Questions Before and After Rhinoplasty

As you contemplate getting a rhinoplasty (nose job), you may have several questions about the whole process. It is a big decision in a person’s life and can involve major changes both on a mental/emotional level and in external life. And like any big decision, getting well informed is the first step. So we thought it would be a good idea to post a FAQ about the process – what you can expect before, during and after the procedure.

Who’s a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Any healthy man or woman is a great candidate for this type of surgery, although typically most professionals will postpone surgery on those under a certain age because the nose continues it’s growth until the age of fourteen in girls, and even later in boys.

What is a consultation like?

When deciding what’s best for the patient, often consultation will include in-depth discussions about a patient’s desires regarding their appearance, also there’s often a pre-operative consultation to help decide the overall facial balance that one is looking for in these types of surgeries.

Sometimes, medical professionals even rely on facial computer imaging to help figure out exactly what is perfect for the patient as well as providing patients a chance to offer their own specific input to their hopes for their new, fully functioning nose.

What should I Avoid Before Surgery?

There are some medicines and vitamins that should be avoided before going through a rhinoplasty surgery; as some have the side effect of thinning your blood and making you bleed more than normal. Typically, a surgeon can provide you a list of these medications.

What kind of techniques are used?

It’s important to find the most innovative and proper techniques. Also, it’s important to get a direct consultation from the doctor; instead of relying on pictures of particular techniques to help you decide if the procedure is right for you- because often these procedures include breaking the nose, cartilage around the nose and reconstructing the features of the nose completely; therefore it is important to be completely comfortable with the procedure. Not all varieties of rhinoplasty involve breaking the nose, in fact, this type of procedure is only necessary in situations requiring balancing the nose or result desired from the patient.

What is the Procedure like?

Generally, surgery for rhinoplasty lasts only about one or two hours, and is performed in a surgeon’s office to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Typically, general anesthesia and sedation are available at the patient’s request, and these procedures become much safer when the patient is completely and comfortably asleep. Generally, the procedure is simple, and only has a few days worth of discomfort; after that you can enjoy your brand new nose.

What happens after the procedure?

It’s typically recommended to have a friend or family member accompany you and drive you home because you’ll be under the effects of anesthesia; and even sometimes care for you for a day or two, but typically you will begin to recover after a few days, and return to work within one to two weeks, and you can resume exercise and other strenuous activity within two to three weeks after surgery. Typically these procedures are quick and very safe; although there might be a need for additional surgery if the first surgery does not return the required results, but financing is always available to make these procedures more affordable.