Rhinoplasty in Farmington Hills

What rhinoplasty addresses

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by modifying bone, cartilage and soft tissue, with the aim of a natural-looking result that suits the rest of your face. It can address a bump on the bridge, a wide, drooping or bulbous tip, asymmetry, damage from injury or earlier surgery, and a deviated septum.

Dr. Hardaway often uses computer imaging before surgery to show potential changes, so your expectations match what can realistically be achieved.

How the procedure is performed

Rhinoplasty typically takes one to three hours and is performed under anesthesia at an accredited outpatient facility. Dr. Hardaway uses one of two techniques, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Closed rhinoplasty — incisions are placed inside the nose.
• Open rhinoplasty — a small incision is made between the nostrils.

A splint is applied afterwards to support healing, and in some cases internal supports are used temporarily.

Septoplasty and breathing

Septoplasty corrects a crooked septum, which can obstruct airflow and cause chronic congestion and snoring, by repositioning or removing parts of the cartilage and bone. Septorhinoplasty combines septoplasty and rhinoplasty in a single procedure, typically under anesthesia, taking two to three hours. Functional surgery can help with breathing issues, sleep quality and sinus problems.

When breathing issues are documented, insurance may cover the functional part of the combined procedure, and the team can help you understand your coverage.

Recovery

You leave the center with a nasal splint, and possibly internal supports, in place. Discomfort, swelling and bruising are normal in the first week and are managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses. Keeping your head elevated, including during sleep, helps reduce swelling.

Around one week after surgery, Dr. Hardaway typically removes the splint and any internal supports, and many patients resume light social activities. Most visible signs resolve by week four. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can persist for months. About 80% of swelling has usually subsided by three months, and the final result can take up to a year.

Follow-up visits and post-operative care, including avoiding strenuous activity, sun exposure and pressure on the nose, support healing. After septorhinoplasty, most patients return to work within one to two weeks.

Revision rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is for patients unhappy with the result of a previous nose surgery, for cosmetic reasons, functional reasons or both. It addresses issues such as scar tissue, weakened nasal structures and anatomy altered by the earlier operation. It is generally more involved than a first rhinoplasty and may mean a longer surgery and recovery. Dr. Hardaway often uses an open approach for better precision and visibility.

Choosing a surgeon

Dr. Michelle Hardaway is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training in facial procedures. She earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of Michigan and completed her medical education at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She then completed residencies in General Surgery at North Shore University Hospital, a Cornell Medical Center affiliate, and in Plastic Surgery at Nassau County Medical Center in New York.