This page lists some of the Frequently Asked Questions about the procedures. Please select a link from below.
FAQs Rhinoplasty
- How old should I be to get my nose fixed?
Generally it is best to wait until the cartilage and bone of the nose has stopped growing. In many patients this is around the age of 16 but will vary depending on the individual patient. At the other extreme more and more these days patients in their 60’s and even 70’s are undergoing some form of constructive nasal surgery.
- Will insurance cover the procedure?
Most insurance companies will not cover the costs of purely cosmetic surgical procedures. However if your surgery has a functional element, for example a deviated nasal septum with a blocked nose, then the costs related to this portion of your surgery will often be covered. In many cases this will cover half to two thirds of the overall cost of surgery. If surgery to the external portion of the nose is necessary to correct the nasal airway as well as undergoing septoplasty (septorhinoplasty) then the entire cost of the procedure may be covered.
- Will ACC pay for my surgery?
If there is a clear history of nasal trauma resulting in external deformity or obstruction of the nasal airway and if you have obtained an ACC number documenting this accident at the time of injury, then in most cases the cost of surgery privately is fully covered by ACC. Your initial consultation fee is also likely to be covered in this situation, as will the postoperative visits.
- Will I have visible scars?
Most of the incisions for rhinoplasty surgery are performed inside the nose and are hidden from view. Patients undergoing external rhinoplasty will have a very fine line across the base of their nose, which is almost invisible and is inconspicuously placed on the underside of the nose across the columella (link to glossary).
- Can I wear glasses after surgery?
It is preferable to avoid wearing glasses for at least 2-3 weeks following surgery as this may have an impact on the final position of the nasal bones.
- Will I be able to blow my nose?
Generally nose blowing is avoided on the day of surgery but from the first postoperative day I am usually quite happy for patients to blow their nose gently to clear blood and discharge from the nose.
- Will I have packing in my nose?
In most cases, packing is not used these days. However on occasion I sandwich the septum between two sheets of teflon to minimise postoperative swelling and to hold the septum in place. This will make the nose feel quite blocked until these are removed 5-7 days after surgery.
- How much will the operation cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty surgery varies depending on the length of surgery, which may last from 1-3 hours according to the complexity of the problem. Typical total costs vary between $9000-11000.
- Am I being vain having this operation?
Most people undergoing rhinoplasty surgery do not fit into our preconceived notions of plastic surgical patients. They are neither vain nor obsessed with surgery. They are frequently embarrassed by an obvious nasal deformity and quite rightly wish to have this corrected.
- What drugs should I avoid taking before surgery?
Any medication that has an anticoagulant effect, e.g. Aspirin or Warfarin, should be avoided. Your surgeon will advise on this before surgery. Note should be made that many herbal medicines have an anticoagulant effect and you should advise your surgeon if you are taking these.
- Does it hurt after surgery?
Surprisingly rhinoplasty surgery is not generally painful with patients’ main complaint often being a feeling of blockage and stuffiness for the week after surgery. Associated with this, it is usual to have some minor bleeding in the first few hours after surgery and some continued blood stained discharge from the nose for a week or two. In most cases simple pain relief is all that is required.
- What happens if I do not like the result?
The results seen in the initial postoperative period can be quite different to that noted 6-12 months after surgery. The swelling and bruising (usually minor) will obscure the final result. Studies indicate that even in the most experienced hands 5-10% of patients undergoing rhinoplasty surgery will require revision surgery. You should discuss any concerns that you have with your surgeon postoperatively but remember to be patient for a number of weeks before a final valid assessment can be made.
- Do I have stitches?
Internally multiple dissolving sutures are placed which do not require removal. If an external rhinoplasty approach has been performed there will be 4 or 5 tiny sutures across the columella, which will require removal 5-6 days postoperatively.
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