WHAT IS A RHINOPLASTY?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty seek to improve their appearance but are not looking for perfection. Candidates should maintain realistic expectations and have no significant health issues.

Candidates should also be non-smokers or be willing to quit for several months leading up to the procedure. Full nasal growth is required for a rhinoplasty which means that patients must be in their late teens or older.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty may be a good procedure for you. Still, there may be other options that are more suitable for your needs. For example, some people who believe they need rhinoplasty surgery may be a better candidate for chin augmentation.

A deficient chin will make a person’s nose more prominent than it really is. The best way to know if you need rhinoplasty is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Schlechter, as he can help you decide which procedure is right for you.

After rhinoplasty, a splint will be applied to the nose to help maintain its new shape as it heals. Nasal packing may also be inserted into the nose to stabilize the internal structures. A feeling of puffiness, aching, a dull headache, swelling, and bruising are all common for the first few days.

By the end of the first few days, these symptoms should begin to resolve, and all packing, splints, and stitches will be removed. Most patients will be able to return to work after five to seven days. Physical activity should be limited to four to six weeks after surgery. Subtle swelling of the nose will take up to a full year to completely subside.

The results of rhinoplasty will become noticeable as the nasal tissues heal during the weeks following the procedure. Significant yet natural-looking results will be noticeable right away and will improve over time. However, as the tissues heal, subtle changes will be detectable in the months following your surgery.

The final result will manifest one year after surgery, at which point all swelling will have diminished and all tissues should be healed.

If you are unhappy with your results or the way your nose healed after your previous rhinoplasty, you may be able to undergo a secondary rhinoplasty. Dr. Schlechter offers revision rhinoplasties to correct any issues that occurred after a rhinoplasty or any issues that were not resolved during the initial procedure.

The cost of your rhinoplasty will depend on your specific anatomy and procedure. Please see our Plastic Surgery Procedure Pricing Guide for more information.