Rhinoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

There are many reasons men and women visit the board-certified plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group for rhinoplasty in Albany. This procedure, often called nose surgery, can improve the appearance of the nose, repair an injury, or improve breathing. Our rhinoplasty patients from Syracuse, NY and throughout the Capital District are consistently impressed by how much this one procedure improves their appearance and renews their self-confidence.

Am I a good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

The suitability for rhinoplasty hinges on several factors. First and foremost, having realistic expectations is crucial. The patient should recognize that rhinoplasty can improve the nose but might not make it perfect. 

Patients in good physical health with a fully developed nose (typically after 15 years of age) are often ideal candidates. Moreover, individuals who experience issues with breathing or have aesthetic concerns like a hump, wide nostrils, or an asymmetrical nose can benefit from rhinoplasty.

YOUR CONSULTATION

A qualified plastic surgeon will handle your consultation. During this session, you’ll discuss your goals and concerns. The surgeon will examine your nose and facial structure, evaluating its suitability. 

It’s vital to communicate your expectations clearly, and the surgeon will provide their professional opinion on the potential results. The surgeon will also discuss the surgical techniques, risks, and post-operative care. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and ensure you are well-informed.

THE PROCEDURE

The duration of the surgery can vary but typically ranges from one to three hours, contingent upon the complexity of the case. General anesthesia will ensure patient comfort and safety. Strategic incisions, often intra-nasal (closed rhinoplasty) or transcolumellar (open rhinoplasty), provide access to the nasal structures. 

Surgical adjustments encompass intricate modifications of bone and cartilage, addressing concerns such as dorsal humps, septal deviations, or alar reshaping. The surgeon will close the incisions through precise suturing techniques to minimize visible scarring. 

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER NOSE SURGERY?

Your plastic surgeon will give you detailed instructions to follow before and after surgery. It is important to the recovery process to follow these instructions closely.

FIRST FEW DAYS
The first day following your rhinoplasty, you may experience a sensation of puffiness in your face and some aching around your nose, and you may have a slight headache. This discomfort can be controlled by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon. You will need keep your head elevated during the first day after your surgery.

Patients typically have some slight blood discharge as well as swelling and bruising around their eyes for the first few days, which is completely normal. It’s common to look worse each day at first, but after about 3 days, the swelling and bruising will stabilize and start to gradually fade. Cool cloths or compresses held gently on these swollen and bruised areas can help you feel more comfortable.

1 TO 2 WEEKS
Most swelling and bruising is gone within 2 to 3 weeks. Within a couple weeks of your rhinoplasty, you will begin to look and feel better. Most likely you’ll go back to work as long as your job is not too strenuous.

SEVERAL WEEKS
The area around your nose may also remain stiff for several weeks.

RESTRICTIONS DURING RECOVERY
You should avoid exercises and activities that can make your blood pressure increase. In general, you’ll want to pay a little more attention to protecting your nose when you’re bathing or putting on makeup. And if you wear glasses, you will have to be very careful not to rest them on the bridge of your nose until it has healed adequately, usually within a month to a month and a half.

NEXT MONTHS
The internal swelling diminishes very gradually after nose surgery. It’s important to understand that you may not reach your final results for about a year.

HOW MUCH DOES RHINOPLASTY COST?

Rhinoplasty cost depends on a number of factors, including whether your rhinoplasty is for cosmetic or functional improvements, whether you have had a prior rhinoplasty, and whether you are combining it with other procedures. The range for a typical rhinoplasty is $5,500 to $6,500. Our patient financing can make cosmetic surgery fit most financial situations. When considering any surgical procedure, your choice of a surgeon should come before the price tag. Learn more from our team of plastic surgeons.

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO HAVE NOSE SURGERY?

Nose surgery can be performed at just about any age; however, it is recommended that youths complete their growing cycle before undergoing nose surgery. In general, young girls should wait until they are in their mid-teens and boys in their later teens.

DOES RHINOPLASTY LEAVE SCARS?

While all surgery leaves scars, rhinoplasty scars are not visible at all when the surgery is conducted inside the nostrils. When the surgery is conducted on the outside of the nose, the scars are very small and concealed under the nose along the crease between the nose and upper lip.

DOES IT MATTER IF I’VE HAD A PREVIOUS NOSE SURGERY OR INJURY?

Yes. This can make the procedure more complicated and may affect the outcome of your nose reshaping surgery. It is very important to let your plastic surgeon know if you’ve had nose surgery or nose injuries.

DOES INSURANCE COVER NOSE SURGERY?

In most cases, nose surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery and is not covered by insurance. In some cases, it may be covered if the surgery is required as a result of an injury or to improve breathing. You can discuss this with your plastic surgeon and contact your insurance carrier for more information.

WILL I HAVE TO BE HOSPITALIZED?

Normally, nose surgery is performed in a nearby outpatient surgery center. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will inform you where your nose surgery will take place.

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