What is Rhinoplasty – How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

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Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgery Procedure is Common Amongst Hollywood Celebrities

Due to the large number of celebrities undergoing rhinoplasty plastic surgery, we felt that it is appropriate to explain in detail what this procedure is all about and what is the average cost of a nose job.

Yes, we know its a nose job or nose tip reduction. But what is this procedure all about? How long does it take? What is the cost of a normal rhinoplasty surgery? What are the risks involved?

We hope to answer all your questions in this post. We promise to try our best. And we are not plastic surgeons. If you have specific questions to your needs, its best to consult your trusted plastic surgeon. Celebrities who might have undergone rhinoplasty includes Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Beverly D’Angelo and Gwyneth Paltrow.

What is Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States, regularly ranking within the top 5 plastic surgeries performed.

Rhinoplasty is commonly known as a nose job or nose reshaping surgery. It is a surgery done to reshape the nose. Though it can make your nose bigger or smaller, most patients opt to make their noses smaller. Rhinoplasty can also change the tip of the nose, whether it should be pointed or not.

Some patients have slightly bent noses, or defects in the nose. These problems can be easily dealt with through rhinoplasty by an experienced plastic surgeon.

During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will sculpt the cartilage and bone inside your nose to attain the desired shape of the nose. It is a simple and effective cosmetic surgery that has been done for many years. In fact, the history of rhinoplasty can be traced back to ancient Egypt and ancient India. You can read more about the history of plastic surgery here.

Here is a video showing the STEP by STEP process of a “Tip Plasty”:

The bottom line of rhinoplasty is to improve the balance of facial features, thereby boosting the self confidence of patients. Another common use of rhinoplasty is to correct nasal structural defects that cause breathing difficulties in patients.

In this article, we talk about modern rhinoplasty. Before going for rhinoplasty, it is natural to feel anxious and nervous about the procedure. We will try to allay your fears by talking about the average cost of the rhinoplasty procedure, the potential risks and the benefits of rhinoplasty.

Here is a video that showcases Rhinoplasty before and after pictures:

Who is a right candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Most rhinoplasty patients express a dissatisfaction about their noses. Many have lived with this unhappiness for many years. They feel that the change in their nose shape will enhance their looks and provide them with higher self confidence. A smaller percentage of patients have breathing difficulties. The breathing difficulties can be due to illnesses or accidental injuries.

Provided a patient is in good health and sound mental condition with enough motivation to go through the procedure, here are some push factors towards rhinoplasty:

1. Having a nose that is too small or too big, creating imbalance on the patients face

2. Having a bump on the nose bridge

3. Wide and flat nose

4. Having a nose that droops

5. Having a bulbous nose tip

6. Having flared nostrils

7. Off center nose

8. Breathing difficulties due to nasal blockage

9. Nostrils that are over flared or pinched

In Rhinoplasty Safe for Young Children or Teens?

Teenagers are an impressionable bunch. They are easily influenced by their music idols and favorite movie stars. With the internet, they have access to information that were not easily available 20 years ago.

When they read about their favorite musicians or actresses undergoing rhinoplasty, it create curiosity towards the procedure. With the popularity of reality shows like Keeping With the Kardashians, it fuels their desire to look like the TV idols.

However, depending on your resident country and state, some countries do not allow rhinoplasty to be performed for patients under age 18. This is a wise regulation because it prevents premature correction for the nose. Most girls reach puberty before age 18 while boys can grow till age 18.

If rhinoplasty is performed too early, changes in the nose due to puberty will result in additional corrective surgeries.

Here is a short video on Rhinoplasty done on Asians:

What Are the Common Goals Of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is used to change the shape and size of the nose. It is also used to remove any irregularities such as a hump or lump in the nose. There are instances where your plastic surgeon might recommend chin implants or cheek implants to balance your facial features.

However, it is always important for you to know what you want from the rhinoplasty procedure. Do not shy away from your plastic surgery objectives. If you disagree with your plastic surgeon’s intended goals, let him know about it. Do not keep your opinion to yourself as the surgery is on you and any unwanted outcome will require additional corrective surgery.

Here are some of the common goals rhinoplasty patients ask of their plastic surgeons:

  1. Narrow the bridge of their noses, make them thinner
  2. Widen or narrow their nostrils
  3. Smoothen their crooked noses
  4. Make their noses sharper
  5. Raise their drooping nose tips
  6. Lowering the nasal bridge
  7. Reduction of the Alar Base Width (the nostril base)
  8. Correct asymmetrical nostrils

Your plastic surgeon will carry out your request based on your goals. His objective is to make sure your desired nose shape is achieved with minimal visible scars on and around your nose. Have realistic goals for your plastic surgeon so that your newly shaped nose will not look unnatural.

How To Select The Best Plastic Surgeon For Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty has a lasting effect on your life. It can be a great joy when it is successful but a huge burden when something goes wrong. As such, it is important for you to choose the right plastic surgeon. Do not go with the opinion of one plastic surgeon. Visit a few plastic surgeons before finalising who you should work with.

  • Accreditations of Your Plastic Surgeon

You should check if your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. To be certified by them, every plastic surgeon is taught to have stringent standards of safety and ethics. And their procedures have to be approved by the board. Other noteworthy certifications include The American Association of Plastic Surgeons and The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

  • Experience of Your Plastic Surgeon

Many doctors are able to perform rhinoplasty, but not all doctors are specialised in rhinoplasty surgery. You should choose a doctor who has a great track record in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The best surgeons specialise in facial corrective surgery and nose reshaping specialists.

Talk to the doctor and discuss their approach to rhinoplasty. A good rhinoplasty plastic surgeon should take extra care about protecting the internal airway of the nose and the exterior look of the nose. The surgeon should understand these two important aspects of rhinoplasty so as to prevent future corrective surgeries.

  • Where is the Surgery Conducted

Ask your doctor where is the surgery conducted. Is the surgical facility approved or certified by the American Association For Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Centers? It is not easy to earn this certification as it requires the facility to have high safety standards and appropriate equipment.

  • Special Privileges

Doctors who are experienced and have a good reputation with outpatient centers, will have special privileges with the local medical center. Usually the doctor needs to have established credibility before having access to such privileges. These special privileges provide quick access to emergency treatment should anything go wrong with the rhinoplasty procedure.

  • Check Plastic Surgeon’s Track Record

It helps to put your mind at ease if you have a plastic surgeon with good reputation. Seek confirmation from relatives and friends or even professional doctors about your plastic surgeon. Doctors’ information are available publicly and previous bad records will be reflected in past or ongoing lawsuits. Seek the authorities of your state for access to such records.

  • Can You Get Along Well With The Doctor

Rhinoplasty is a personal decision. Usually, it is not a procedure that is necessary due to illness but rather, for cosmetic reasons. As such, it will put your mind at ease if your doctor can get along well with you, who understands and listens to you. Creating a treatment plan and providing you with necessary guidance show how much your doctor cares for you. Never go with a doctor who pressures you to sign up for the procedure. You should be able to tell if his goals are in line with yours.

