What to Expect Before and After a Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty, as you already may know, is a surgical procedure in which a patient’s nose is reshaped. Just as every face is unique, every rhinoplasty is also different. Some patients seek rhinoplasty in order to change the size or shape of their noses. Other people choose to undergo rhinoplasty surgery in order to repair their noses after accidents, or in order to improve the irrespiratory capabilities. A deviated septum, for example, can make it quite difficult to breathe properly. Rhinoplasty can remedy such a problem.

Before Your Rhinoplasty

Before the day of your rhinoplasty, you will have at least one in-depth consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will closely analyze the shape and structure of your nose. Be sure to be completely candid during this consultation, sharing all pertinent medical history with your surgeon. Also, make sure to share your goals regarding surgery. It is important for you to be on the same page with your doctor. Remember, the more specific you are during this consultation, the better your doctor will understand your intentions for your nose. At this time, your surgeon will give you important information about what you can realistically expect from the surgery, how long it will take to heal and what your responsibilities as a patient will be.

After Your Rhinoplasty

Most surgeries create at least a mild amount of discomfort. Rhinoplasty can be particularly uncomfortable, especially if your surgeon has to work with the bones in your nose and face. In the first day after your surgery, you will experience puffiness in your face, an ache in the area surrounding your nose and possible a headache. Your doctor should prescribe pain medication to help you through this pain. Be sure to spend the first day after your surgery relaxing in bed with your head propped up.

In the two to three days following your surgery, the bruising and swelling around your eyes will increase. Be sure to use cold compresses to reduce these effects. While the pain will be minimized, you will literally look like you have been beaten about the face. You may also bleed during this time period and feel stuffy. It is important, however, not to blow your nose during the first week as you may damage the inside of your healing nose.

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty that you receive, you may have surgical packing in your nose as well as stitches, and possibly splints. Within two weeks these will likely be removed and the bruising should be gone. You might, however, still have some minor swelling. Very subtle swelling may remain around your nose and eyes for a number of months after your surgery. While this will most likely be evident to you, it will probably be unnoticeable to almost everyone else.

For the weeks and months following your surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders regarding the kinds of physical activities in which you can engage. Be sure to stay away from any activities that could compromise the results that you achieved through your rhinoplasty.

Insurance and Rhinoplasty Cost

Depending on the type of rhinoplasty you get and your reasons for having the procedure, your insurance company may cover some or all of the cost.