FAQs About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty aka a “nose job” can be life changing for anyone, but before you decide to get the procedure, take a look at the frequently asked questions listed below. These FAQS about Rhinoplasty can help clarify what the procedure typically consists of, recovery, and what you should ask your doctor during your consultation and pre-op appointments. Whether you want a nose job for cosmetic reasons or to fix an issue such as a deviated septum, rhinoplasty is a very common surgery. One of the most important components to getting cosmetic or plastic surgery is finding the right doctor. Feeling comfortable and confident in the person performing the procedure will help in the overall process.

7 FAQs About Rhinoplasty

1. What is Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure performed to either fix an issue and help with functionality of the nose due to a trauma (deviated septum) or birth defect (cleft lip) or to change the overall shape and look of the nose.

2. What is the average cost of surgery?

The cost of surgery can range, especially if it is a cosmetic surgery rather than a reconstructive surgery due to trauma or a birth defect. Depending on your personal coverage, certain insurance plans will cover part if not all of a rhinoplasty due to circumstances out of your control. If you are choosing to get a nose job because you want to alter the look or shape of your nose, the surgery can cost anywhere from $3,000-$15,000 depending on the extensiveness of the procedure, reputation of the surgeon, and location of the actual practice.

3. What is the recovery and healing process?

Recovery from receiving a rhinoplasty procedure requires the patient to restrain from any strenuous activity for up to 4 weeks post surgery. Wearing a nasal split for up to 10 days is also a requirement for the recovery and healing process. A post surgery appointment is necessary for the doctor to look at how well your nose is healing and let you know when it is okay to start being active again. Each person will heal differently and at their own rate. There will be bruising and swelling after surgery and you may have difficulty breathing for roughly 3 weeks while the nose heals and the swelling goes down. Typically it takes about 2 full months for the nose to heal, swelling to dissipate, and overall shape to look how it will forever.

4. Are there different methods for rhinoplasty surgery?

Yes, there are multiple ways rhinoplasty can be performed based on various conditions. The two most popular methods are external (open), or internal (closed). The external approach requires a small incision between the nasal openings, and usually leaves a small scar behind (but hardly noticeable) and the internal approach does not require an outer incision, instead performed inside of the nose. Your plastic surgeon will decide which method is best for you personally in order to achieve the best outcome.

5. What are the risks associated with the procedure?

There are always risks when choosing to get any procedure, no matter how common the surgery is. Your personal health can play a huge role in the risks associated with surgery. For rhinoplasty specifically, the most common risks are infection, excessive bleeding, or having a negative reaction to the anesthesia. There is also the risk that you personally will be unhappy with the outcome of your new nose, which is something you need to be aware of before making your final decision, and also why choosing an experienced and trusted surgeon is so important.

6. How long does the surgery typically take?

Most rhinoplasty surgeries take about 2 hours, but again each case is different and it truly depends on how extensive the surgery is. If it is for cosmetic purposed, the surgery time will be minimal compared to a rhinoplasty set out to fix a trauma or birth defect. Typically, the surgery time is minimal compared to other plastic surgery procedures.

7. What should I ask my doctor before the surgery?

These are some of the key questions that you should ask your surgeon during the consultation and pre-op appointments.

• How many years of experience do you have with this specific procedure?
• Can I see before and after photos of rhinoplasties you have performed?
• How much is this surgery going to cost?
• Do I need someone here to drive me to and from the surgery?
• Which method are you going to use to perform the rhinoplasty?
• How long will my surgery take?
• How much time will I need to take off of work?
• What is the healing process like?
• What happens if I don’t like the final outcome?
• How many post-op appointments will I have?

Looking for a Great Rhinoplasty Surgeon?

If you are located in the Phoenix, AZ area and are looking for an experiences, trusted, and exceptional cosmetic or reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Finkel is who you need to call. As one of the only female surgeons in the valley, she offers a unique perspective to her clients. Her team works each day to make the office environment inviting, relaxing, and calm, to help ease your mind as you make such a big decision. Call today to set up a consultation or to have our team answer any questions you may have.