1.Is rhinoplasty ever covered by insurance?

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that alters the shape and sometimes the structure of the nose. It is rarely covered by insurance unless there is a functional issue. In today’s climate of insurance, while they may cover at least in part any functional issues of the nose such as airway obstruction, they rarely cover the cosmetic components.


2.Where are the incisions made?

The incisions in rhinoplasty are usually made either inside the nose or sometimes a small external incision is made underneath the columella to get better visualization of the nose. Both approaches are considered the standard of care depending on the patient’s situation. When more involvement of the tip work and repositioning is done, often surgeons will open the nose with a small incision across the columella. If it is simply a matter of removing a bump and narrowing the nose, often this can be done with incisions only inside the nose. On occasion, we make incisions at the base of the nostrils as well to help narrow the nostril width.


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

Patients have different degrees of black and blue eyes after surgery. It is more common to have black eyes after surgery when the nasal bones are fractured. Fracturing of the nasal bones is common in many rhinoplasties.


4.Where is rhinoplasty usually performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually performed in the hospital setting or in the outpatient surgery center. The key is to make sure the patient is of the appropriate health to be in the right facility.


5.Is the patient asleep during the rhinoplasty surgery?

While rhinoplasty can be done and has been done awake in the past, generally it is done with the patient asleep with protection of the airway. There is often bleeding in the nasal passages at the time of rhinoplasty and protecting the airway ensures a more risk-free recovery.


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

Patients are not allowed to eat before rhinoplasty after midnight the night before surgery, to make sure there is no chance that their gastric contents can enter the lungs. When patients wake up, they are instructed to eat with commonsense as tolerated.


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

Patients who undergo general anesthesia should never drive themselves home after surgery. They should always have someone with them to ensure a safe passage home.