A rhinoplasty procedure (also commonly known as a “nose job”) is a cosmetic procedure that can be used to improve the size and shape of the nose. As with most cosmetic facial procedures, there are many questions that come up. Here are the most common questions patients have about rhinoplasty in Houston.
What is rhinoplasty procedure and how much does it cost?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is commonly referred to as a “nose job”. It is used to not only alter the size and shape of the nose, but it can also be used to alter the size of the nostrils, help with breathing issues, and help fix issue with the bridge. As a cosmetic procedure, the costs associated with rhinoplasty is typically not covered by insurance plans. Depending on your insurance provider, if rhinoplasty is medically necessary for breathing issues or to help rectify damage caused by an accident or injury, the costs may be covered. There are different levels of care provided by different doctors, but rhinoplasty is similar to most cosmetic procedures where you don’t want to simply opt for the cheapest option.
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure and with the delicacies of the nasal passages and the appearance of the face, it’s extremely important that you do your research on the qualifications of your surgeon, the satisfaction and experience of previous patients, and what available post-op aftercare is available.
How long is the procedure itself?
ANSWER: Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia and generally takes no more than two hours.
What can one expect immediately following rhinoplasty?
ANSWER: Immediately following a rhinoplasty procedure, the healing process begins. You will be gently awakened from anesthesia. There will definitely be pressure and swelling around the nose. You will be provided pain medication to help manage any pain once the surgical pain medication wears off. It is helpful to apply ice (a frozen bag of peas to conform to the shape of your face is helpful) to help reduce the amount of swelling.
What is the expected recovery time following a rhinoplasty procedure?
ANSWER: Of course, healing time and post-op experiences are different for everyone, depending on exactly what is done and personal tolerance for pain. The standard is somewhere around 10 to 14 days for the bruising and swelling to improve. There will still be swelling, particularly on the tip of the nose, for a few weeks or months. It’s estimated to take a full year before complete healing.
What are the potential risks involved with rhinoplasty?
ANSWER: There are always the standard risks that are associated with any surgical procedure when it comes to rhinoplasty. While rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed every year, it still comes with potential side effects and risks. It is helpful to speak with a board-certified surgeon and fully educate yourself on all of the potential risks prior to moving forward with any cosmetic procedure. Dr. Linville is more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have regarding a rhinoplasty surgery.
Are there any special pre-op or post-op things that I must do?
ANSWER: Your surgeon will discuss with you any necessary preparations or aftercare that you must do for your particular procedure. However, typically you will meet with the surgeon to discuss your expectations from the surgery. It is important to go into the procedure with realistic expectations and full understanding of what you can achieve (and what you cannot). Prior to the procedure, patients are recommended to avoid medications (particularly any medications that may impact blood clotting and bleeding). It is also helpful to use this as an opportunity to quit smoking, since smoking can significantly slow down the healing process.
Are there any other alternatives to rhinoplasty?
ANSWER: As of now, there are currently no other alternatives to rhinoplasty available to fix the size and shape of the nose. There are some other non-surgical options, like nasal strips, that may help with any breathing issues. However, if there are severe enough breathing troubles, rhinoplasty may be the only option for correction.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, you should first consult a doctor to evaluate your particular goals with a rhinoplasty, plus your overall health and determine if you are a qualified candidate. While meeting with the rhinoplasty surgeon, you should make sure to ask key questions before making a decision to move forward.
Cosmetic Facial Procedures and Rhinoplasty in Houston
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Linville, a board certified and experienced cosmetic surgeon, to discuss whether a rhinoplasty in Houston is right for you, contact Dr. Cain Linville’s office at 713-678-0019 today to set up an initial consultation.