Rhinoplasty FAQ Los Angeles
Below are some questions and answers to help educate you about rhinoplasty in Los Angeles. For questions that aren’t answered here, the best thing to do is to talk with Dr. Stevens in person. You can receive a free consultation with our surgeons when you request your consultation online and schedule your visit during one of the convenient appointment times he has set aside exclusively for Web visitors.
If you’re not quite ready to talk in person, download a Free Guide to Cosmetic Surgery, filled with details about the things that matter most for our plastic surgery patients. When you’re ready, our surgeons are happy to provide even more detail one-on-one.
Why is nose surgery called rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the combination of the greek words “Rhino” (meaning “nose”) and “Plasty” (meaning “to mold or shape”).
How old do you have to be to have rhinoplasty in Los Angeles?
The quick answer is that a patient can have rhinoplasty after their nose has fully matured; Generally around age 16 for women and age 18 for men. Patients who have completed their growth may have surgery at earlier ages. Parental consent is required for patients younger than 18 to have rhinoplasty surgery. Health, rather than age, is the most important consideration in determining the minimum advisable age for rhinoplasty.
How long does the procedure take?
For rhinoplasty patients from Los Angeles, the surgery will last from 1 to 2 hours depending on the type and degree of shaping required. If the rhinoplasty is also intended to improve your breathing, additional time is required.
Does rhinoplasty hurt?
Most rhinoplasty patients would say that the surgery was not very painful; they might describe it as uncomfortable. The few patients who require nasal packing (placed into the nose after the operation to control bleeding) do find this bothersome. If your rhinopalsty requires nasal packing you will most likely be able to remove it within 48 hours.
What form of anesthesia is used?
Local anesthesia combined with light sedation is used for some individuals. Most of our Los Angeles rhinoplasty patients will have local anesthesia in addition to general anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist. With general anesthesia, the patient is totally unaware during the procedure.
Can I return home the same day?
Yes. Rhinoplasty surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need someone to drop you off, pick you up, take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Will I be stuck in bed after rhinoplasty surgery?
You should plan to rest for about 24 hours while you completely recover from the anesthesia. After that, you can be up and about without any difficulties.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Following rhinoplasty, our Los Angeles patients return to normal activities within a few days, but some swelling and bruising may remain. During the first week you will have a cast on your nose; if you are not self-conscious about the cast you can resume most normal activities after 3 days. Most of the swelling will be gone within 3 weeks. You need to exercise good judgment for the first few weeks. Do not participate in strenuous activities that will increase your blood pressure and nasal swelling. Vigorous activity in the postoperative period may prolong recovery.
Are there any scars after rhinoplasty?
Most types of rhinoplasty surgery are performed “endonasally” (all the incisions are inside the nose). Endonasal rhinoplasty will leave small scars inside the nose only. Some patients may have an “open” approach if they require extensive nasal tip work or are having a repeat rhinoplasty. This results in a small, discreet scar under the nose.
Is nose surgery permanent?
Rhinoplasty is permanent, but after rhinoplasty your nose will still change with the natural aging process.
What if I don’t like my result?
You will need to wait for the swelling to subside before you can judge your final result. Patience is important. Often the subtleties and elegance aren’t revealed for many months. If after several months you are still unhappy with the result, speak with one of our surgeons about revision rhinoplasty in Los Angeles.
What options are available for ethnic noses?
Many ethnic noses have skin, bone and cartilage qualities that limit the possible surgical outcomes. Often the best results are achieved with subtle improvements that do not completely erase the nose’s ethnic qualities.
What are possible risks of a rhinoplasty procedure?
Rhinoplasty procedures are considered safe and hundreds of thousands of rhinoplasty surgeries are performed every year. Every surgical procedure, however, is associated with a risk of complications. Examples of complications associated with rhinoplasty include adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding or infection. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will review risks in detail prior to the procedure.
What is the post-operative course following rhinoplasty?
Generally, bruising around the eyes and cheeks is most apparent during the first 3 days following surgery. Most discoloration will disappear within a week. A few days after surgery, you can begin to use cover-up makeup, if desired. Noticeable swelling may last for several weeks. Minor residual swelling, most frequently affecting the nasal tip, may continue for many months, but generally this should not be apparent to others. If packing was used, it will be removed 1 to 3 days after surgery. Patients who have an external incision will have their sutures removed within 1 week. The nasal splint is usually worn for 1 week, during which time you should avoid getting it wet.
For answers to all your questions, request a Rhinoplasty Consultation with one of our surgeons. Or, call us at 877.298.9915 in Marina Del Rey today to schedule your appointment. If you’re not quite ready for a consultation, chat online with our patient coordinator for confidential, no-obligation advice and information you can trust.
