Preparing For Rhinoplasty

The plastic surgeon will perform specific measurements and may utilize photographs to determine what aspects of rhinoplasty surgery may be most beneficial for you. The ideal candidate for rhinoplasty surgery is a patient who has realistic expectations and the actual nasal defect is proportional to the patient’s perception of the defect. Oftentimes, patients may come into the office requesting rhinoplasty surgery when in reality a major component of their nasal appearance is related to a disproportion of some adjacent facial structures. These patients may benefit from additional facial cosmetic surgery and it is not uncommon for the plastic surgeon to discuss how the adjacent facial structures may or may not be affected by rhinoplasty surgery. Occasionally, a plastic surgeon may discuss the pros and cons of a chin implant or other facial contouring procedures as these procedures do have an affect on the appearance of the nose in relation to the entire face.

The actual “full” recovery period from rhinoplasty or cosmetic surgery of the nose is at least a year and this involves a gradual softening and resolution of edema. A significant amount of the recovery occurs within 2-3 months but it will take the external scar a year to soften/mature and the internal tissues undergo similar softening. Immediately following rhinoplasty, the nose will have a very swollen. Other long term potential complications are related to each patient’s own tissues and these tissues are dependent on that particular patient’s genetic makeup.