeon, nurses, anaesthesia and anaesthetist, surgical supplies, and equipment used are all covered in the fees.

You will also be provided with prescriptions for medications to be taken after surgery. These prescriptions are subject to the same coverage you would receive from your medical insurance. If you do not have personal insurance then these medications will be at an additional cost to you.

There is a $500 deposit for any surgery under $5,000 and a $1000 deposit for any surgery over $5000.
This deposit is payable upon scheduling a surgery date. This fee is non-refundable should you change, reschedule or cancel your surgery within 4 weeks of the surgery date.

Payment for your surgery is due 14 days prior to your surgery date. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Certified Cheques
• Mastercard or VISA
• E-transfers
• Financing plan

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience with the rhinoplasty procedure will ensure that your post operative recovery is minimized. You will be discharged the same day as your procedure with a customized, molded, plastic splint on your nose. This is used to protect the nose from injury while it is healing and will need to be worn for approximately 7 days following surgery. Any bruising can be concealed with makeup and decreases steadily throughout the first post-operative week.

Swelling generally peaks within 48 hours after surgery then starts to lessen gradually.  You will develop some swelling around the eyes which should begin to diminish 7 days after surgery. The splint will be removed 7 days after surgery. The sutures used to close the hidden incisions inside the nose are dissolving and do not require removal unless an open rhinoplasty is performed.

You may engage in light activity for approximately 1 week following your surgery. Activity levels can then be increased slightly. Regular activity can be resumed approximately 3 weeks following surgery. You will also be asked to refrain from contact sports for a minimum of 6 weeks after surgery.

Dr. Barr and his highly trained medical staff will be available to answer questions and address any concerns throughout the healing process.

Dr. Barr takes every precaution to make your scarring as minimal as possible. However, as with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring from incisions. Once your incisions have healed there are products that can be used to minimize the redness in scars as well as improve the texture. Reusable silicone strips as well as medical grade topical scar creams are available for purchase that will help to reduce the discolouration found in new scars. Precautions to minimize scarring will be discussed during consultation.