  • Request for Past Before and After Photo For Rhinoplasty

Most doctors take before and after photos of their patients. This is both for record and testimonial purposes. Check with some of these photos and see if you are happy with the before and after photos. Check if the outcome of the surgery looks natural. Are you comfortable with the results of these past surgeries conducted by the doctor.

Selecting the right doctor is the most important aspect of rhinoplasty. You can learn all about the rhinoplasty procedure now but you need the right professional doctor to do a good job. Only make a decision when you are very sure of the doctor you wish to engage.

What are the Different Types of Rhinoplasty?

Reduction Rhinoplasty

Reduction Rhinoplasty deals with the bumps on the nose bridge, an extended nasal tip or over-flared nostrils. It is one of the most common type of nose job done. The outcome will be balanced facial features for the patient.

Depending on the shape of the nose, your plastic surgeon will remove some of the bones and cartilage in your nose. And if the nose is flat at the base, your doctor might need to use alar base reduction. This will required him to remove tissues from the base of the nose.

It is common for your plastic surgeon to use computer imaging programs to map out the plan for the reduction rhinoplasty and to generate a reasonable expected outcome of the procedure.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Augmentation rhinoplasty is a very popular type of nose job. Patients usually need to build on their existing nose shape or nasal tip. During the procedure, you will experience bone and tissue grafting to add to the nasal tip or nose bridge. It is common for your plastic surgeon to use cartilage from your rib bone or other body bones if there is not enough tissue within your nose. However, cartilage from the ear, rib or banked cartilages can dissolve unevenly over the years and might result in additional corrective surgery.

When rib cartilage is used, please ensure that minimal incision is carried out.

Some plastic surgeons resort to using synthetic materials such as silastic plastic, Medpore, Goretex or silicone implants. However, the cons of using synthetic materials is the risk of body rejection and negative reaction towards the foreign object. This in turn might lead to additional corrective procedures to undo the implant.

Your plastic surgeon should be able to produce a predictive image, whether 2d or 3d, for you to view before any surgery begins. Such is the power of computer software in today’s plastic surgery industry.

Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty

Not all rhinoplasty are carried out due to cosmetic reasons. Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty refers to situations where the patient has suffered an injury to the nose. Most times, the nose bridge is broken due to physical sports or a serious accident. Post-traumatic rhinoplasty serves to restore the appearance of the patient and improve the functionality of the nasal passage.

Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty usually involves the straightening and the reconstruction of a broken nose. The plastic surgeon will have to re-set the nose to put it back in place. Some preliminary surgeries might be done before the actual re-set of the nose can be done. This depends on the severity of the injury. It might takes days to months to have the rhinoplasty done.

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty

Some serious illnesses like cancer can result in a patient losing their nose completely. This is where reconstructive rhinoplasty is used to reconstruct the nose. As the nose is reconstructed from scratch, there might be several surgeries over a period of time. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is not a simple procedure and you need a very experienced plastic surgeon to ensure a high chance of success.

This can be a long drawn process and it is advisable to seek the advice of several plastic surgeons before deciding on the doctor.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Ethnic Rhinoplasty simply means rhinoplasty performed on noses of other ethnic groups. Due to genetics, the nose shape of different people from different countries can vary widely. Asian people generally have softer nasal contours and smaller face shape. If you belong to other ethnic groups be sure to ask your doctor how is his approach different from the general patient. Your doctor should take special care to ensure the result of rhinoplasty achieves the aim of balancing the facial features.

Adolescent Rhinoplasty

While growing up, children can experience breathing difficulties. Or they may engage in sporting activities resulting in severe damage to the nose. Most doctors will not recommend rhinoplasty when the patient is too young because the nose is not fully grown. This is to avoid any complications with the nose as the patient grows older.

However, if there is no other option, adolescent rhinoplasty is performed. During the process, your plastic surgeon need to take extra care to avoid damaging the growing nasal tissues. It is paramount that the doctor discuss the outcome and the procedure with the patient’s parents and seek their opinion before performing the surgery.

Aging Rhinoplasty

As we age, our nose can droop due to less elasticity of the skin. For other patients, their nasal passages can be obstructed due to aging of the nasal walls. Under such circumstances, aging rhinoplasty is performed to restore the functionality of the nose, and at the same time, enhance the appearance of the patient. Like adolescent rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon must be ready to protect the delicate tissue of the nose because it is not advisable for an aged patient to undergo corrective surgeries.

What Does the Plastic Surgeon Do during the Rhinoplasty procedure?

Since the plastic surgeon need to change the shape of the nose, he needs to have access to the bones and cartilage of the nose. Incisions are made on the inside of the nose to prevent visible scars from the outside appearance of the nose. Following specific instructions from the patient on how the nose should look like, the plastic surgeon will either remove bone and cartilage from the nose, or add some tissue to the nose.

After the surgeon has shaped the nose, a splint is used to support the new shape of the nose. The splint acts as a strong support for the nose as the patient recovers.

How long does Rhinoplasty surgery last?

Depending on the severity of the nose correction, a typical rhinoplasty procedure will not last more than 6 hours. It is generally done as an outpatient procedure. But there are patients who opt to stay overnight to ensure the correct post operation steps are taken.

What Should You Ask Your Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon before the operation?

1. Upon completion of surgery, where will you be resting?

2. What are the kinds of medications for post surgery? State any drug allergies you may have

3. Will there be bandages used for the surgery?

4. If yes, when will they be removed?

5. Do the stitches need removal? If yes, approximately how long after the surgery

6. When is the earliest time you can resume your normal daily activities?

Rhinoplasty Consultation: Common discussion Topics with Your Plastic Surgeon

1. What is your desired outcome for the rhinoplasty surgery

2. Any medical issues you have or drug allergies

3. Is there any history or drug abuse or drug use? Are you on constant medication or herbal supplements

4. Is there any rhinoplasty done before? What was the outcome and why were you not satisfied

You Plastic Surgeon may also :

1.Your current state of health

2. The different possibilities of your nose shape

3. Taking measurements of your face

4. Take lots of photographs of your face

5. Develop a surgery plan

6. Discuss the potential risks and complications and the chances of them occurring

What are the Steps in Rhinoplasty Procedure Surgery?

Due to the different kinds of rhinoplasty surgeries, it is difficult to put into detail all the steps for different surgeries. However, most rhinoplasty procedures follow some general steps. Bear in mind that the procedures can differ greatly for each patient. Consult your doctor if you want to know the detailed steps he will be taking.

Step 1: Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia will help make you feel more relaxed and lessen the pain of the surgery. You can select intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will be the best to advise you on which option to choose. But generally, general anaethesia will put you at more ease as you will be asleep throughout the operation.

Step 2: Incision

There are two kinds of incisions, one is hidden inside the nose and the other is an open procedure where an incision is made in the columella. Nowadays, most people opt for surgery inside the nose for obvious cosmetic reasons.

