Rhinoplasty Surgery

What Are Septoplasty and Septorhinoplasty?

Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

The Procedure

Rhinoplasty surgery begins with administering either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Once it has taken effect, the surgeon creates incisions to gain access to the nose’s underlying tissues.

Closed rhinoplasty is a less-invasive technique that involves tiny incisions inside the nostrils. Changes are made to the nose through these small incisions. With open rhinoplasty (as well as septoplasty and septorhinoplasty), an incision is made across the strip of skin between the nostrils (called the columella). Then the skin of the nose is lifted.

After the applicable incisions have been made, the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue of the nose are altered according to the patient’s requirements. In some cases, a graft may be placed. To make a graft, cartilage or bone tissue is harvested from the patient’s body and precisely shaped. It is then sewn into the nasal architecture, creating support.

What Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

Healing after rhinoplasty takes time. During the healing process, following the post-surgical care directions provided by your surgeon is crucial. Doing so will significantly reduce the chances of complications and make for a more comfortable recovery.

Once the procedure is complete, gauze may be inserted into the nostrils. A nasal splint or cast may also be applied. These recovery aids are all helpful in ensuring that the nose heals properly in its new shape. Your surgeon will talk to you about the proper care and maintenance of these rhinoplasty recovery aids.

If gauze has been placed, breathing may temporarily be more difficult than usual. This is also partially a result of post-surgical nasal swelling. Gauze must be kept in for two days, or as directed by your surgeon. After the gauze is removed, you must keep your head elevated to prevent nosebleeds.

Along with swelling, bruising will be present in and around the nose. Keeping one’s head elevated at all times helps minimize bruising and swelling, as does applying a light ice pack as directed. Any pain or discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter products approved by your surgeon.

It will be important to avoid blowing your nose during recovery, since the nasal structure will be weaker than usual while healing. If it cannot be avoided, be gentle when blowing your nose.
Take time off from work for around one week. You will also need to restrict your physical activity. It is especially important to avoid contact sports, high-intensity cardio, and heavy lifting until otherwise advised by your surgeon.

A follow-up appointment will be necessary to remove recovery aids like nasal splints and casts. During this follow-up, your surgeon will check on the status of your healing process, and any complications will be addressed.

How Much Does It Cost?

The price of a nasal procedure varies from patient to patient. Its cost is based on factors like the specific techniques utilized, the time required to perform the surgery, anesthesia fees, and the patient’s aesthetic goals.

While cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by health insurance providers, septoplasty may receive coverage. Contact your provider to inquire about coverage for your procedure.