Frequently Asked Questions in Rhinoplasty
Conveniently located to serve Greenwich, CT; White Plains, NY; and Boston, MA
We’ve assembled these rhinoplasty FAQs for Greenwich patients who are interested in learning more about this popular plastic surgery procedure.
Q: Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
A: Rhinoplasty is performed under anesthesia, ensuring that patients feel no pain during the surgery. A degree of post-operative pain or discomfort may be felt, but this is quite manageable with prescribed pain medication.
Q: How long does the rhinoplasty procedure take?
A: The surgery typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Q: What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
A: Open rhinoplasty involves an external incision on the columella, followed by lifting of the skin of the nose. This allows for better visibility and increased access to nasal structures. Closed rhinoplasty involves tiny incisions inside the nostrils, resulting in less visible post-surgical marks and a quicker recovery.
Q: Will I have visible scars after rhinoplasty?
A: After open rhinoplasty, a scar may be present, but it will be well-camouflaged. With proper care, scars from rhinoplasty fade over time.
Q: Can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
A: You should avoid wearing glasses on your nose for a few weeks after surgery. Solutions like post-surgical glasses, plastic clips, or even taping the glasses to your forehead may be recommended.
Q: When can I resume normal activities after rhinoplasty?
A: Light activities can be resumed within a week, while strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
Q: Can rhinoplasty fix breathing problems?
A: Yes, functional rhinoplasty can improve breathing by correcting structural issues in the nasal passages.
Q: Will I have to wear a cast after rhinoplasty?
A: A nasal splint or cast may be placed after surgery to protect the newly reshaped nose and help minimize swelling.
Q: What is revision rhinoplasty?
A: Revision rhinoplasty is a complex secondary surgery performed to correct or enhance the results of a previous rhinoplasty. If you are unhappy with the results of another surgeon’s rhinoplasty, Dr. Kornstein will be happy to perform revision rhinoplasty.
Q: Will rhinoplasty change my voice?
A: Rhinoplasty typically does not affect vocal cords, so your voice should remain unchanged.
Q: Will my sense of smell be affected after rhinoplasty?
A: While it’s possible to experience temporary changes in your sense of smell due to swelling, these usually resolve as you heal.
Q: What is the ideal age for rhinoplasty?
A: Rhinoplasty is usually performed on individuals whose facial growth is complete, which is typically around ages 17 to 18 for women and 18 to 19 for men.
Q: What is the difference between cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty?
A: Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on improving the nose’s appearance, while functional rhinoplasty aims to correct breathing issues and structural abnormalities.
Q: Are the results of rhinoplasty permanent?
A: Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting but do not stop the effects of aging. The natural aging process may cause gradual changes over time.
Q: Can I see the results of rhinoplasty immediately?
A: There will be swelling and bruising initially, so it may take several weeks for the final results to become apparent.
Q: How should I prepare for rhinoplasty surgery?
A: Dr. Kornstein will provide specific pre-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, and arranging for post-surgery care.
Q: Can rhinoplasty fix asymmetry?
A: Rhinoplasty can improve facial symmetry by reshaping and realigning the nose’s structures.
Q: Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?
A: Yes, rhinoplasty in Greenwich can be combined with other facial procedures for comprehensive facial enhancement.