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Rhinoplasty Q&A
June 9, 2011
Who is a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?
This procedure is an excellent solution for anyone who has experienced embarrassment resulting in low self- esteem due of the appearance of their nose. Most common complaints include a crooked nose - dissatisfaction with their profile due to a hook-like nose or a bump - a nose that seems excessively large - or a nose where the tip plunges and droops too low. A rhinoplasty can produce a more natural and balanced looking nose that adds to the overall appearance of symmetry.
This procedure is not limited to aesthetic purposes alone, but is also used for correcting breathing problems and deformities due to injuries. It is my recommendation that a candidate be at least 16 years of age and the nose fully developed before considering corrective surgery.
How long can I expect my recovery to be?
I generally recommend that my patients take one week to ten days off work after rhinoplasty surgery. Because the nose is such the central part of our appearance, it automatically becomes an area of visual focus. Although swelling is the largest issue in recovery, you will feel confident to attend most social events in two weeks.
Will I experience a lot of swelling?
The amount of swelling will depend on the type of procedure performed as well as your individual healing ability. Simply put, the more extensive the surgery, the more swelling that can be expected. There are two popular methods used for rhinoplasty surgery: the "closed approach" - where surgery is performed through the nostrils and the “open approach” - where a small incision is made at the base of the nose between the two nostrils. I prefer using the closed approach because it is less intrusive, omits external scarring and results in much less swelling.
It is common for a person with thicker skin to experience more swelling. A nasal splint reduces swelling and is left in place for 5-7 days until the tissues have stabilized. To minimize swelling, I recommend my patients keep their heads elevated while sleeping for a week after surgery and avoid any high impact activity for the first month.
The tip of the nose experiences the most swelling, the majority of which is gone within one month, but may take up to a year to fully settle.
Excessive swelling may be dealt with easily by using oral steroids or steroid injections.
Is bruising going to be an issue?
Bruising often occurs around the eyes, cheeks and upper lip. Once again, the more corrective the surgery, the more bruising that may occur. Swelling will last longer than bruising and any patient will feel comfortable to appear in public after one to two weeks.
If I'm not happy with my previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to get a second surgery?
Absolutely. Corrective surgery is more difficult, a longer procedure, less predictable and therefore more expensive. Not all surgeons accept patients who have had previous work done on their noses because it requires quite a bit of expertise as well as experience. I enjoy the challenge of giving my patients the results they desire and the appearance they’ve always hoped for.
What is the cost of surgery?
Most rhinoplasty procedures cost between $5,000 to $6,000. Rhinoplasty Revisions will be more expensive.
How can I decide what my nose should look like post-surgery?
Our Yorkville clinic was the first facility in Canada to offer clients the 3D Vectra imaging system, which creates a 3 dimensional image of yourself that can be manipulated to show potential post-op outcomes. My philosophy is to enhance your appearance, making you look as natural as possible without completely changing your “look”. We will work together to decide what improvements you feel comfortable with.
If you have been dissatisfied with the size or shape of your nose, why not book an appointment today? Rhinoplasty surgery could be the beginning of a new chapter in your life enabling you to feel more confident in public with added self esteem.
