Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoplasty

What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty refers to reshaping of the nose.  The most common reason individuals seek out Dr. Batniji’s expertise in this surgery is to remove a bump or hump, refine the tip of the nose, straighten the nose, and/or make the nose smaller in appearance.  Another reason patient’s consult Dr. Batniji is for revision rhinoplasty.

Does Dr. Batniji routinely use packing following rhinoplasty?
No.  Dr. Batniji rarely, if ever, uses nasal packing following rhinoplasty, thus avoiding the discomfort associated with removal of nasal packing after surgery.  Dr. Batniji utilizes several maneuvers in the operating room to obviate the need for nasal packing.  As well, he and his staff prepare his patients prior to surgery to minimize the risk of nosebleeds after surgery; bleeding is one of the more common reasons to pack a nose after surgery.  This preparation includes avoidance of Aspirin, Aspirin-containing products, Ibuprofen, Ibuprofen-products, and certain herbal medicines that increase the risk of bleeding.  As well, Dr. Batniji encourages his patients to use homeopathic therapies such as Arnica Montana and Traumeel to minimize the risk of bruising and/or swelling after surgery.

Can Dr. Batniji correct nasal obstruction at the same time as Rhinoplasty?
Yes.  Dr. Batniji focuses upon both function and form when it comes to surgery of the nose.  For example, Dr. Batniji may perform surgery of the turbinates and correct a deviated septum during rhinoplasty.

What are the turbinates and how does Dr. Batniji treat them?
The turbinates are structures on the sidewall of the nose.  We have an inferior, middle, and superior turbinate on each side.  The turbinates are very important in the overall function of the nose.  However, if the turbinates are large, the enlarged turbinates can impede airflow through the nose and cause nasal obstruction.  Several factors can cause the turbinates to become enlarged, including allergies.  Therefore, when Dr. Batniji identifies patients with enlarged turbinates, he may suggest allergy testing.  As well, he may recommend treatment with a nasal steroid spray to help “shrink” the enlarged turbinates.  For patients who plan to undergo rhinoplasty and have evidence of enlarged turbinates, Dr. Batniji may recommend surgical correction of the turbinates using a technique that was initially described by his father, Dr. Kamal Batniji, a prominent Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, Throat—Head & Neck Surgery) in Southern California.  Dr. Batniji uses a laser to minimize the size of the turbinate while maintaining the overall integrity and function of the turbinate.  This is a procedure that can be performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty.

What is a deviated septum?
The septum is the middle partition of the nose that separates the nasal passageway into two.  The septum is made of both cartilage and bone.  The septum should be straight.  However, if the septum is deviated, this may result in nasal obstruction and/or a crooked appearance to the nose.  The septum can become deviated from injury; some patients recall a specific blunt trauma history to the nose, while others do not.  Interestingly, a review of the medical literature demonstrates blunt trauma to the nose during delivery of infants as a potential cause of deviated septum.

Does Dr. Batniji repair deviated septums?
Yes.  Dr. Batniji repairs deviated septums, often in conjunction with a rhinoplasty.

Does Dr. Batniji take insurance?
Yes.  Dr. Batniji does participate with selected insurance plans when it comes to addressing functional issues in rhinoplasty.  For further information, please contact our office at 949.650.8882 begin of the skype highlighting 949.650.8882  end of the skype highlighting or contact us.

Where does Dr. Batniji perform his surgeries?
Dr. Batniji performs his surgeries at fully accredited outpatient surgery centers or Hoag Hospital, depending upon the nature of the surgery. The most common surgeries are performed by Dr. Batniji as the Newport Beach Surgery Center.