IS RHINOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME?

Our plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. Nose surgery can provide many improvements, which may include one or more of the following:

• Increasing or decreasing the size of your nose or nostrils to be in better proportion with your other facial features
• Sculpting the bridge of your nose if it’s too wide, crooked, or has a bump or hump
• Correcting the shape of your nose after an injury
• Improving breathing by correcting a congenital defect such as a deviated septum
• Improving the results of a previous rhinoplasty

HOW IS NOSE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Nose surgery can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. It may take longer if the reshaping is more extensive or the procedure is being performed along with other procedures such as an eyelid lift or facial implant surgery. Your plastic surgeon will decide whether your surgery will be performed through incisions made within your nose, called a closed rhinoplasty, or from outside your nose where incisions are made on the leading edge of your nose between your nostrils, called an open rhinoplasty.

In either case, your plastic surgeon will separate the skin of your nose from the underlying bone and cartilage, sculpt this bone and cartilage, and reposition it to form the improved shape of your nose. The skin is then carefully repositioned and stitched in place to heal.

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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