1. What is Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is surgery of the nose, usually with the goal of improving appearance.


2. What does a Rhinoplasty procedure involve?

While there are wide variations, in most instances it requires anesthesia (you are asleep) and is either done in a hospital or surgical daycare center.Most patients will go home the same day. A nasal cast may be used which is usually removed about 5 days after the surgery. Patients should be aware that fully one year is required before you reach your final result.


3. How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?

While it varies patient to patient and with the extent of the surgery, most patients are able to return to work after 10 to 14 days. Though you won' t have your final result then, most of the black and blue will be gone. The swelling, though present will, no longer look as though you ve had facial trauma. It will be six weeks before your nasal bones have healed.


4. Are there any age restrictions for undergoing rhinoplasty.

None required by law, but most rhinoplastic surgeons would prefer to wait until a female is at least 14, while a male should be at least 16 (because females mature sooner than males). For older patients, there is no upper limit, but in general, the older a patient is, the more conservative the surgical goals become.


5. Is rhinoplasty very painful?

In a word no.


6. What is nasal packing?

Nasal packing is surgical gauze or a device that is placed inside the nose after surgery to provide support. It is not always necessary, but when used is usually removed within a week.


7. What if you are unhappy with the results of your rhinoplasty?

The need for a revision of the surgery (called secondary rhinoplasty) is not at all unusual and nationally occurs 10% to 20% of the time. In most situations it is best to wait until one year after the first surgery before embarking on a revision. That way the end result is clear to both surgeon and patient. I feel it is very important BEFORE the first surgery to have a written agreement which clearly states what the financial responsibilities and policies are.