Nose Surgery With Dr. Frank J. Piro
Treating San Francisco Bay Area and San Mateo Nasal Surgery Patients
Dr. Frank J. Piro is a preeminent plastic surgeon, providing nasal surgery to bring a sense of balance to facial features. With rhinoplasty, or nasal surgery, Dr. Piro is able to enhance his Burlingame, Hillsborough and San Carlos nasal surgery patients' innate beauty while delivering natural-looking results.
Who Can Benefit From Nasal Surgery
Certain individuals feel that their nose is too large in relation to the rest of their facial features. Others are concerned by a bump on the bridge of their nose. Still, some people are disappointed that the tip of their nose droops or looks like hook. Not to mention, there are quite a few individuals who suffer from chronic breathing problems, often the result of a deviated septum.
Fortunately, Dr. Piro performs nasal surgery to correct these aesthetic (and health) concerns as well as other cosmetic issues. Whether the patient is frustrated by the size, shape or asymmetrical nature of his or her nose, or by ongoing breathing issues that are related to the nasal structure, the San Mateo nose surgeon can help.
Dr. Piro is awesome! Where other doctors I consulted with told me I would have hideous scars for life after my surgery... Dr. Piro confidently said I would not. Our consultation was a combination of what I wanted to acheive with the surgery and what he felt would be best suited for me overall. The surgery went great, the healing process was great and I have no scars.
I am completely satisfied with the results. This surgery changed my life.
I highly recommend Dr. Piro.
—D.M.
What Nasal Surgery Entails
Nasal surgery generally takes about two to four hours, and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. There are two principal approaches to nasal surgery: the open and closed approach.
With the open method, Dr. Piro positions the needed incisions on the columella, or the medial nostril strip. This approach gives the plastic surgeon optimal visibility and therefore control during the procedure.
With the closed approach, Dr. Piro places the needed incisions inside the nose, allowing for quicker healing and less-noticeable scars. However, the plastic surgeon has less control during a closed rhinoplasty procedure than he does during open nasal surgery.
Nonetheless, with either approach, the San Mateo nose surgeon uses the incisions to access the underlying nasal structure, which is comprised of bone and cartilage. He sculpts, reduces or augments the nasal bone and cartilage to improve the size, shape, symmetry, angle, width or overall structure of the nose.
Once he is satisfied with the newly shaped nose, Dr. Piro closes the incisions with stitches before dressing the treated area with bandages. He will most likely also place a splint on the nose to provide added support and protection while the nose heals.
View before and after photos of Dr. Piro's rhinoplasty patients.
Recovering From Nasal Surgery
Nasal surgery patients should expect to miss work or their normal daily activities for about one week. Some individuals might be able to return to work sooner, and others might take longer to return.
Patients might be stuffy immediately following surgery and need to breathe through their mouth for a few days. The treated area may be sore, swollen or bruised. It is common for bruising to extend into the eye area, so patients should not be alarmed if they notice they have "black eyes" following nasal surgery. Bruising typically subsides within 10 days but can take longer for some people (e.g., smokers). Dr. Piro can recommend oral pain relievers to alleviate any initial postsurgical discomfort. Applying ice packs to the treated area may also help reduce soreness and swelling, but Dr. Piro will provide patients with comprehensive care instructions.
Those who have undergone nasal surgery should be sure to stay hydrated, eat healthy, limit sodium consumption and get plenty of rest. They should also keep their head elevated for the first few days after surgery as instructed by Dr. Piro. The cosmetic surgeon will tell patients when they can slowly return to their usual activities, including when they can start wearing makeup and their glasses again.
Nasal Surgery Candidacy
Dr. Piro is extremely knowledgeable about nasal surgery. That is why he is the optimum judge of which individuals are suitable nasal surgery candidates. Although, typically, appropriate nasal surgery candidates include people who:
- Have an overall positive self- image but are frustrated with the size, shape or asymmetrical nature of their nose, or with chronic breathing problems related to their nasal structure
- Are at least 15 years old and whose nose has stopped growing (younger patients may be suitable nasal surgery candidates if they are looking to correct structural damage or a birth defect)
- Are not seeking perfection, but are instead seeking cosmetic improvement
- Are physically and emotionally healthy overall
- Do not smoke, or are willing and able to quit smoking for a few months prior to and after surgery
Mostly, suitable nasal surgery candidates recognize the possible risks as well as the rewards of rhinoplasty. They have practical expectations for the surgical outcome, and have decided to pursue nasal surgery of their own volition.
Attaining Your Ideal Nose
Your nose is one of the first things that people see. That is why it is important to have a nose of which you are proud. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, there is no reason to wait any longer to achieve your ideal nose. The good news is that the first step in attaining your ideal nose is easy: Simply contact Dr. Piro to find out more about how he can help you love your nose.
To arrange a private consultation with Dr. Piro to learn more about nasal surgery, please contact his practice by calling (650) 652-8230 today.
RHINOPLASTY FAQs
Where are the rhinoplasty incisions made?
The standard rhinoplasty technique is called "open rhinoplasty." A small incision is made across the base of the nose and extends internally, with hidden incisions inside the nose. The open rhinoplasty technique allows the surgeon better visualization and correction of nasal deformities.
What is the recovery after rhinoplasty surgery like?
Typically, in the first week, there is a splint placed over the nose, and bruising under the eyes is likely. Patients usually try to refrain from social exposure for one week. The splint is generally removed after one week. It is certainly possible for patients to be back to work within five to seven days after surgery.
What are the potential risks and complications?
Before deciding on surgery, consult your doctor. This way, Dr. Piro can fully inform you of both the benefits and risks of the procedure. With any surgery, there is a risk of infection, bleeding or an undesired result.
Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Typically, rhinoplasty for cosmetic changes is not covered by insurance. On rare occasions, insurance may cover rhinoplasty for patients who have experienced trauma to the nose and require cosmetic changes stemming from the trauma.
To learn more about our Plastic Surgery Services, please contact us at (650) 652-8230 today to schedule an appointment.