Rhinoplasty Information

Rhinoplasty can be performed for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. Nose size, shape, birth defects or breathing problems are commonly addressed. Doctors do recommend that children wait until they are 15 or 16 before they undergo any type of cosmetic nose surgery due to the fact that the nose is one of the last parts of the body to fully develop.

If you have wondered how nose surgery, or Rhinoplasty, could improve your looks, self-confidence, or health, you need to know how Rhinoplasty is performed and what you can expect.

On your first visit to your plastic surgeon, the surgeon will ask what you'd like your nose to look like.  He or she will then evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and go over your available options.  You can expect a thorough explanation of the surgeon's expectations and the risks involved in surgery.  Your surgeon will also explain the type of anesthesia that will be used along the risks and costs involved. Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the specific procedure and your surgeons preference.  With local anesthesia, you will be lightly sedated, and your nose and the surrounding area will be numbed.  You will be conscious during the actual surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain.  With general anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation which is usually a couple of hours.   Before pictures will also be taken if you so desire.

Most insurance policies don't cover surgery for cosmetic reasons, but if you are performing the procedure for reconstructive purposes such as correcting a breathing problem or deformity, the procedure may be covered.  Be sure and contact your insurer and have your surgery pre-authorized.

Don't forget to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.  Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable for at least five to eight days. Nasal dressing and splints are usually removed six or seven days after surgery.  Your face will be puffy particularly your first 24 hours.  Most swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. Most Rhinoplasty patients are back on their feet again within a few days, and able to return to school or work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.

Your surgeon will give you a better idea of what you can and can not do. Common suggestions include; Avoiding strenuous activity such as jogging, swimming, and sexual relations for two to three weeks.

Follow-up care is vital for this procedure to monitor healing. Obviously, anything unusual should be reported to your surgeon immediately. It is essential that you keep your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

Within a week or two, you will no longer look as if you've just had surgery but recovering from Rhinoplasty is still a gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip of your nose. The final results of Rhinoplasty may not be completely apparent for a year or more but in most cases completely satisfy the patient’ goals.

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