Answer: Rhinoplasty, also referred to as nose surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the nose and sometimes to improve breathing as well. During surgery, the nasal cartilage and bones are reshaped, creating a new framework and refining the appearance of the nose. Several changes can be achieved with rhinoplasty, including an increase or decrease in the overall size, a change in the angle between the upper lip and nose, a change in the shape of the tip or bridge of the nose, removal of a hump, or narrowing of the span of the nostrils.
Question: Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Answer: A good candidate for rhinoplasty is a physically healthy man or woman who is realistic in their expectations and interested in improving the nose’s appearance. Children are not always good candidates for rhinoplasty as continued growth can alter the changes made through surgery. As such, it’s best to postpone rhinoplasty until individuals have stopped growing.
Question: Can rhinoplasty be performed at any age?
Answer: Because the changes made through rhinoplasty surgery can be altered and even destroyed with the continued growth of the nose, it’s generally advised that rhinoplasty only be performed once patients have stopped growing, around the age of fifteen for girls and eighteen for boys.
Question: Where does the rhinoplasty surgery take place?
Answer: Rhinoplasty may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center.
Question: How long is the surgical time for rhinoplasty?
Answer: Surgical times will vary for each patient and their particular procedure. Complicated procedures can take over three hours while fairly simple procedures can be completed in as little as forty-five minutes.
Question: What is the anesthesia used during rhinoplasty surgery?
Answer: Either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation is often used during rhinoplasty surgery.
Question: Where are the incisions located for rhinoplasty surgery?
Answer: Incisions are often made inside of the nose, which is referred to as ‘closed rhinoplasty’. In some instances, however, an external incision is required, located on the underside of the nose between the nostrils and referred to as ‘open rhinoplasty’. Open rhinoplasty is often preferred in more complicated cases as it affords a better view of and easier access to the inside of the nose.
Question: Does rhinoplasty leave scars?
Answer: Incisions will result in scars. However, in cases where the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose (closed rhinoplasty), the scars will not be visible. When an external incision is required (open rhinoplasty) a small, fine-line scar will result on the underside of the nose between the nostrils, though it is well-concealed and will fade with time.
Question: Is there much pain involved with rhinoplasty?
Answer: Some discomfort is common after rhinoplasty, though pain medication can be prescribed. Much of the discomfort that patients experience is associated with nasal packing. Nasal packing refers to the packing of the nose with gauze or cotton in order to prevent or control bleeding. In most cases, the packing is removed within one to two days after surgery and, thus, the discomfort is greatly reduced. In addition, nasal packing is not always required for all patients.
Question: Will I need to have someone with me during surgery and afterward?
Answer: It’s best to plan for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first.
Question: What sort of recovery can be expected after rhinoplasty?
Answer: Once the surgery is completed, the nose will be bandaged and a small cast applied. The cast is generally removed within about a week after surgery. Some discomfort can occur and can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Swelling and bruising is common and most of it will subside within the first month. However, it can take a full year after surgery for the healing process to be complete and any remaining swelling to fully fade before the final cosmetic result is achieved.
Question: When will I be able to return to work after rhinoplasty?
Answer: Most patients are well enough to return to work within about a week after their rhinoplasty procedure.
Question: How soon after rhinoplasty can I exercise?
Answer: Within about a week, light exercise can be resumed. However, contact sports and other strenuous activities should be avoided for at least three weeks.
Question: How soon after surgery are the stitches removed?
Answer: The stitches are typically removed within about a week after the rhinoplasty procedure.
Question: What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
Answer: Adverse anesthesia reaction, infection, nosebleeds, numbness, small bursting of blood vessels on the skin’s surface, and the need for additional surgery are some of the potential complications that can occur with rhinoplasty.
Question: Is rhinoplasty ever covered by insurance?
Answer: Insurance typically does not cover the cost of rhinoplasty procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes, though some amount of coverage may be available when treating deformities or breathing problems. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurance carrier.
Question: Can rhinoplasty be financed?
Answer: Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.
Question: What happens if you’re not happy with the results of your rhinoplasty?
Answer: Secondary rhinoplasty, also known as revision rhinoplasty can be performed on patients who are unhappy with the results of their original rhinoplasty procedure. It’s important, however, that patients wait at least six months to a year after their first rhinoplasty procedure given that this is the amount of time necessary for complete healing and for the final results to be achieved.
Question: What is secondary rhinoplasty?
Answer: Secondary rhinoplasty, also referred to as revision rhinoplasty, is a type of surgery performed to correct problems that persist or develop after a previous rhinoplasty. It is a more difficult procedure than primary rhinoplasty and requires a great deal of expertise.
Contact Dr. Mingrone to learn more about rhinoplasty surgery or to schedule a consultation.
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