Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Quick Facts (rhinoplasty):

Cost: $3,000 to $8,000
Procedure duration: 1-1.5 hours
Intensive Healing: 10-14 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Rhinoplasty is a surgical reshaping of the nose. The term rhinoplasty includes a wide variety of different procedures used to correct several cosmetic defects. While it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed, it is a difficult one, since the nose is a complex structure made up of both bone and cartilage. People choose rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, mostly to change the bridge of the nose, the tip of the nose, or both. Some people choose this surgery after an injury or because of a birth defect. Finally, some people have rhinoplasty to improve breathing problems related to the internal structure of the nose.

The Surgery

Rhinoplasty describes a group of procedures chosen based on your individual anatomy and preferences. In consultation with your surgeon, you will decide which procedures are right for the correction you seek. Often, much of the work is performed from inside the nose. However, some procedures are best performed using incisions on the outside of the nose. It is important that your surgeon discusses the procedures in detail before you choose to have the surgery. Rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. There are benefits to using local anesthesia such as a faster recovery and less cost. However, not all patients are able to tolerate being awake through such an invasive procedure. Once you have been sedated, the surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the entire nose. The procedure will then be performed, the incisions sutured and usually the nose will be packed with dressing material. Splints will then be taped into place.

Getting Back to Normal

Recovery depends in part on the kind of anesthesia used, the procedure performed, and your ability to heal. Initially, you will be unable to breathe through your nose. Often, you will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and nasal spray. Icepacks are routinely used to reduce swelling. Usually, your first follow-up visit is 24 hours after your surgery, and the second is usually 5-7 days after your surgery. Sutures and splints are usually removed at this visit. Bruising and swelling are normal parts of the recovery process. Most people return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery. Full activity such as contact sports are not allowed for at least 4 weeks. Most of the swelling is usually gone after a few weeks but subtle swelling can last for months.

 

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