rhinoplasty,Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article we will mention some of  frequently asked questions.some of us may be needed to know about rhinoplasty more to be able to choose our surgeon or good situation for surgery.

How is rhinoplasty different from septoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to change the shape of the nose. Because both breathing and the nose’s shape are interrelated, a rhinoplasty may sometimes be performed not only to change the way the nose looks but also to improve breathing through the nose.

Septoplasty is a surgery to improve breathing by straightening the wall inside the nose that divides the nasal passages into a right and a left side (nasal septum). When the septum is crooked, it can make it harder to breathe through the nose. A septoplasty is often combined with a rhinoplasty.

rhinoplasty,Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhinoplasty a simple operation?

No. Rhinoplasty is a challenging operation. This is due to several factors. First, the nose is a complicated 3D shape that is in the middle of the face. Changes made during rhinoplasty are often very small. But these changes can make a major difference in the way the nose looks and functions. Because these changes are small, so is the margin for error.

Swelling and the placement of local anesthetic in the skin distort the nose during surgery, hiding many of the subtle changes made. Rhinoplasty also doesn’t have a standard plan or set order of steps. Doctors tailor each operation to the needs of the patient.

Will I need to stay in the hospital?

Nearly everyone who has rhinoplasty is able to safely leave the hospital the same day after surgery. In rare cases, you may stay in the hospital for one night if you’re having a hard time with nausea or have other health problems that need to be monitored.

How long is the recovery period?

Plan to take a week off from work, school or other obligations. You will feel progressively better each day during the first week. One week after surgery, people usually feel like they are themselves again.

After surgery, there will be some swelling. The swelling can take many months to resolve, although most people stop noticing it after a couple of months. People are usually back to performing most activities after a week and resuming all activities after two to four weeks.

Are there risks?

All surgeries have risks. Fortunately, rhinoplasty risks are small and complications are rare. Your doctor will talk to you about the surgery’s risks and benefits in detail before the operation.

Does insurance pay for a rhinoplasty?

Sometimes insurance pays for a rhinoplasty, but it depends on the insurance policy. Before scheduling surgery, your doctor’s office will help you get prior written authorization from your insurance company. Although this isn’t a guarantee of coverage, it’s the only way to confirm that rhinoplasty is a covered benefit. Sometimes insurance will pay for a part of a nasal surgery, but not other parts. In these cases, you can contact the business office to get a quote for the operation.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of a rhinoplasty depends on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon’s training and experience, and geography. At Mayo Clinic, the cost of surgery will be the same regardless of which surgeon you choose.

Can I see what my nose might look like after surgery?

Yes. Before your consultation, your doctor will take standardized photographs of multiple views of your face. These photos can be manipulated to give you an idea of what your nose might look like after surgery.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Not for most people. One day after surgery, most people rate their pain between 0 and 4 out of 10.

Will you pack my nose?

No. Packing can be very uncomfortable. But you’ll likely have some soft splints in your nose. These splints have a hole in them to make it possible to breathe through them, at least for a few days. Doctors easily remove these splints at the one-week visit.

How long will I be bruised?

Bruising is uncommon. If you do have some minor bruising, it usually lasts a week or so.

What should I look for in a surgeon?

Plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons or otolaryngologists (ENT) perform most rhinoplasties. Training and board certification in one of these specialties is a good starting point. You’ll likely want a surgeon who often performs rhinoplasty.

You’ll likely want a surgeon with a good reputation among patients and other doctors. If your surgeon has published many papers in medical literature related to rhinoplasty and is invited to speak at educational conferences, that is usually one sign that their peers recognize expertise in rhinoplasty.

Make sure that your surgery will be performed in an accredited surgical facility or hospital. You likely should also feel comfortable with your  surgeon. Look for a surgeon who can explain to you in understandable terms what is going to happen during your surgery