After the surgeon makes tiny incisions inside the nose or on the columella (tissue that links the nasal tip to the nasal base), he will access the bones and cartilage of the nose.

With this access, the plastic surgeon will either remove or add to the cartilage and tissue.

Step 3: Shaping Your Nose to the Desired outcome

If rhinoplasty is used to reduce nose size, your plastic surgeon will remove bone or cartilage to make your nose smaller. If the intention is to make the nose bigger, more cartilage grafts may be added.

Step 4: Adjustment to correct deviated septum

If the nasal septum is deviated, it is during this time when it is corrected and the airway is cleared to improve breathing in the nose.

Step 5: Closing the incision

Once the corrections are done and the nose is reshaped to the desired structure and shape, the nasal skin and tissue is redraped and the incisions are closed. A splint will be placed to hold the new nose shape. Pieces of gauze will be placed inside the nostrils to help reduce bleeding and keep the nose in shape.

Step 6: Wait, Heal and See The Results

After the procedure, its the recovery time that is very important. Follow the instructions of your plastic surgeon. Do not pick on the gauze and splints as they are meant to support the new shape of your nose. On the date of follow-up, seek further advice from your rhinoplasty surgeon.

Rhinoplasty Recovery: How long does it take to Recover Post Surgery?

The supporting splint in your nose and the bandage will be removed in one week’s time. It is normal for your nose to feel swollen and painful at this stage. Bruising is also commonly observed around the nose area and the eyes. The pain does not go away until about the 10th day from the surgery date. It is important for the patient to rest well because any necessary stress to the face can cause serious damage.

Avoid strenuous exercises and activities during the initial first month. It is better to be safe than sorry. Keep your head still for the first days after surgery. Try not to attempt too ambitious physics tasks too soon.

Upon discharge, your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions that may include:

1. When is the next follow up date

2. How to care and protect the surgical site

3. the dosage of the prescribed medication to take orally

4. What to observe about the surgical site for potential complications

If your doctors does not give you proper instructions to follow, we have lined up the most important ones for you below:

For the First Several Days,

  1. Sleep with your head elevated
  2. Wear clothes with buttons. Avoid T-shirts and polo tees
  3. Do not laugh out loud too much or frown,keep your face still
  4. Brush teeth gently for obvious reasons not to hurt the upper lip
  5. Eat softer foods to limit the chewing action to keep the wound safe
  6. Go for baths rather than showers as the water might splash onto the wound
  7. Do not blow your nose at all times
  8. Change the gauze and bandages if required by doctors

For the First Weeks,

Generally, you should recover well within the first 14 days of the surgery. You still have to be vigilant to protect the delicate nose tissues. Other than protecting your nose physically from strong contact, you should also:

  1. Avoid taxing and strenuous physical exercises unless necessary from your doctor’s point of view
  2. Reduce sodium intake to prevent extreme post surgical swelling.
  3. Put on sunscreen with at least 30 SPF when out
  4. Avoid wearing sunglass or glasses for 4 weeks as they put pressure on the operated area.

Follow up on the appointments fixed with your plastic surgeon. You might feel well and recovered after 4 weeks but it is still advisable to visit your doctor for checkups. Your doctor should remove the stitches and nasal packing one week after the surgery.

Why do celebrities undergo Rhinoplasty?

Most celebrities undergo rhinoplasty because they either feel that their nose is too small or too bulbous. Through our posts, you can see that all the suspected cases of rhinoplasty involves making the nose more pointed. Pointed noses give male celebrities a sharper look and give female celebrities a younger look.

Besides celebrities, common folks undergo rhinoplasty to be cured of chronic congestion and breathing problems.

What is the success rate of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty usually does not cause any danger to the patient’s life. The definition of success in rhinoplasty is having achieved the desired shape and outcome of the patient.

Any rhinoplasty should be performed on a fully developed nose. It should never be done for growing children. The minimum age to have rhinoplasty is preferably above age 18. If rhinoplasty is done too young, it can cause complications as the nose shape changes over age.

What are the risks of Rhinoplasty?

Any surgery has its risks. But rhinoplasty is considered a common plastic surgery procedure that carries little risk. However, no matter how small the risks may be, its wise to know before making a decision. Some of the potential complications include:

– bleeding at the incision area

– Injury to the septum

– Infection to the wound

– Swelling inside the nose obstructing breathing processes

– Complications due to anaesthesia

– Numbness in skin

– Scarring of the nose due to position of incision

– Skin discolouration

– Need to go for corrective surgery

– Unwanted Scarring

– Difficulty in Breathing

– Constant nosebleeds

– Ruptured blood vessels

And of course – the risk of not getting what you want. This is the biggest risk of all. Imagine having to go through the painful procedure, the swelling, the recovery period, only to find out that your nose job is botched. That will be a terrible position to be in.

However, all these risks can be mitigated through the right choice of plastic surgeon. Choose a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon using the guidelines provided in this guide. Key is choosing a doctor who is familiar with rhinoplasty, uses modern facilities, maintains high safety standards and is able to build a rapport with you.

You also need to follow the pre and post instructions to minimise the chances of rhinoplasty complications. By following your plastic surgeon’s instructions and this guide, it can minimise the chances or things going wrong. It will also help in a faster healing process post surgery.

And it helps when you are honest with your doctor. Do not hide any pre existing medications or medical conditions from your doctor. All things should be made known to your doctor before the rhinoplasty procedure.

What You Need to Think Through Before having Rhinoplasty:

If you intend to go on local anaesthesia, get ready to hear the sounds of your plastic surgeon fiddling on your bones and cartilage of your nose.

You might be contemplating a nose job for a while. You might have even seen positive results from your friends. If it has been on your mind for a long time, rhinoplasty is an option to look into.

But I am sure you are reading this with some fear in you. Because you do not know what is the worst thing that can happen.

And you know that many things can go wrong in rhinoplasty.

We suggest you talk to your recommended plastic surgeon about your expectations from the surgery. It will be great if your plastic surgeon can be honest with you and address your expectation if they are too high.

Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty surgeries?

As Rhinoplasty is a voluntary plastic surgery procedure, insurance companies do not cover the expenses incurred. Most insurance companies only cover the cost of rhinoplasty in the event of an accident or necessitated by disease or injury. It is always wise to cross check with your insurance company what is the scope of coverage to determine the kind of treatment you want to undergo.

Note that some insurance covers rhinoplasty for obstructed airway. The claims documents will include your doctor’s report on your breathing difficulties and the cause of it. When in doubt, always seek professional insurance advice on this matter.

Do note that the cost of surgery includes many miscellaneous costs. And these costs include, but not limited to, surgeon’s fee, operating facility usage, anaesthesia specialist charges, approved medications, splints and other ancillary service charges.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

How much does a nose job cost? According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty cost an average of $4,694. However, this does not include other miscellaneous costs such as the operating facility costs, the anaesthesia specialist charges, and other medications.

