Frequently Asked Rhinoplasty Questions
 What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or a nose job, is a surgical procedure which can reshape the nose by reducing or increasing the overall size, changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, removing a hump, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the shape of the tip or bridge.
Who is the best candidate for rhinoplasty?
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are physically healthy men and women who have realistic expectations and are looking to improve the appearance of their nose. Rhinoplasty should not be performed on children until they have finished growing.
Are there any age restrictions to who can get rhinoplasty?
It's generally recommended that rhinoplasty not be performed on children who have not yet finished growing. Children tend to finish growing around the age of fifteen for girls and around eighteen for boys. Future growth of the nose can negatively impact any changes achieved through rhinoplasty.
Where is rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasty can be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center or a hospital.
What form of anesthesia is used with rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is most often performed with either local anesthesia combined with sedation or with general anesthesia.
How long does the actual surgery take for rhinoplasty?
The actual time it takes to perform rhinoplasty will vary according to the particular case and the technique used. Simpler procedures can take as little as 45 minutes while more complex procedures can take over three hours.
Where are the incisions made for rhinoplasty?
There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures, open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. For closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose. For open rhinoplasty, incisions are made on the inside of the nose and an additional small incision is made on the underside of the nose between the nostrils.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
The difference between open and closed rhinoplasty is basically the location of the incision. Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions which are confined to the inside of the nose while open rhinoplasty involves an additional small incision made on the underside of the nose between the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty is often preferred in more complex cases as it provides a better view of and easier access to the inside of the nose.
Are there scars after rhinoplasty?
The incisions made for rhinoplasty will result in scars. For closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose and thus no visible scarring will result. Open rhinoplasty involves an additional small incision made on the underside of the nose between the nostrils which results in a well-concealed, fine-line scar.
Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
Patients describe mild discomfort, but rarely pain. You may feel like you have a stuffy nose.
Can I drive myself home after my rhinoplasty procedure?
No, it's best to make preparations for someone to drive you home.
After my rhinoplasty procedure, will I need to have someone at home to help me out?
It's best to have someone stay with you for at least the first night after your procedure.
What is the recovery like after rhinoplasty?
After rhinoplasty, some swelling and bruising can occur. Patients should plan to stay in bed for the first 24 hours, but should feel much better after a day or two.
What is nasal packing?
Nasal packing, the practice of packing the nose with cotton, is rarely necessary.
Will I need to take much time off of work after my rhinoplasty procedure?
Patients typically are able to return to work within about a week after surgery.
When can I exercise after my rhinoplasty procedure?
Light exercise can be resumed after about a week, though more strenuous activities and contact sports will need to be avoided for three weeks.
When are the stitches removed after rhinoplasty?
If stitches are used, they are usually removed within a week.
Can anything be done if you don't like the results of your rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty can be performed if you are unhappy with the results of your rhinoplasty. However, it's important that you give the nose sufficient time to heal as post-operative swelling and bruising can disguise the final result for six months to a year.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty refers to procedures performed to fix or revise a previous rhinoplasty procedure.
Does insurance ever cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty performed for purely cosmetic purposes is typically not covered by insurance. However, insurance may be available to some degree for procedures used to treat breathing problems or deformities
Is it possible to get financing for rhinoplasty?
Many plastic surgery procedures can be financed and your plastic surgeon should be able to give you more information.
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