Patients seek rhinoplasty (nose reshaping surgery) for several reasons. In fact, it’s the number one plastic surgery procedure in the U.S.
Since the face is the first thing people focus on when we meet, the look of one’s nose can impact self-esteem. And if physical issues are present, like a deviated septum, a misshapen nose can impact one’s sleep and quality of life. For such individuals, rhinoplasty can be the solution they’ve been waiting for.
Because the procedure is so popular, patients have a lot of questions. These will largely depend upon their own goals and circumstances. However, a few questions are asked often enough that you may be wondering about them, too.
Here are the top five questions patients ask about nose surgery and the answers to each.
How Long Will My Rhinoplasty Recovery Take?
One of the patients’ most significant concerns is how long they will be restricted from activities, such as driving, returning to their job, and workouts, such as aerobics or weight-bearing exercise.
When performed by a reputable, experienced plastic surgeon, your rhinoplasty recovery should take approximately six weeks. Unless you have complications, you can go back to work and drive in about two weeks. It will be six weeks or so before you can exercise strenuously.
After that time, you will feel much like yourself again. However, expect some residual bruising (this should entirely disappear during the following weeks) and swelling that can last up to six months in some patients.
Can I Have (My Sister’s, My Friend’s, a Celebrity’s) Nose?
Having a rhinoplasty is not like shopping online. You can’t necessarily pick “the perfect nose” based on someone else’s.
Your surgeon will have a consultation with you beforehand to ask about your goals and your medical history. You should also have a physical exam to assess your current state of health.
Rhinoplasties can be game-changers, but there are limits. You can ask for the qualities you like in “someone else’s” nose – for instance, a more slender appearance, removal of a hump, or a more upturned nose tip – but you won’t have anyone else’s exact nose. You will have your own nose that’s now greatly improved with plastic surgery.
It’s important to remain realistic. Tell your surgeon what you’d like to achieve and let them advise you on how close you can expect to come to your “dream nose.”
Why Does My Nose Still Look Big After Rhinoplasty?
While not all nose jobs mean reducing the size of the nose, this is a very common concern among those who have had surgery to make the nose shorter or more narrow. Patients six or eight weeks out from their rhinoplasty may still see a nose that looks “too big.”
This is most often because of swelling. Remember that it can take several weeks to six months for all of your swelling to subside. After that time, you will know what your result will look like.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
This is a legitimate concern. Rhinoplasty can be costly. Nose surgery costs include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, hospital or facility costs, pre-surgery tests, prescriptions, and tape or bandages.
The average cost of a rhinoplasty in the U.S. is just under five and a half thousand dollars. Your nose surgery may cost more or less than that, depending on the type of surgery you have and the extent of correction you need.
Find out whether your health insurance covers a portion of your surgery. Insurance won’t usually cover procedures that are considered entirely cosmetic, but if you are addressing another issue, such as a deviated septum or reconstruction after an accident, you may have some of your fees taken care of, depending on the insurer’s policies.
You may also be eligible for a payment plan for your surgery. Ask your plastic surgeon whether this is an option.
Is Rhinoplasty the Same Thing as Septoplasty?
No. A rhinoplasty can include a septoplasty (fees will differ depending on whether or not you have both procedures). However, while it’s technically under the rhinoplasty umbrella, septoplasty specifically addresses problems with the septum or the wall of two thin bones that separate the chambers of the nose.
A deviated septum means one or both bones are crooked, off-center, or damaged. Some people with deviated septum have no symptoms at all. However, for others, this condition can cause multiple problems, including:
- Snoring
- Congestion
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Nosebleeds
- Congestion
- Breathing difficulties
You can address cosmetic issues along with deviated septum correction in one surgery, depending upon the exact nature of your condition. Ask your plastic surgeon what this will involve per your health and deviated septum condition.
You may have more questions than the five above. Be sure to sit down with your plastic surgeon and be open about any questions or concerns. The clearer you make your goals, the better results you can expect from your nose surgery.