As different surgeons have different skill level and experience, plastic surgeons’ professional fees can vary. Remember that cost should never be the sole consideration when selecting the right rhinoplasty surgeon for you. Check if your doctor is board-certified in your local vicinity for rhinoplasty surgery.

But generally, these are the major factors that affect the cost of your rhinoplasty surgery:The

  • Experience of Your Plastic Surgeon

Like any skilled doctor, a more experienced and reputed plastic surgeon will charge higher fees. Bear in mind being operated by an unexperienced plastic surgeon carry much higher risk than a senior plastic surgeon. Such risk can never be compensated by the savings in surgeon fees. We strongly advocate that you check the background of the plastic surgeon. Look for their official website and read the true testimonials of their patients, including examining the before and after photos. If you save on the rhinoplasty, and the outcome needs corrective surgeries, you might end up paying more in total.

  • The Surgical Facilities Used

Most doctors conduct the rhinoplasty procedure in a hospital. The grade of the hospital will add to the cost of the rhinoplasty. Some hospitals have better facilities and will charge higher operating rental rates. Such fees are dependent on the location, reputation and technology of the equipment used. Generally, you get what you pay for and most patients are willing to fork out more money for peace of mind.

  • Geographical Location of the Rhinoplasty

We see a trend of patients moving out of United States to have rhinoplasty done in other countries. If you are performing the procedure in United States, more upscale cities will charge more. If you intend to have rhinoplasty done in another country such as Thailand or South Korea, factor in the accommodation charges in addition to the surgery fees. It can take as long as one month before you can take a flight safely back to your country.

  • Anaesthesia

There are two ways about this, general anaesthesia or sedation. The type of anaesthesia will affect the cost of surgery. Anaesthesia is an important aspect of the surgery and should never be taken lightly. Generally, more experienced anaesthesia specialists charge a premium for their services. But its definitely worth paying for.

  • Post Rhinoplasty Recovery Costs

After discharge, the quality of the follow up care will add to the cost of the total procedure. Due to complications arising from the operation, unexpected medications and follow-up care might lead to ballooning of the medical bill.

All such costs should be made known to you before the surgery. If the exact amount cannot be established, its reasonable for you to ask for an accurate estimate.

What if You Cannot Afford To Pay the Rhinoplasty bill?

Unless your rhinoplasty procedure for nasal corrective purposes that is covered by your insurance, you can face a huge bill at the end of your rhinoplasty surgery.

At the business centre of your doctor’s clinic, the administrative workers should be able to advise on whether your situation is claimable under insurance. If possible, they might even carry out the claiming procedures for you and bill the insurance company directly.

Paying the bill by instalments

Some doctors allow their patients to pay their surgery bills by instalments. This can be arranged before the rhinoplasty procedure is carried out. Talk about your financial issues with the doctor early.

Most times, the doctor will need you to fill up some financial information to establish your credit status and approve your proposed payment plan accordingly.

It is common practice for plastic surgeons to offer attractive discounts if the bill is paid in full. Most clinics accept cash, cheques and credit cards.

If the clinic does not offer instalment payment plans, the last option is to seek third party credit options. Some finance companies offer small loans to facilitate such needs. But you may be subjected to more stringent credit rating checks. When approved, you will be given a repayment timeline and schedule.

What to Do Before the Rhinoplasty Surgery:

This is a short video on Pre and Post Rhinoplasty preparation:

1. Get your lab tests done.

Includes all the necessary blood tests

2. Inform Your Doctor Your Medical History

Let your doctor know your medical history. Your plastic surgeon will ask you about your surgical history and medication history. If you have conditions like hemophilia, he might stop your from proceeding with the rhinoplasty

3. Quit Smoking Now

If you are smoking, its best to quit now – you wouldn’t want to have smoking withdrawal symptoms while recovering from your rhinoplasty. In addition, tobacco retards blood flow in the body. It results in oxygen not reaching the incision sites thereby slowing down the recovery process. A slower recovery process exposes the wound to infection and higher possibility of scarring.

If you can, quit the smoking habit two weeks before the surgery.

4. Physical Examination

You doctor will conduct a physical examination to ensure that your health is alright to go ahead with the rhinoplasty He will also examine your skin, as well as your nose. This examination will allow your doctor to determine your skin thickness and the strength of the cartilage of your nose. These will affect his approach and rhinoplasty results.

5. Have a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is important in the weeks building up to the surgery. It will assist in the recover process of the surgery. Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy meat. You can supplement your diet with nutritional supplements providing Vitamin A, C and D. Avoid filling yourself with alcoholic drinks as this will affect the liver function during recovery. Some traditional foods that are deemed to be beneficial for you might not be good for the surgery. Examples like Vitamin E supplements, gingko and ginseng might interfere with the healing process.

A low salt diet is also known to minimize fluid retention in the nasal tip.

6. Tell Your Doctor about Long Term Medications

If you are on long term medication on certain health issues, inform your doctor about it. Some doctors will prescribe lighter or alternative medication that does not impede your rhinoplasty recovery process. NEVER take aspirin and iboprufen before the surgery. Avoid blood thinning medications before the surgery.

7. Recovery Preparation

Take your planned work leave early. And be ready to be off work for several weeks. Be prepared for any follow up surgery that may be required in unfortunate circumstances. It will be prudent to have someone coming over your house to take care of the common household chores while you are recovering. Chewing can be a problem in the days after your surgery, so its important to prepare some soft foods for yourself in the initial few days.

8. Sleep Well The Night Before

Have ample rest the night before the surgery. Do not drink or eat anything after 11pm the night before. Practice your usual routine of washing and cleaning up of your body before the surgery. Never put on any makeup before the surgery as the makeup ingredients can cause infection and complications.

On the day of surgery, remember to have someone to drive you home after the surgery. If you are staying in the hospital, have someone accompany you to reduce the anxiety.

Other Plastic Surgeries that Complement Rhinoplasty

It is common for patients to undergo multiple plastic surgeries besides rhinoplasty. These additional procedures help to keep their facial features balanced and provide better results. If you choose the right doctor, having more than one plastic surgery at one go is pretty safe. But you need to establish the credibility and experience of your doctor before going ahead.

Cheek Augmentation

With a reshaped nose, some patients want to compliment the improvement by doing cheek augmentation. This is usually done using silicone implants through incisions in the mouth. Less invasive options include fat grafting or dermal fillers.

Fat grafting requires the harvesting of fat from another part of the body. The fat will undergo purification and then injected in strategic spots on the face to create enhance the appearance of the cheeks. Cheeks occupy a large area of our face and by enhance them, it can remove years of aging from our facial appearance. Fillers are used to add volume to our face, making the face look fuller and helps to reduce the wrinkles on the face. But fillers, if overused, creates an artificial look on the patient’s face.

