Frequently Asked Questions

Rhinoplasty/Nasal Reconstruction

Q. What is rhinoplasty?
A. Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal reconstruction, is a surgical procedure able to improve the appearance of the nose. In some cases, rhinoplasty can also correct breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can achieve several changes in the shape of the nose by increasing the overall size, narrowing the span of the nostrils, changing the angle between the nose and upper lip, removing a hump, or changing the shape of the tip or the bridge of the nose.

Q. How do I know if I'm a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
A. Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in improving the appearance and sometimes the function of the nose may be suitable candidates for rhinoplasty.

Q. Can rhinoplasty be performed on patients of any age?
A. It's best for rhinoplasty to be performed on young patients only once the nose has completed growth. This typically occurs around the age of 14 or 15 for girls and a bit later for boys.

Q. What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my rhinoplasty?
A. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated of cosmetic surgery procedures, making it very important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your procedure. Surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology, as this ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure. Important questions to ask any potential surgeon are as follows:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery at a Hospital or in an AAAHC Ambulatory Surgery Center?
• How many rhinoplasty procedures has the surgeon performed?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• How will the surgery be performed?
• Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of rhinoplasty for your particular case?

Q. What will happen during a consultation for rhinoplasty?
A. The surgeon will discuss your goals and your options and evaluate the structure of your nose and face. He or she should also take a thorough medical history and explain the techniques and anesthesia, the type of facility, the risks and costs. A computerized imager may be used during consultation to assist in the process.

Q. Where does the rhinoplasty procedure take place?
A. Rhinoplasty may take place in an outpatient surgical center, or a hospital.

Q. What sort of anesthesia is usually used for rhinoplasty?
A. The type of anesthesia commonly used is either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

Q. How is rhinoplasty performed?
A. Incisions are made and the skin of the nose is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage is then sculpted to a more pleasing shape and the skin is then redraped over the new framework. The incisions are then closed.

Q. How long is the surgery for rhinoplasty?
A. The surgical time for rhinoplasty is typically one to two hours.

Q. Where are the incisions located for rhinoplasty?
A. Rhinoplasty can be performed with incisions made only on the inside of the nose or with an additional small incision on the underside of the nose between the nostrils. When the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose this is referred to as closed rhinoplasty, while procedures involving the additional incision on the underside of the nose are referred to as open rhinoplasty.

Q. Will rhinoplasty leave scars?
A. For closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are confined to the inside ofthe nose and leave no visible scarring. For open rhinoplasty, an additional small incision is made between the nostrils on the underside of the nose, resulting in a small, fine-line scar that is well-concealed and will fade with time.

Q. Is rhinoplasty very painful?
A. The head and nose may ache at first, though any discomfort can be alleviated with prescription pain medication.

Q. Will I be able to drive myself home after my rhinoplasty procedure?
A. Patients should plan to have someone drive them home after their procedure.

Q. Will I need to have someone help me out at home after the procedure?
A. It's often a good idea to plan for someone to stay with you during the first night or two after your procedure.

Q. What is the recovery like after rhinoplasty?
A. Once the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to nose. Nasal packing will be used as well. The face will feel puffy at first, the nose may ache and patients may have a dull headache. Any discomfort can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Some bleeding may occur, as well as swelling and bruising around the eyes. Most of the swelling should fade within two weeks though some subtle, unnoticeable swelling can remain for as much as a year. Nasal packing is generally removed after one day and the splint is removed within one week.

Q. How much time will I need to take off from work after my rhinoplasty procedure?
A. Patients should plan to take one week off from work.

Q. When can I begin to exercise after my rhinoplasty procedure?
A. Patients can typically resume exercise and other strenuous activities within two to three weeks, though sunburn and hitting the nose should be avoided for eight weeks.

Q. When are the stitches removed after rhinoplasty?
A. The stitches are usually removed within one week.

Q. What are the risks or complications that can occur with rhinoplasty?
A. The potential complications that may occur with rhinoplasty are as follows: adverse anesthesia reactions, incomplete improvement, infection, small burst blood vessels, and the need for additional surgery.

Q. Does insurance ever cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
A. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available for procedures performed for reconstructive purposes or to correct a breathing problem or deformity.

Q. Is it possible to get financing for a rhinoplasty procedure?
A. Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q. What does board certified mean?
A. Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.