1. Is rhinoplasty ever covered by insurance?

Rhinoplasty can be covered by health insurance only if there is a medical reason for it, usually this means a history of trauma with resulting deformity or airway obstruction caused by a deviated nasal septum. Deformity of the nose caused by a large hump or deformity of the nasal tip is not considered physiologically necessary and as a consequence is considered cosmetic surgery, not covered by insurance.


2. Where are the incisions made?

There are two ways of performing this surgery. First: the Open Rhinoplasty approach, the surgeon will perform a small incision visible in the middle portion of the columella ( the central part dividing one nostril from the other); this will continue with incisions located in the inside of the nose (non-visible). These cuts will allow the surgeon to move the skin out of the way, so the cartilaginous structures of the nose become visible and they can be modified under direct visualization.


3. Is it common to have black eyes after surgery?

It is relatively common if an osteotomy (braking of the bones) is performed. Other factors involved are the thickness of the skin, race and other bleeding risks.


4. Where is rhinoplasty usually performed?

I perform this kind of procedures in a certified outpatient surgery center, under general anesthesia. Other surgeons may perform this under sedation and local anesthesia.


5. Is the patient asleep during the rhinoplasty surgery?

If the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the patient will be completely sleep. An endotracheal tube will help with breathing and protect the airways, there is a potential of bleeding, specially when performing the osteotomies, this is the main reason of my decision to do this surgeries under general, besides the comfort of the patient.


6. If you can' t eat anything before surgery, how soon afterward can you eat?

The patient will be able to eat after surgery, as soon as he/she is completely awake. Usually within a couple of hours, however I recommend to my patients to a liquid diet the first day after surgery, due to the potential of postoperative nausea.


7. Will I be able to drive myself home after my rhinoplasty procedure?

No, patient will need a driver not only for immediately after surgery, but also for as long as the patient continue taking pain medications ( narcotics).