Facelift

Facelift or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure commonly used together with rhinoplasty to reduce the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Combined with rhinoplasty, it creates an overall more youthful result. Facelift targets specific areas like the saggy skin in the middle of the face, deep creases below the eyelids and along the nose, loss of skin tone in the lower face and general loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin.

Using carefully concealed incisions, your plastic surgeon removes excess fat deposits and removes away the extra skin. Through a facelift, patients can have a dramatic change.

Brow Lift

Brow lifts target the saggy areas around the forehead area and between the brows. Due to the pull of gravity, skin starts to sag around these areas where exercise could not prevent. There are different ways to perform brow lift. Nowadays, it can be performed via endoscopic surgery where several small incisions are located just behind the hairline. Then a scope is used to help in the surgery. This less invasive rhinoplasty procedure has less risk of numbness and scarring.

The other method is using long incisions which can leave the patient with more obvious scars.

Blepharoplasty

Many aging people in their late 40s suffer from drooping eyelids as they age. Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery will help to lift these eyelids to create a more youthful and alert appearance.The doctor may make small incisions in the lash line or the eyeli crease. After which the doctor will raise the surrounding muscles and remove the fatty tissues.

How Long does it Take for The Results to Show

Immediately after the surgery, there will be bruising and swelling around the eyes or nose. This swelling will cause a distorted look on your face. Fortunately, this will not be the outcome.

The final outcome can be as late as one year. This is because the adjustments to the nose takes time to settle. That’s why doctors usually ask for the check up one year after the plastic surgery to make sure of things.

Results of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. As the number of rhinoplasty surgeries increase, the experience and skill levels of the plastic surgeons gets better each year. The advancement of technology has enabled plastic surgeons to predict accurately what the outcome of the rhinoplasty will be.

With the discovery of new materials and techniques, patients have a higher chance of success. More are getting what they expect to get. However, with every surgery, there is a risk that the patient does not achieve his objectives. Thats why it’s important for the patients to understand all potential outcomes and be ready for them before undergoing the rhinoplasty procedure.

Having Realistic Expectations for Nose Job

Rhinoplasty surgery or nose job is primarily used to reshape the nose. It enables the patient to have greater control of his appearance. With rhinoplasty, the patient is able to remove the irregularities in the nose, such as a hump on the nose bridge or a naturally crooked nose. The patient is able to change the size and shape of a completely normal nose. However, before the patient runs wild with his desired outcome, it is important for them to discuss with their plastic surgeon the possibilities.

During the initial consultation, patients should be open about their goals of the surgery. Rhinoplasty, though proven to have startling and amazing results, will not turn a person looking like a movie star. Rhinoplasty is intended to make minor corrections to the face to create an overall better appearance for the patient.

And its worthy to note that its the details, the small features of the face, that makes the most difference.

Preview of Rhinoplasty Results

During the discussion with your plastic surgeon, modern technology has allowed surgeons to use 3-D virtual images of a patient’s face and the finished appearance. Though this is just a predictive image, it allows a fruitful discussion about the expectations of the surgery.

When Will You See The Results of Rhinoplasty

To see the full effects of your rhinoplasty surgery, it can take up to one year. The short term side effects of swelling and bruising around the surgical area will render it difficult to access the success of the operation in the initial months. You need to be patient regarding the outcome of the rhinoplasty surgery.

It is not advisable to enter into corrective surgical procedures based on the initial observations. The newly shaped nose takes time to settle in and your doctor will not advise you to undergo corrective surgeries in the first year.

Will the Rhinoplasty Scars be Permanent?

Rhinoplasty minor scars

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

All incisions will leave scars. All surgeries involve incisions. Some are short incisions some are long. However, if your plastic surgeon uses closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are inside your nose and there will not be any visible scars on the outside of the nose. If your surgeon practises open rhinoplasty, then there may be a small scar left. However, a skilled surgeon is able to minimise the size of the scar, rendering it invisible to the normal eye.

What Should I Do If I am Unhappy About the Rhinoplasty

Due to various reasons, you might be unhappy about the rhinoplasty procedure. This can be due to the skill level of the plastic surgeon or the high expectations of the patient. However, it is better to reserve your judgement a year after the surgery.

Panic should not set in within the first few months of surgery. Even if there is unhappiness over the plastic surgery after a year, there are still corrective options available. There is also the option of non-surgical nose reshaping or secondary (revision) rhinoplasty.

Side Effects Of Rhinoplasty

There are few documented long term side effects of rhinoplasty. Long term side effects are usually due to the dissatisfaction of the patient, resulting in multiple surgeries. Here, we list down some of the common short term side effects of rhinoplasty:

  1. Bruising around the operation area – the bruises should disappear within 15 days of the surgery
  2. Discomfort – As with any surgery, there will be soreness around the surgical area. However, such pain is usually controlled with painkillers from the doctor.
  3. Swelling – Like the bruises, the swelling will slowly disappear, though it can take up to a few weeks. In some cases, where the nose reshaping is drastic, it can take months. But after a year, things will settle down.
  4. Anaethesia Reaction – A small group of patients might feel nauseous under anaethesia but this feeling is usually flushed out after the surgery.
  5. Sinusitis – Some patients may experience pain in the sinus passages. There might be slight changes in vocal tone and increased mucus production.
  6. Nosebleeds – This is a common occurrence. It should subside within 3 days of the surgery. You should alert your doctor whenever this occurs as it might be a sign of complications developing.

 

Though most of these side effects will subside on their own, it is important for you to prevent them from happening. Follow your doctor’s advice on medication. Take your medication, do not miss any scheduled follow ups with your doctor. Some doctors believe that most of the mishaps after the rhinoplasty surgery is due to accidents to the surgical area by the patient himself. So take care of the surgical area.

Secondary Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty or secondary rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that is carried out when the patient is unhappy with his initial rhinoplasty surgery. In many cases, it is due to the resultant appearance of the nose. Some undergo revision rhinoplasty because they encounter breathing difficulties after the first rhinoplasty. Or there may be a mishap that happened, causing accidental trauma to the nose.

Revision rhinoplasty is similar to the initial rhinoplasty. There are two options available, open or closed rhinoplasty. Like primary rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty will result in incisions made within the nose. With open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the columella. This will result in a slight scar.

Extra care must be taken by the plastic surgeon for secondary rhinoplasty. As this is the second time the patient is undergoing surgery, he or she wants this to be the final surgery. However, the errors made in the initial rhinoplasty can be so bad that secondary rhinoplasty is divided into several surgeries. There might be harvesting of additional cartilage from the ear or other areas of the nose if required.

Secondary rhinoplasty requires more skill as the plastic surgeon is correcting the errors made by the previous surgeon. Or there might be blockage in the nasal passage that has to be taken into consideration.

Who is a suitable candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty

Any patient who is unhappy with their initial rhinoplasty with a clean bill of health is suitable for revision rhinoplasty. When the nose is too big, small or irregularly shaped, a qualified plastic surgeon should be able to correct the problem. Patients with breathing problems after the initial rhinoplasty should undergo revision rhinoplasty to correct it.

