Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) for Las Vegas and St. George

The key to an appealing face is balance and symmetry. The nose is one of the most prominent facial features, and a nose that is too small, too large, or misshapen can throw off the balance of the entire face. Dr. Robert Rhodes uses rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to bring the noses of patients from Las Vegas, St. George, and surrounding communities in Nevada and Utah into balance with the rest of the face. Often, rhinoplasty alone is enough to totally change a person's appearance, but many patients also choose to combine nose surgery with other facial surgery or with non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments.

Nose Surgery Candidacy
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Nose Surgery Recovery and Results
Revision (Secondary) Rhinoplasty

Nose Surgery Candidacy

Though it is a flexible procedure, not everyone is a good candidate for nose surgery. In order to undergo rhinoplasty with Dr. Rhodes in St. George, northeast of Las Vegas, patients must meet certain requirements:

Age: Unlike most plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is safe for many patients as young as 15 years old. Around this age, the structures of the nose stabilize, making surgery safe. Patients whose noses have not yet finished developing must wait before undergoing surgery.
Intact Structure: In some cases, previous surgery or injuries may have damaged the bone and cartilage in the nose so much that another surgery is impossible. Patients who have previously undergone rhinoplasty or who have been injured will need to be evaluated closely by Dr. Rhodes to make sure that their surgical goals can be met safely.
Realistic Expectations: The biggest key to a positive experience with rhinoplasty is to know what to expect. Knowing what is possible and what is not, and being prepared for recovery, is crucial to the success of the procedure.
Good General Health: Nose surgery patients must be healthy enough to withstand invasive surgery, anesthesia, and the post-surgical recovery period. Serious medical conditions, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and other risk factors make surgery impossible for some people.

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The Rhinoplasty Procedure

The basic goal of nose surgery is to reshape the cartilage, bone, and tissue that give the nose its size and shape. Each surgery is unique and will be planned based on the patient's goals. Dr. Rhodes is skilled enough to alter almost any feature of the nose, including the bridge, tip, nostrils, and overall size.

Most procedures are performed through incisions inside the nose (in which case the procedure is known as closed rhinoplasty), but some patients may need a discreet incision outside the nose, between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). After making the appropriate incisions, Dr. Rhodes may remove or relocate cartilage to change the shape of the bridge, tip, or nostrils of the nose. If necessary, cartilage can be transplanted from elsewhere in the body to augment the nose. Artificial implants are also occasionally used. After reshaping the nose, Dr. Rhodes closes incisions, packs the nose with gauze and applies a protective splint.

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Nose Surgery Recovery and Results

Patience is essential in the weeks and months following rhinoplasty. Dr. Rhodes advises his nose surgery patients from St. George, Las Vegas, and elsewhere to stay in bed for the first day or two after surgery. Some bleeding, swelling, and soreness is common, but after the first two weeks these symptoms fade significantly. Minor swelling typically persists for several months. The final results are sometimes not visible for up to a year after nose surgery. During rhinoplasty recovery, patients will visit our St. George practice, located near Las Vegas in southwestern Utah, for periodic post-operative checkups.

Though recovery may take a long time, the vast majority of patients are thrilled with the final results of rhinoplasty. A more balanced nose can totally change a person's appearance. Many of Dr. Rhodes' patients experience such a profound boost in self-confidence that they feel as if their whole lives have changed for the better. Visit our gallery of plastic surgery before-and-after pictures to see how rhinoplasty can benefit you.

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Revision (Secondary) Rhinoplasty

Though the majority of rhinoplasty patients are happy with the results of their surgery, some decide that they want to undergo an additional procedure. This could be due to an error on the part of a surgeon, a change of heart on the part of the patient, or simply a need to fine-tune the nose. Putting so much time and effort into a dissatisfactory procedure can be upsetting, but in many cases an additional nose surgery is enough to produce the hoped-for results.

Performing a secondary, or revision, rhinoplasty procedure is almost always more difficult and complex than the original procedure. The structures of the nose are changed during the first procedure, making revisional surgery even more delicate. However, Dr. Rhodes has the advanced skill and expertise required to make a secondary nose surgery successful. He has helped numerous patients dissatisfied with their original rhinoplasty enjoy the results they want.

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Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. J. Robert Rhodes

Dr. Rhodes and his staff are absolutely committed to providing superior care before, during, and after nose surgery. Rhinoplasty patients from St. George, Las Vegas, and elsewhere in the area can benefit from our unique approach to cosmetic medicine as well as the results we provide. Contact the practice of Dr. Rhodes to schedule a consultation.

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