Rhinoplasty Information

Your surgeon will want to know what changes you would like to make to your nose. The more detailed you are about the changes you want made, the more your doctor will be able to understand your goals.

Your doctor is limited by the structure of your actual nose, but it can be helpful to show the doctors photos of noses that appeal to you.

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty is one of the oldest and common cosmetic procedures, but it can be one of the most difficult depending on what is being corrected. Nose surgery can reshape or resize the nose, it can correct breathing problems and it can correct deformities created by trauma.

There are two choices in rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars as all incisions ar made on the inside of the nose. However, the surgeon has to perform more on feel and may not be able to accomplish the desired result if the case is more complicated. Open rhinoplasty leaves a fine scar on the columella, the skin between the nostrils. Open surgery allows more visibility and is usually the technique chosen in more difficult cases. Open rhinoplasty generally has a longer recovery time than closed.

After Surgery

As with any surgery, there will be some discomfort post-operatively. However, you may not actually experience much pain as it can be managed with prescription medication. Bruising and swelling will last for up six weeks with closed rhinoplasty and one to three months with open rhinoplsty. You may experience some numbness in your nose for several weeks and the nose may be especially sensitive for several months.

For the best healing and fastest recovery, follow your doctor's post-operative instructions carefully.

Average Rhinoplasty Costs

According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for Statistical Data, the national average for surgeon's fees for Rhinoplasty was $4,314. This figure does not include fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, lab fees, etc.