However, the doctor will discuss with you after examining your circumstances. And the decision for revision rhinoplasty usually hinges on the following factors:

  1. The number of past nose surgeries – The higher the number or surgeries done, the more complicated it might be.
  2. Goals for the Revision rhinoplasty – Having a realistic goal is important
  3. The amount of nasal tissue – If there is a lot more nasal tissue required to correct the problem, then additional harvesting of tissue from other part of the body will be required.

Your plastic surgeon will be the best person to determine if you are suitable for revision rhinoplasty. Speak to him about your concerns and goals. Work out a plan and be on your way to correcting the previous mistakes made in the initial rhinoplasty.

Risks of Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty provides the opportunity of having the nose the patient desire. As this is the second time (at least) the patient is undergoing through rhinoplasty, he or she should be familiar with the do’s and don’ts

Revision rhinoplasty has the same risks with primary rhinoplasty. The scarring risks, the nose bleeding risks and nerve damage risks are there. There is also the risk of a disappointing result after the revision rhinoplasty.

Communication for revision rhinoplasty is of paramount importance. If the patient did not relate well to the first rhinoplasty, this is the time to put things right and have realistic goals and predictions.

Rhinoplasty Checklist – Download Here

To sum it up, we have summarised a list of things to do before you decide to go for rhinoplasty. This checklist also includes the things you need to prepare before the surgery.

Download The Complete Rhinoplasty Checklist Here

Comprehensive Rhinoplasty Checklist Guide

A. Ask yourself are you a right candidate for Rhinoplasty based on the following conditions:

  1. Having a nose that is too small or too big, creating imbalance on the patients face
  2. Having a bump on the nose bridge
  3. Wide and flat nose
  4. Having a nose that droops
  5. Having a bulbous nose tip
  6. Having flared nostrils
  7. Off center nose
  8. Breathing difficulties due to nasal blockage
  9. Nostrils that are over flared or pinched

B. What is your goal for rhinoplasty?

  1. Narrow the bridge of their noses, make them thinner
  2. Widen or narrow their nostrils
  3. Smoothen their crooked noses
  4. Make their noses sharper
  5. Raise their drooping nose tips
  6. Lowering the nasal bridge
  7. Reduction of the Alar Base Width (the nostril base)
  8. Correct asymmetrical nostrils

C. Who is your Doctor? Is her adequately qualified?

Accreditations of your Doctor:

Experience of your Doctor:

Location facility of your Surgery:

Plastic Surgeon Track Record:

Rapport With Doctor:

Have you Checked Before and After photos of previous patients?

D. Communication with Doctor Checklist:

  1. Upon completion of surgery, where will you be resting?
  2. What are the kinds of medications for post surgery? State any drug allergies you may have
  3. Will there be bandages used for the surgery?
  4. If yes, when will they be removed?
  5. Do the stitches need removal? If yes, approximately how long after the surgery
  6. When is the earliest time you can resume your normal daily activities?
  1. Informed the doctor of your medical allergies and drug allergies? Any drug abuse record?
  2. Desired shape of your nose
  3. What are the potential risks for the surgery

E. Pre Operation Checklist of Stuff To Prepare:

  1. Have you cleaned your house?
  2. Get ready post operation soft foods and frozen foods.
  3. Clear the rubbish at your home so you don’t need to move around to clear them
  4. Wash all laundry
  5. Have a list of standard things you do for your partner to follow
  6. Get the necessary supplements ready
  7. Have a thermometer ready for fever diagnosis
  8. Get ready a pill case for post operation medication or existing medication
  9. Get your laptop charged and ready to pass time after surgery
  10. Get some magazines, books or favourite movies ready to entertain yourself
  11. Kids schedule and pets schedule should be drawn out for helper/partner
  12. Have a caretaker for your dog. You will not able to get out of the house.
  1. Have sufficient supporting pillows to allow adjustment of sleeping position
  2. Get ready a recliner as your upper body needs to be elevated after surgery
  3. Get a spittoon or pail beside your bed (preferable with a cover) for vomitting (just in case)
  4. Have water beside the bed for easy access
  5. All electrical essentials like phone charger, torch light should be near the bed. Some comfort food like crackers can be useful.
  6. Have more blankets to shield from feeling cold
  7. Have a heating pad to relieve sore areas.
  8. Have your loyal helper agree to help you unconditionally
  9. Everything you need should be at least at hip level. Bending down is a no-no in the days after the surgery
  10. Get slippers that are not slippery ready. If needs be, buy new ones.
  11. Get tops that are front buttoned, as well as some comfortable long bottoms
  12. For ladies (and some men), get your small mirror beside you just to check every now and then
  13. Stay relaxed before the surgery. Do not go for rigorous exercises the week before the surgery. You will not want sore legs with sore backs and sore nose.
  14. If the doctor has instructed you to wash your face the night before, do so to prevent bacteria infection
  1. Do not paint your fingernails before the surgery. Remove the nail polish the night before
  2. Keep the recovery room on the darker side so that you can sleep if you want.
  3. Have your iPod on hand to have ample does of self motivation
  4. Get ready at which stage you want your photos to be taken. This can be made into a montage to remind you of the procedure
  5. You might be too tired to post on Facebook or your social media accounts. Have a trusted partner to update your friends you are ok
  6. Get your mind ready for some serious swelling for the first few days. Do not freak out
  7. Remember that all the pain will eventually go away and you will be better looking after the recovery. Stay positive
  8. Painkillers approved by your doctor should be brought along with you in case you need them
  9. Have pen and paper by your bedside so you can express yourself if you have difficulty speaking
  10. Lip balm for dry mouth and lips
  11. Laxative, just in case the painkillers do their job too well
  12. Humidifier in your room to prevent dry lips
  13. Frozen peas or berries in case you need to ice. Ask your doctor about this.
  14. For ladies, a handy concealer for obvious reasons
  15. Moist tissues for easy cleaning when you cannot shower
  16. Pudding or jelly for self treats
  17. Remember to tie your hair up before the surgery. Do not put any deodorant on
  18. Q Tips! Remember to have them on hand. You will need them to clean your nose. Ask your doctor how long you can clean your nose using Q Tips, too long and it can cause hurt. Go for quality Q Tips that have enough cotton, not those thinly covered ones.
  19. Wedge pillow to support you when you sleep upright

Remember to bring this checklist with you and refer to it during the preparatory stages of your rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty FAQ Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I am dissatisfied with the result of my first rhinoplasty surgery. I am considering going for revision rhinoplasty. When is the earliest time to do so?

In the first few months of your primary rhinoplasty, it is important to let the wounds heal appropriately. The full effects of your first rhinoplasty surgery cannot be determined until about 12-18 months after the surgery. This explains why most plastic surgeons will recommend a recuperation period of at least 12 months before doing any revision rhinoplasty.

