Rebuilding the nose is one of the most intricate surgeries in plastic and reconstructive medicine. It requires an eye for detail, technical skill, and an understanding of form and function.Â
At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Anya Costeloe brings her board certification in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) training to patients in National Harbor near Alexandria, Virginia.
What Is Nasal Reconstruction?
Nasal reconstruction is one of Dr. Anya Costeloe’s specialties. This surgery is designed to restore the appearance and function of your nose. Dr. Costeloe may recommend it if you were born with a nasal deformity, experienced a traumatic injury, need revision after a previous rhinoplasty, or are rebuilding your nose following cancer treatment.
Because every case is unique, Dr. Costeloe carefully tailors the approach to your needs. Some reconstructions can be completed in a single procedure, while more complex cases may require several stages to achieve the best long-term outcome. Recovery often takes time, but her goal is always to help you breathe comfortably and feel good about your appearance again.
Candidates for Nasal Reconstruction
Because nasal reconstruction is a major surgery, you’ll need to be in fairly good overall health before moving forward. Certain conditions or habits can increase risks, such as:
- Taking blood-thinning medications
- Smoking
- Having vascular disorders
- Receiving radiation therapy
- Recovering from a recent surgery
These issues don’t always rule you out. In many cases, you can take measures to manage them ahead of time. For example, we may recommend quitting smoking or pausing blood-thinning medication under medical guidance.
The Nasal Reconstruction Procedure
Before surgery, Dr. Costeloe will carefully examine your nose to determine how much tissue, whether skin, cartilage, or bone, needs to be restored. One of our main priorities is making sure your airway remains open, which may involve reinforcing the nasal structure with cartilage to prevent future breathing issues.
Nasal reconstruction is often a process rather than a single operation. In some cases, the first stage may involve removing scar tissue or repositioning existing structures before moving forward. Smaller procedures may only require local anesthesia, but more complex, multi-stage surgeries are typically done under general anesthesia.
The techniques we use depend on the size and location of the repair. These may include:
- Skin grafting: Transferring skin from another part of your body
- Cartilage or bone reconstruction: Rebuilding structure and support
- Skin flaps: Repositioning nearby tissue to repair the defect
For grafting, Dr. Costeloe often uses skin from areas that are naturally hidden, such as behind the ear. If more tissue is needed, she may take it from the thigh or groin. When a close match in texture and color is important, a skin flap is usually the best option.
When extra support is necessary, cartilage may come from your ear, nasal septum, or ribs. If bone is required, it can be carefully taken from the jaw, hip, ribs, or skull.
Once the main reconstruction is complete, we may recommend follow-up procedures to refine the shape, reduce scarring, or improve contour. While the process can take time, many of our patients describe it as life-changing, as it restores the function of their nose and their confidence. As part of your recovery, we may also suggest counseling if it would help you adjust to the changes along the way.
Risks of Nasal Reconstruction
Because nasal reconstruction is serious surgery, usually performed under general anesthesia, it presents the risks of any surgical procedure, including:
- Infection
- Breathing difficulty
- Excessive bleeding
- Stroke
There is also some danger that the vocal cords may be damaged during nasal reconstruction or that other adjacent tissue may be damaged. Because of the risk of post-surgical infection, we may prescribe antibiotics prophylactically.
Why Choose Bella Cosmetic Surgery?
Selecting the right surgeon for nasal reconstruction is one of the most important decisions you can make. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, MD, Dr. Anya Costeloe brings board certification in facial plastic surgery and advanced training in otolaryngology. Patients from Alexandria, VA, and throughout the Washington, DC, area rely on her expertise for complex cases such as trauma repair, cancer reconstruction, or revision surgery.
Dr. Costeloe also works closely with Dr. Michael Chiaramonte and the experienced team at Bella Cosmetic Surgery to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care. They will listen to your goals and create an individualized treatment plan just for you. With Bella Cosmetic Surgery’s reputation for excellence, you can feel confident that your care is in trusted hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Nasal Reconstruction Differ From Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is focused on reshaping the nose for aesthetic purposes, while nasal reconstruction restores structure and function after trauma, cancer treatment, or a previous surgery. With reconstruction, Dr. Anya Costeloe often works with missing or damaged tissue, using grafts or flaps to rebuild the nose and ensure proper airflow.
How Soon After an Injury or Cancer Treatment Can Nasal Reconstruction Be Performed?
The timing depends on your individual case. In some situations, reconstruction can begin right after an injury or cancer-related surgery, while in others it’s best to wait until initial healing has taken place.
Dr. Costeloe will evaluate you to recommend the safest timeline for when your body is ready for surgery and recovery.
How Noticeable Will Scarring Be After Nasal Reconstruction?
Scarring is always a consideration with reconstructive surgery, but Dr. Costeloe uses advanced techniques to minimize it as much as possible. Incisions are typically placed in natural folds or less visible areas, and grafts or flaps are chosen to match the surrounding skin.
Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable, and follow-up treatments may be recommended if you want further refinement.
What Is Recovery Like in the First Few Weeks After Surgery?
In the first weeks, you can expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort as your body begins to heal. Breathing may feel different at first, especially if cartilage grafts or airway adjustments were made. Most patients need to avoid strenuous activity, bending, or heavy lifting during this stage. Dr. Costeloe will guide you through each step of recovery, with check-ins to make sure healing is on track.
Meet With Dr. Anya Costeloe in National Harbor, MD
Nasal reconstruction can make a meaningful difference in your life. Dr. Anya Costeloe and the team at Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, MD, can help you explore your options. To schedule a visit, please contact us at 301-567-6767.
