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

For a short period of time, sometimes. It usually stops in a few weeks when the nose opens up more. This may be due to some swelling in the nose. If it continues to run, more out of one side than another, it could be a sign of a leak of the fluid around the brain through the bones of the inside of the nose. This is a pretty rare complication of nasal surgery.

Does rhinoplasty leave scars?

Yes, but they are usually particularly visible. In an open approach rhinoplasty there is a small incision underneath the nose on the area separating the two nostrils, called the columella. The scar is usually minimal and should not be a deterrent to having an open rhinoplasty. In any rhinoplasty, there may also be very small scars (1-2mm) alongside the nose where a small chisel may have been used. If the nostrils are narrowed, there will be scars in the creases at the lower outer part of the nose. All of these scars usually hide very nicely.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

A revision rhinoplaty is also called a secondary rhinoplasty. It is an operation in which the surgeon makes changes to a nose that has already had surgery. It could be a nose operated on by that surgeon or another surgeon, many years ago or as recent at 18 months prior. It can consist of as little as filling a little more bone off the profile under local anesthesia to a major reconstruction with cartilage grafts from the nasal septum, ears or even rib. If there has been airway compromise from the previous surgery, that may need to be corrected. As a cautionary note, however, there is a group of patients who become obsessed with their nose after surgery and keep wanting more modifications. It is the surgeon' s job to know when to say no. Revision rates amongst surgeons who do a lot of rhinoplasties probably range from 5-15% of their own noses. It also depends on how picky the surgeon is with regard to his/her art.

What type of anesthesia is required for rhinoplasty?

Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) or general anesthesia. Surgeons have their preferences and usually good reasons for them.