However, if the outcome is results in a really deformed nose, such as severe twisting, pinching or collapse, then it is unlikely that the deformity will go away after a year. In such cases, scars may occur and positions of the nose can be irreversible if given time to settle. Nonetheless, it is always unwise to have another operation when the surgical site is sore and the tissues are delicate.

As such, we cannot provide precise advice as to when is the earliest time you can go for your revision rhinoplasty. This is a big decision you have to make as revision rhinoplasty generally costs more and needs a really skilled plastic surgeon to avoid further complications. Consult with your plastic surgeon and seek his expert opinion on this.

2. Why do some doctors still use grafts for my rhinoplasty? Isn’t it an outdated method?

In order to have a successful rhinoplasty surgery, two things need to be done. First is the formulation of the new nose shape and the other is to have enough structural support to maintain and sustain the newly shaped nose.

In order to reshape the nose, cartilage and bones need to be adjusted in the precise positions. Thereafter, the plastic surgeon will need to support the new structure with cartilage grafts.

However, depending on each patient’s condition, the use of cartilage grafts vary. Different patients have different goals for their rhinoplasty operation. Some need more cartilage grafts because their goal is more ambitious. The use of cartilage grafts is widely considered to be an art that can only be mastered through years of experience. Cartilage grafts is still a common solution to build structure into the newly shaped nose. It is also an essential component of revision rhinoplasty.

3. I have thin nasal skin. Am I still suited for rhinoplasty?

Thin nasal skinned patients pose the biggest challenge for any plastic surgeon in rhinoplasty. This is because even small imperfections will be evident in the outcome of the surgery.

But this does not mean that its impossible to achieve the nose you want.

It just means that you need a highly skilled plastic surgeon to perform the rhinoplasty. With skilful reshaping of the nose, together with precise placement of cartilage grafts, a successful rhinoplasty outcome is very possible.

Avoid junior plastic surgeons or inexperienced rhinoplasty surgeons as this is no simple operation for a beginner.

Consult your plastic surgeon as thin nasal skin poses different challenges for each individual.

4. Which is the right rhinoplasty procedure to go for? Closed rhinoplasty or Open rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty reduces the possibility of having a visible scar as the surgical incisions are made within the nostril. However, the drawback is that most of the advanced rhinoplasty techniques cannot be implemented.

As such, most plastic surgeons go with the open rhinoplasty approach where incisions at the columella allows more accurate judgement and reduces the risk of wrong placements. With a clearer picture, the plastic surgeon is able to avoid damaging other soft tissues within the nose.

Especially in revision rhinoplasty, where corrective measures need to be performed precisely, open rhinoplasty is preferred.

The scar for open rhinoplasty generally fades away over the months and can become undetectable if your plastic surgeon is skilful. Consult your doctor which is the better procedure for you.

5. Which form of Anesthesia is better for rhinoplasty? Intravenous sedation or General anaesthesia?

Most patients prefer general anaesthesia for obvious reasons. They will not be bothered by the ongoings of the surgery. This enables the plastic surgeon to operate without much interference.

There will be minimal discomfort for patients on general anaesthesia as the patient is fully unaware of what is going on. For IV sedation, too much anaesthesia might result in difficulty in breathing or too little will result in the feel of pain. This is a major minus point for IV sedation as natural human reaction such as resistance might occur if the patient feels pain.

Therefore, to avoid unexpected movements and rejections, which can affect the nasal airway and the position of the patient, general anaesthesia is generally preferred. Also, general anaesthesia enable a stable blood pressure throughout the rhinoplasty surgery and thereby minimising any swelling or bruising after the rhinoplasty.

6. Can I be discharged immediately from hospital after the rhinoplasty surgery?

The initial days after the rhinoplasty surgery is crucial. It defines the healing process. In a hospital stay, professional help is available readily.

Speedy attention is crucial during the hours after the surgery. Any pain or excessive swelling can be attended to quickly before they escalate into more complicated issues. As blood pressure fluctuations can affect the recovery process greatly, it is always advisable to stay in the hospital immediately after the surgery.

By having good post rhinoplasty care, it minimises the possibility of infections and inflammation. By going home early, you might end up doing tasks not supposed to be undertaken during the early stages of recovery. Examples include climbing the stairs, picking up items from the floor or even cooking.

Thus, it is always the right thing to do to stay in the hospital in the days after rhinoplasty, It will save you a lot of trouble, time and money in the long run.

7. Will my breathing be affected by rhinoplasty?

Not all rhinoplasty is for cosmetic reasons. Many rhinoplasty surgeries are performed due to the patient’s breathing difficulties. Usually rhinoplasty is used to reshape or clear the nasal airway.

However, if rhinoplasty is done for cosmetic reasons, you should never compromise your breathing ability for vanity. It is a poor trade off. Nasal breathing should never be compromised. Any qualified plastic surgeon will advise you against that.

8. How old must I be to undergo Rhinoplasty?

The best time to go for rhinoplasty is the time where your nose growth is complete. Typically, nose growth is complete when girls reach age 15 and boys reach age 16. But it is always advisable to seek parental consent before any procedure is done. Unless due to breathing difficulties or any urgent deformity, rhinoplasty surgery should always be carried out after full nasal growth.

9. How many days of leave for rhinoplasty should I take off work?

The initial few days of rest are very important as it helps to reduce your anxiety post surgery. Some bruises might still be visible one week after the surgery. Some doctors will advise that their patient can return to work at this time. However, this is only for patients who are in desk bound jobs.

For patients with jobs that involve manual labor, such as firefighters or plumbers, the recovery period should be extended to 2-3 weeks. This is because the if there is too much physical exertion, the surgery area might swell up, causing more pain and might even lead to complications.

Patients who undergo open rhinoplasty generally will need more time to recover than closed rhinoplasty.

10. At which age is deemed to old for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is best performed on patients between the early 20s to mid 30s. Patients above age 60 will face issues such as poor healing responses and higher difficulty in achieving the desired outcome. However, many older patients require rhinoplasty due to functional and not cosmetic reasons. As such, it is still important to discuss with your plastic surgeon what is the best course of action.

11. What is the Cost of Rhinoplasty?

There are several factors that will affect your cost of rhinoplasty. Namely, the factors include,  but not exhaustive, the experience of the doctor, the geographical location, the surgical facilities, the experience of the anaesthesia doctor and also the cost of post rhinoplasty care.

Bear in mind that cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered under standard medical insurance.It is important to set aside enough financial resources before going for the rhinoplasty surgery. It might be too much to take if you are recovering physically from the surgery and thinking about financial woes at the same time.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the rhinoplasty procedure alone will cost an average of $4,694. That is excluding the facility costs, the anaesthesia specialist professional fees and other post rhinoplasty care options.

12. How do I select the most suitable and skilled plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty?

Sad to say, many patients choose their plastic surgeons based on the proximity to their home. This decision out of convenience can be a huge blunder. Rhinoplasty requires years of practice and specialisation to do it well.

