Posted May 20, 2022 in Blog, Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, which is commonly known as a nose job, is, hands down, the most effective way to dramatically and permanently change the look of your nose. Whether it’s a small bump, a large bridge, an upturned tip, or a bulbous profile, plastic surgery can improve what you don’t like about your nose and make it more aesthetically pleasing. But, of course, the goal should always be the most natural result that best fits your face and its proportions and features. We get very common questions when it comes to rhinoplasty, which is why we compiled our list of the top 5 questions we get about nose jobs.
Like all plastic surgery procedures, a nose job is major surgery and nothing to take lightly. That’s why it’s best to always arm yourself with all the pertinent information (regardless of where you are in the process, be it doing initial research or prepping for your procedure in the coming days). A consultation with your plastic surgeon is essential to discuss any concerns.
Here, we answer the most commonly asked questions about nose jobs, which everyone wants–and needs–to know.
1. Just how difficult is my recovery going to be?
This is one of the most common questions we get about nose jobs. When it comes to rhinoplasty, it is one of the more challenging surgeries doctors perform due to nasal anatomy and variations in an individual’s nose. No two noses are the same, so no two procedures are the same either. Because each patient requires a custom approach to their surgery, various techniques and variations are often used to achieve the desired result.
Different approaches can make the recovery process harder on some patients than others. Regardless of the surgeon’s techniques, the nose sits front and center of the face, so the surrounding features often bruise and swell. Plus, breathing is limited to the mouth since the nose will feel stuffy and have packing inside it.
However, most rhinoplasty patients call the recovery process hard and uncomfortable, but the degree of pain is often tolerable and well managed with proper medication. Expect to wear a splint over the nose during the first week and expect some pressure in and around the nose. You’ll still have full mobility to sit up and down and move around, but it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions to make the recovery process easier on yourself.
2. I’m scared that I won’t like how my new nose looks. Is there anything that gives an idea of what it may look like?
Digital imaging tools are great for giving patients an idea of what their noses may look like after surgery. Remember, these devices are not an apples-to-apples comparison, but they give some idea of the final result.
3. What is the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open and closed rhinoplasty refers to the surgeon’s overall incision technique to fine-tune your nose during surgery.
A closed rhinoplasty uses an incision on the inside of the nose, which does not produce visible scars after the nose fully heals. Not every patient is a candidate for this approach, and your plastic surgeon will determine which method best suits your nose and needs.
An open rhinoplasty creates incisions at the base of the nose. However, open rhinoplasties heal very well, and the scars are so small and well hidden that once fully healed, they go unnoticed.
4. Will my insurance cover my nose job?
Some insurance companies may cover rhinoplasty if the reason for the procedure is medically necessary and you are not doing it for cosmetic reasons. However, suppose you opt for the procedure strictly from an aesthetic standpoint. In that case, your insurance company will categorize the surgery as an elective procedure and may not cover the costs.
The best way to determine if your insurance company will cover the costs of the procedure, even if it is only a portion of the fees, is to check with your provider well in advance of the surgery. This way, you can determine how much the procedure will cost you if you need to come out of pocket for it. If this is the case, there are plenty of financing options available, like CareCredit.
5. Can rhinoplasty fix everything I don’t like about my nose?
A good and honest surgeon will explain what the procedure can and cannot fix. For example, some patients can correct everything about their nose that bothers them, while some are limited to correcting just one or two flaws. In some cases, additional procedures are necessary to fine-tune the issues.
Remember, the best surgical outcomes are results that look the most natural. You’ll want to establish a good rapport with your plastic surgeon and trust their opinion to make you happy with your final result.