Septorhinoplasty

Some patients elect to have a septoplasty at the same time as their rhinoplasty. A septoplasty is performed when the cartilage and bone inside the nose is deviated and causing limitation of air entry through the nose. This limitation can be the cause of breathing problems. In addition to issues with the septum, some patients have over-growth of the turbinates which are located in the nose that can also cause an obstruction of airflow and affect breathing. Patients experiencing problems with nasal airflow can undergo a septoplasty procedure in addition to the aesthetic correction of their nose. This procedure is referred to as a Septorhinoplasty. The septoplasty and turbinate portion of your surgery may be 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.

Who is the ideal candidate for a septorhinoplasty procedure?

Septorhinoplasty surgeons , like Dr. Barr, expertly combine the septoplasty procedure with the rhinoplasty procedure in order to simultaneously address both breathing issues and aesthetic concerns. Ideal candidates for this procedure are healthy individuals who have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes. Candidates for septorhinoplasty surgery are looking to improve the breathing through their nose at the same time they are addressing their aesthetic concerns and improving their overall facial appearance.

What are the Benefits of a Septorhinoplasty Procedure?

Septorhinoplasty patients often pursue surgery in order to correct a number of issues:

• To correct the internal structure of the nose
• Improve the ability to breathe through the nose
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve sense of taste and smell
• To soften the tip of the nose
• To reduce the length and/or height of the nose
• To decrease the size of the nostrils
• To narrow the width of the nose
• To change the angle between the nose and upper lip
• To make the nose appear more aesthetic and improve the overall facial appearance
• To feel more confident

How long will it take me to recover from my septorhinoplasty procedure?

Dr. Barr’s extensive experience with the septorhinoplasty procedure will ensure that your septorhinoplasty healing time 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 be worn for 7 days following surgery. While some patients have minimal bruising, likely there will be some bruising and swelling that takes a few days to settle. Any bruising can be concealed with makeup by 7 to 8 days, at the time the cast is removed.

There is absolutely no discomfort after a septorhinoplasty due to the method Dr. Barr has developed over his extensive career. Patients do not use any medications for discomfort following their septorhinoplasty procedure.

Swelling generally peaks within 48 hours after surgery then steadily improves. This swelling affects the lower forehead and eyes. By the time the splint is removed at 7 days, the swelling is significantly better.

You may engage in light activities for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. You can increase the intensity of your activities and resume regular activities by two 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.

Septorhinoplasty Digital Imaging

Advanced computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the possible aesthetic outcome of your septorhinoplasty 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 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.