Ask Dr. Elliott: What to Know Before Rhinoplasty Surgery

The nose is an incredibly prominent facial feature. Because of its centralized location on the face, dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose can lead to unhappiness with the appearance in general. Rhinoplasty surgery, commonly known as a “nose job”, is a tried and true method for safely altering the size, shape, or width of the nose. In order to educate prospective patients and those who are generally curious about the procedure, I was happy to take a minute to answer a few common questions about rhinoplasty.

Question #1: How Much Scarring Will There Be After Undergoing Rhinoplasty?

The amount of post-surgical scarring following rhinoplasty depends on the specifics of each procedure. In some cases, I am able to make just one incision inside the nose itself, nullifying any visible scarring. Some patients may require an incision to be made across the small area between their nostrils. However, scarring is often very minimal for these patients.

Question #2: What Other Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Are Commonly Performed Together With Rhinoplasty?

In order to help maintain facial symmetry in certain cases during a rhinoplasty procedure, the patient may benefit from an additional procedure. It’s very common for patients to combine rhinoplasty and chin surgery to achieve the rejuvenated and proportional appearance that they may desire. I have also had great success combining rhinoplasty with ear surgery. These are all options that will be discussed during the pre-surgery consultation appointment.

Question #3: Are There Risks Of Potential Complications Following Rhinoplasty?

All surgery comes with a potential risk of a complication, however, it is very minor in the case of rhinoplasty. Complications associated with rhinoplasty are extremely rare, and even in cases where they occur, they are typically not serious. This may include infection, nosebleeds, or a possible reaction to anesthesia. Some patients may experience numbness around the nose or a loss of smell following their surgery, but these effects are normal and temporary.

When performed correctly by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, undergoing rhinoplasty can be an excellent way to achieve a better-proportioned facial appearance and improved self-confidence. I have been performing this procedure for nearly 40 years and have seen just how profound the results can be for patients. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, videos, and much more.