1. Is it true that the nose is more runny after rhinoplasty?

The nose is not more runny following rhinoplasty.


2. Does rhinoplasty leave scars?

There are two ways to perform rhinoplasty; an open rhinoplasty and a closed rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty does require an incision that is visible and on the outside of the nose across the columella. A closed rhinoplasty has incisions but they are inside the nose and not able to be seen, even if one tries to find them. There are advantages and disadvantages in both types of rhinoplasties. Those that perform open rhinoplasty claim better exposure enabling them to give more reliable and more reproducible results. Those that perform closed rhinoplasty challenge these claims. I perform mostly closed rhinoplasty. Healing is usually quicker and there are no external scars. No matter how well an open rhinoplasty is performed, the external incision remains visible even under the best circumstances and best healing.


3. What type of anesthesia is required for rhinoplasty?

Most rhinoplasty surgeries are performed under anesthesia; IV sedation can be performed, yet many perform the surgery under general inhalation anesthesia.


4. What is revision rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a very difficult operation. Review of the literature reveals there may be up to a 10% revision rate on all rhinoplasties performed. A revision is a secondary rhinoplasty and is often performed to correct or improve the results of the primary rhinoplasty. The secondary rhinoplasty usually is performed no sooner than 6-8 months after the original procedure. Often it is performed years later. A revision may be as simple as a release or excision of scar tissue, reshaping the tip, or as involved as placing a tip graft or as complicated as placement of ear or rib cartilage to restore dorsal or tip irregularities.


5. What specifically can be achieved with rhinoplasty?

Patients that are realistic about their own anatomy will often have realistic expectations about what changes are able to be made to their nose. Not all noses are the same, nor will the same operation on different noses give similar results. The aim of good rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance of the nose so that the healed nose appears in good harmony with the rest of the facial anatomy. The correct proportions of projection, rotation, length and width of the nose is wholly dependent upon how the nose sits on the face. Finally, I think that if you look at an operated nose 6 months after surgery and say "did she or didn' t she" that is a good rhinoplasty.


6. What can I expect during a rhinoplasty consultation?

Different doctors have different rhinoplasty consultations. It is important to discuss with the doctor what the patient is looking for, what they are not is often just as important. My rhinoplasty consultation is unique. I listen to what the patient likes about their nose, emphasizing the positives. More times than not, I hear what the patient does not like about their nose. I encourage anyone who is seriously considering rhinoplasty, to seek out a plastic surgeon that performs many of them. This is a difficult and fastidious operation requiring precision and an artistic eye.


7. How much time will I need to take off from work?

I perform rhinoplasty surgery on Thursday and patients return to work on Monday.