Rhinoplasty is one of the most common facial plastic surgeries. If you want to change the size, shape or angle of your nose, or if you have a nasal defect, injury or breathing problems, it may be right for you.
Below, board-certified plastic surgeon Perry Johnson, MD, discusses what you should know if you’re considering rhinoplasty.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure to reshape the nose or opening of the nostrils.
Four reasons for rhinoplasty:
- Cosmetic – Cosmetic rhinoplasty can help improve the nose, narrow the bridge of the nose, remove bony bumps or reshape the nostrils.
- Cosmetic and functional – Some patients who undergo functional rhinoplasty to improve breathing also choose to change the appearance of their nose at the same time.
- Reconstructive – A medically indicated procedure, reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore a nose that has been damaged by accident or injury. It can also help improve breathing in people with a deviated septum.
- Review – Some patients undergo revisions to further improve or change the results of an initial surgery. It is best to wait until you are fully healed and your swelling has gone down before having a revision.
Who does rhinoplasty and how is it done?
Rhinoplasty is performed by a plastic surgeon. Because the nose is such a central feature of the face, it is important to choose someone with expertise in this type of surgery and facial art.
During your preoperative consultation, your surgeon will assess your overall health, explain your surgical options, and discuss possible outcomes.
Depending on your situation, your surgeon may perform a closed or open rhinoplasty.
- A closed method uses incisions inside the nostrils to lift the skin
- An open method involves internal incisions and an incision at the base of the nostrils
Before surgery, you may be given general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the operation, or local anesthesia with sedation to numb and relax you. Incisions are usually closed with dissolvable stitches. Splints are placed inside the nose – with bandages on the outside to support healing – and are removed about a week later.
Process time will vary. In most cases, you can expect it to be done within a few hours. Complex cases and some reviews may take longer.
How is the recovery?
In most cases, you can go home the day of your surgery. However, you will need someone to drive you home and ideally stay with you the first night.
You may experience pain, bruising and swelling, especially around the eyes, for seven to 10 days after surgery. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable. You should also avoid vigorous physical activity, contact sports, and swimming for four to six weeks after rhinoplasty.
How long does rhinoplasty take?
Normal aging can cause gradual changes, but most improvements will be permanent. Therefore, it may be helpful to have digital imaging done before surgery to see how the changes will look on your face.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost and is it covered by insurance?
A rhinoplasty in the Midwest typically costs between $5,000 and $10,000.
A rhinoplasty to correct a traumatic or congenital deformity is usually covered by insurance. It may also be covered if you have blocked nasal airways. However, insurance does not cover rhinoplasty solely for cosmetic purposes.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, call 800.922.2000.
