Rhinoplasty (Nose) FAQ
Who is a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate if your nose makes you feel self conscious or if you have had trauma to your nose that has caused any changes to the appearance of your nose.
What is a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgery that can improve the appearance of your nose. A rhinoplasty can change the size of your nose, reduce or eliminate visible humps or depressions, an enlarged or drooping nasal tip, nasal asymmetry and the nostril size.
What should I expect during recovery after my rhinoplasty?
Your nose may throb and you may have a dull headache. You will have bruising and swelling around your eyes that can last around two weeks. You may have packing placed inside your nose that will be removed about three to five days after surgery. You will have sutures that will be removed about one week after surgery. If any bones need to be broken during your surgery you will have an external splint on your nose for two weeks. You may experience some minor discomfort with breathing. Swollen nasal tissues may cause your nose to seem “stuffed up” for several weeks.
I have read that it can take up to a year for my nose to reach its final result. Why does it take so long?
After rhinoplasty you should have a good idea of your results about two weeks after surgery. However, you will have significant swelling and the fine details may be difficult to see. Another important factor is that your healing will continue for the following year. The final result will be after one year, and you should see obvious results earlier. Any subsequent surgeries, if needed, should be performed at least a year after the initial surgery to decrease the possibility of complications.
What should I look for in a rhinoplasty surgeon?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make when considering a rhinoplasty. You want to research your Doctors credentials, choose a surgeon who has experience in nasal surgery, review all your surgeons before and after rhinoplasty photographs and make sure that they have many to observe, and look for one that you feel comfortable with.