Rhinoplasty FAQ

What can I specifically get out of rhinoplasty?
Several different outcomes are possible for rhinoplasty procedures with Dr. Salzhauer. Patients may reshape or refine the nose in multiple ways, including increasing or decreasing the overall size, removing a hump, or narrowing the span of the nostrils. A patient can also change the angle between the upper lip and the nose or alter the shape of the tip or the bridge. Rhinoplasty can also be performed to help alleviate the patients’ breathing problems.


Can anyone get rhinoplasty?
Any person who is in good health and has realistic expectations may undergo rhinoplasty. Dr. Salzhauer does not necessarily have set age requirements; however, rhinoplasty is typically not advised for patients under the age of 15 because their bodies are still growing. However, there have been cases where severe disfigurement is involved with a person under the age of 15 and Dr. Salzhauer has stepped in to help reverse the damage that has been done.


Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
Pain is difficult to measure because it is a relative term, but most rhinoplasty patients experience only discomfort and not pain. Most discomfort is typically associated with the packing of the nose after surgery, which is done in order to prevent or control bleeding. Nasal packing is most often removed in the first couple of days after surgery, which typically brings relief to the patient.


How long does a rhinoplasty surgery take?
Rhinoplasty surgery generally takes between two and four hours. The actual time will vary depending on different factors specific to the patient or the surgery. Primary rhinoplasty procedures typically take two to three hours, while rhinoplasty revision surgery may take three to four hours.


Does rhinoplasty scar?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure where incisions are made in the skin, which typically results in some scarring. The degree of scarring, however, depends on the type of surgery you undergo. Closed rhinoplasty procedures are intended to leave no visible scars, while open rhinoplasty may result in a very small scar that is concealed and will be barely noticeable over time.


What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?
While the actual amount of time it takes for each patient to recover will vary, you will most likely want to stay in bed on the first day following your rhinoplasty procedure. Most patients find themselves up and about within the next few days, but swelling and bruising may remain for three weeks or more after surgery. Patients typically return to work or school within about a week, but sun exposure and strenuous activity should continue to be avoided until two or three weeks after surgery.