Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery performed to reshape the nose. In some cases it is performed to correct problems that are causing health issues. The majority of the time the surgery is considered elective and insurance will not cover the costs. However, cost is not the only concern. Anyone considering such operation should understand the surgery well before going under the knife.

Since most insurance companies will not cover this surgery, rhinoplasty cost is something one must consider before undergoing the procedure. Also to be considered before making a decision is what doctor to use. A person should always have a consultation visit before ever deciding upon having such surgery.

During a consultation the doctor will determine if the person is a good candidate and discuss the surgery, including risks and possible outcomes. A good candidate is someone who is in good overall health and whose nose is out of proportion with their face or has an obvious deformity. At the initial visit the doctor will want to talk about the patients expectations to make sure they are realistic. He will also do an examination of the nose to make sure that surgery can be done. It is at this visit that a person should tell the doctor about any previous nose surgery or nose injuries. They should also inform the doctor of any allergies or breathing problems they have that are associated with their nose. Once the initial consultation is over a person has enough information to decide if they wish to proceed with the rhinoplasty surgery.

The surgery process can last from 1 to 4 hours, depending on many different factors. It starts with anesthesia and then the doctor usually follows one of two techniques to perform the surgery: open or closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is where the nose is opened up and closed is where the surgery is done without disturbing the outside of the nose. During the operation the surgeon will reshape the cartilage and bones in the nose to alter the shape.

The recovery process usually involves some pain for the first couple of weeks. The area can be bruised or swollen for up to six weeks for closed surgery and up to six months for open surgery. There is often numbness in the tip of the nose. It is advised to not return to work for at least a week and avoid exercise for 6 weeks. It takes generally 3 months to see the final outcome of the surgery.

Rhinoplasty is a common procedure and most plastic surgeons are skilled in performing it, however, in 20% of cases a revision surgery has to be done. This is just a risk that goes along with having the surgery done. However, by understanding the process and talking openly with a doctor will help patients to avoid the chances of having to get rhinoplasty revision surgery.