Nasal surgery may be performed for cosmetic purposes, or a combination procedure to improve both form and function. It may alleviate or cure nasal breathing problems, correct deformities from birth or injury, or support an aging, drooping nose. Some patients suffer from chronic nasal stuffiness that may be due to chronic breathing problems that don't respond well to standard medical treatment.

Nasal surgery, or rhinoplasty, can have a great affect on one's appearance. Even the slightest alteration can make a difference. There are some people that have been unhappy with their nasal appearance their whole lives, and then there are those who have had alterations to their nose as a result of injury. For these individuals, nasal surgery can help renew one's nasal appearance and bring back balance to one's face.

Many patients require postoperative care, such as physiotherapy, orthotic devices ( foot supports), and special footwear. This care helps ensure that the results of the operation are long lasting

Even though bunions are a common foot deformity, there are misconceptions about them. Many people may unnecessarily suffer the pain of bunions for years before seeking treatment.

Fortunately, it is extremely rare for children suffering from gastroesophageal reflux to require surgery. Commonly they respond to dietary correction and physiological correction of habits. In children who do require surgery, the most commonly performed operation is called Nissen fundoplication.

Some patients are not cured by conservative therapy, and it may be determined that surgery is needed, especially in patients who have significant pain or recurrent dislocation. By looking into the knee with an arthroscope, the surgeon can assess the mechanics of the knee joint to ascertain if there is an anatomic malalignment that could be corrected.

Most orthopaedic problems are treated without surgery. Physical therapy, injections or simple home instructions are often all that is necessary. Surgery is only used when non-surgical solutions by themselves are unable to resolve the problem.

Yes, but we always try everything short of surgery first. The indications for surgery are persistent pain, interfering with your activities of daily living, work, or sports, that has not responded to the nonoperative program described above.

The technique that we use when we perform nasal surgery involves the use of a dissolvable suture that allows us to avoid the use of any nasal packing. This allows for a much more comfortable postoperative course with decreased bruising and swelling and a much faster recovery.

Though complications with nasal surgery are unusual they can occur. Bleeding and infection can be associated with any surgical procedure and they can certainly occur with a rhinoplasty. The biggest complaint though is not accomplishing the result that the patient desired necessitating more surgery. That is why finding a surgeon accomplished in nasal surgery is so important.

At least two weeks prior to surgery you should stop taking aspirin products, ibuprofens, herbal medications or diet pills. You should also eat lightly the night before surgery and not drink alcohol. You should also have all your prescriptions that you would need after surgery purchased and make sure someone is available to be with you after surgery. Also a pre surgical vitamin program developed by our office is helpful in preparing the body for surgery.

with all surgery, anesthetic is used during the operation. This can be either local or general, depending on your wishes. Patients generally report little pain after surgery, mainly just stuffiness from nasal swelling. Medication for discomfort is available, but most patients require very little. Although many of my patients worry about discomfort following a rhinoplasty, at our practice in San Francisco, "nose job" patients are often pleasantly surprised by the ease of recovery.

In many patients, an obstructive deviation of the wall separating the two sides of the nose, called the septum, makes breathing challenging. Frequently, the stuffiness worsens with mild allergies or colds, and can cause sinus headaches. A separate procedure, performed alone or at the same time as the rhinoplasty, can generally eliminate the obstruction. This procedure is called a septoplasty. Other structures in the nose, such as turbinates or polyps, may contribute to the blockage.

Insurance companies usually cover corrective treatments that help fix a functional problem like breathing obstruction. If you have a deviated septum, you may receive some assistance. Furthermore, if your nose problems emanate from an accident, insurance will generally cover some of the cost. We can assist our San Francisco nasal surgery patients with submitting a claim.

The bone in the midline in noses is called septum. It may be deviated mildly in almost 70% of populations. If it is causing symptoms like nasal blockage or sinusitis, it needs surgical correction. It should not be operated before the age of 18, if it is operated at early age patient may need revision surgery at a later date.

Nasal polyposis is a very common nasal problem. Surgery for it is done using nasal endoscopies. It is called Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. In a nicely done case and if proper care is taken in post operative period the risk of recurrence is minimal almost less than 25%.

All patients must have had a brain MRI at some time since the onset of dystonia. All patients must have a detailed videotaped neurological evaluation by Dr. William Marks, lasting several hours, to document the severity of dystonia.

Exercise is an important part of success after surgery. You may be encouraged to begin exercising, limited only by discomfort, about two weeks after surgery. The type of exercise depends on your overall condition, but the long-term goal is to get 30 minutes of exercise three or more days each week. Back to Top

I see lots of advertising for these new heated wraps. You can put them on your back, knee, shoulder--just about anywhere. I thought heat was bad and we should only use ice for sprains and strains.

Surgery is never the first option for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease. If prescription drugs are not relieving symptoms, or if you have serious complications, you may need surgery. The operation is relatively simple and is called fundoplication. Its purpose is to tighten the LES muscle. The stomach is tied in such a way as to prevent acid from flowing backward into the esophagus. This surgery is successful for more than 85% of people.

A variety of treatments will be used including rest, medications, injections, and avoiding the activities that are causing the irritation. We will generally always begin with a non-operative protocol. There are however, times where a non-operative treatment may not be successful. Surgery will be recommended when you have failed a non-operative protocol, or if it is felt that you have an injury that will more than likely lead to a more significant problem if not treated in the immediate future.

When heart valves are seriously harmed by birth defects, inflammation, degeneration or infection, surgery may be required to repair or replace them. Damage to these one-way valves can place excessive strain on the heart muscle and interfere with efficient blood flow to the organs of the body. Some common problems that are treated by surgery include valves that "leak" (regurgitation) and valves that are constricted by scar tissue, a condition known as stenosis.

The aorta is the main artery that carries blood from the heart. Two main blood vessels branch from the base of it: the right and left coronary arteries. Each of the coronary arteries has many branches. When plaque buildup narrows an artery to about 70% of its normal size, the artery is essentially blocked. Less severe blockage can be relieved by angioplasty and stenting. That's when a tiny balloon is threaded into the blocked artery and slowly inflated.

Typically, rhinoplasty and nasal surgeries are all done under a general anesthesia, lasting approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Anesthesia is administered by board certified physician anesthesiologists from Swedish Medical Center.

The office and the Rhinoplasty Center will preauthorize any upcoming nasal surgery such as septoplasty, turbinate surgery or sinus-related surgery with your medical insurance plan. Dr. Portuese and the Seattle Rhinoplasty Center are credentialed with all major insurance plans in the Pacific Northwest. Cosmetic nasal surgery is not medically necessary and is paid for by the patient.

Most patients take approximately one week off from their work environment. The cast will usually stay on the nose for approximately one week after the surgery and bruising and swelling lasts upwards of two weeks. Patients who are able to work from home can certainly do computer, phone work and book work but may not feel comfortable venturing out of the house until the cast is removed from the nose.

It is a very good idea to have a pregnancy test done within a few days prior to any surgery including rhinoplasty surgery. The anesthesiologists who perform anesthesia in our surgery center do not wish to have women who are pregnant put to sleep under anesthesia for cosmetic nasal surgery.