As with any medical or surgical procedure, you will want to be sure that a rhinoplasty is right for you. While this is an incredibly popular procedure, it is important that it be the right option for you so that you can feel happy with your nose. Here are a few questions that you should ask your cosmetic surgeon at your evaluation.
Are You Experienced and Certified to Perform a Rhinoplasty?
You should ask your surgeon about his qualifications for performing a rhinoplasty. He should be board certified and should be in good standing with the state board. In addition, he should have performed many rhinoplasties over the years and be up-to-date with current recommendations.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?
While a rhinoplasty is a great solution for many people who are unhappy with their noses as well as for those who have broken or injured their noses, it may not be right for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you are a young teenager, if you have certain chronic conditions or if you do not have reasonable expectations for the procedure.
Will I Be Asleep and Comfortable during the Procedure?
Your surgeon will determine whether you will have local anesthesia plus IV sedation or general anesthesia for your rhinoplasty. However, you should be comfortable, calm and pain-free throughout the procedure.
What Will My Recovery Be Like?
You will need to plan to take some time off work after your rhinoplasty. Initially, you will have swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. You should plan on taking one to two weeks off work. You will also need to wear a nose splint during this time.
When Will I See Results?
While you can return to many of your normal activities after two weeks, it may take much longer than this to see complete results. It takes six weeks for the bones to heal, and it may take several months for swelling to go down completely.