As plastic surgery has a very wide scope, not all plastic surgeons are familiar with rhinoplasty. The most basic indicator of a surgeon’s competence is board certification.

However, that cannot be the lone determinant of his ability. Other skills such as technical competence, surgical experience and integrity play a huge part as well. However, such additional skills can never be proven on paper. Thus, follow the guidelines below to check if your doctor is a reliable and knowledgeable rhinoplasty surgeon:

– Any written testimonials from his patients

– How many rhinoplasty does he perform in a year? (100 or more will be good)

– Any complaints against him?

– Are there many rhinoplasty before and after pictures to show?

– Any awards won by the plastic surgeon?

– Board Certification

– Ability to understand your needs and goals for rhinoplasty

– Does he operate in a well equipped surgical facility?

– Do you have confidence he will do a good job?

13. How do I prepare for rhinoplasty?

Before the surgery, your plastic surgeon would have gone over the expectations of the surgery. Your plastic surgeon should brief you on the do’s and don’ts before the surgery. Do not ignore his instructions.

Other precautions you need to take include avoiding harmful medications, and excessive exercise the day before surgery.

And if you have been thinking of quitting smoking, this is perhaps the best reason for you to quit it altogether.

14. How long will the rhinoplasty surgery be?

Generally, a typical rhinoplasty will be over in 2 hours. Given there are no complications, you should be out of the operating theatre before 2 hours is up.

15. What happens after rhinoplasty surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a long acting numbing agent to ensure that all pain is controlled. An external splint is used for about a week. For one week, your nose will be swollen and care must be taken not to exert too much pressure on the nose. Some bruises might still be visible after one week but they will subside in the next 3 weeks.

As a general guide:

– After one week, the cast is removed. Swelling might be visible

– After two weeks, the swelling and bruising should subside

– The patient will still feel the swelling of the nose after a few months

– After 3-4 months, the nose will be back to normal but looks slightly bigger in photographs

– Wait for a year for the rhinoplasty effects to settle down.

There are patients who might feel stiff upper lips. This can result in smiling difficulties. But such conditions usually disappear after a few weeks as the swelling subside.

You might also feel difficulty in breathing due to the blockage of your nasal passages. Sometimes, the nasal passage is blocked by dried blood and the swelling of the nasal lining. So expect to use mouth breathing in the first few days when this happens

Latest Developments in Rhinoplasty

Gradual Shift Towards Open Rhinoplasty

There has been a gradual shift towards open rhinoplasty versus closed rhinoplasty. This is because plastic surgeons generally find open rhinoplasty has better control over the outcome of the procedure. This causes the success rate of the surgery to increase. At the same time, the results are more predictable for the plastic surgeon.

New Types of Cartilage Grafts

New types of grafts are being used, such as alar batten grafts, alar rim grafts, spreader grafts, dorsal grafts and tip projection grass. The spreader graft is usually used for the straightening the lower part of the nose. When one of the upper lateral cartilages is moving downward into the airway, spreader grafts are also used to support.

Back in the early 1990s, spreader grafts were hardly heard of.

With more types of grafts being used, the results of rhinoplasty can be better controlled and any errors are made less drastic than years ago. Use of cartilage grafts allow rhinoplasty plastic surgeons to have a more consistent and durable positive results in their rhinoplasty procedures.

Accuracy Of Computer Imaging

Communication has always been an important part during pre surgery. The patient needs to discuss his or her goals of the rhinoplasty to the surgeon. There is no better representation of the predicted outcome than the use of computer imaging.

Computer imaging has allowed both rhinoplasty surgeons and patients to foresee the outcome of the surgery. With the outcome plain to see in computer images, any limitations on the process can be relayed to the patient before the surgery starts. As rhinoplasty is performed on the most crucial part of the patient’s face, this ability to predict the outcome with accuracy is a godsend.

And for better equipped rhinoplasty plastic surgeons, they have 3D imaging devices that allows the patient to view the projected results from any angle.

New Tools For Nose Reshaping

Traditionally, bones are broken in the nose for the nose reshaping process. That’s why rhinoplasty recovery is generally regarded as a very painful process, though it primarily lasts about 1.5 weeks.

Thus, with the availability of more precise tools, the cuts are more accurate and it prevents the damage of surrounding soft tissues in the nose. Some tools are so advanced that they can thin or shape cartilage.

Such techniques and tools reduces well known side effects of rhinoplasty such as black eyes. With higher precision, less tissues are unnecessary damaged, thereby reducing recovery time.

Another new technique involves the creation of an organic glue using the patient’s own blood. This allows the surgeon to seal the wound, using the “glue” as an internal adhesive. The benefit about using this organic “glue” is less bruising after the surgery.

Gore-tex is Being Used Nowadays

Today, Gore-tex is used in place of silicone. Though an inert compound, silicon gives rise to many problems in the long run. Mistakes in rhinoplasty are more pronounced and obvious when silicone is used. Gore-tex implants are made of biocompatible microporous EPTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene). The implants are used to repair the fragile tissues of the facial areas. Not only it is used in rhinoplasty, it is also used in filling up of wrinkles and facial lines, as well as a lip filler.

It is widely regarded as one of the best implant material available today. Its durability, together with the body’s acceptance, enable it to be embedded in the patient’s body for a long time, without any fear, unlike silicone.

It is also able to integrate with the surrounding human tissue, unlike silicone, there the tissues simply surround it. This ability lessens the risk of body rejection of the material. With the tissues being integrated with the implant, they help to hold the implant in place as time passes by.

GORE-TEX is also temperature resistant. Recovery can be as quickly as 3-5 days instead of four weeks. A few months after the surgery, patients can indulge in active sports activities and lead a sporty lifestyle once again. There should be no worry on any heat exposure at all.

The best thing is that Gore-tex is FDA approved. Thus, one of the development in rhinoplasty is the use of GORE-TEX, which is proven to be a safe and permanent implant with fast healing ability.

Use of Injection Rhinoplasty

Another latest development in rhinoplasty is injection rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is still considered an invasive process where the patient needs to undergo surgery. In injection rhinoplasty, a semi-permanent filler is injected between the eyes of the patient, over the bridge of the nose.

The main advantage of injection rhinoplasty is the speed of the procedure. Other benefits include minimal bleeding and shorter downtime. New filler materials allow for such procedures.

However, injection rhinoplasty is not permanent. The effects of a procedure generally lasts 6 to 10 months before the patient needs another jab again. The patient can then decide the ideal shape of the nose he wants. With the short recovery time, most times lesser than a week, injection rhinoplasty is gaining serious momentum in rhinoplasty of choice.

We hope that this lengthy post has not only shared about “What is Rhinoplasty” but also given you a detailed understanding about the psychology of patients undergoing rhinoplasty, the risks of rhinoplasty, costs of rhinoplasty and the steps in rhinoplasty procedure.