Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are you considering undergoing a rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery? Whether you’re planning on doing it for cosmetic or corrective purposes, you probably have a lot of questions about nose surgery that need to be answered before going under the knife.
That’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive and informative rhinoplasty FAQ for your convenience.
1. How long is the recovery time for a rhinoplasty procedure?
Healing and recovery time can vary from one patient to another. It also depends on the type of rhinoplasty procedure you receive and the extent of the procedure. However, the average recovery time can last anywhere between two weeks and a few months.
2. Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance in Canada?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures are generally not covered by most insurance plans in Canada. However, some corrective or reconstructive procedures might be covered by your insurance policy as long as you can prove that you’re doing it to fix a physical nasal defect caused by an illness or injury.
Regardless, you should always check your provincial healthcare plan and speak to your doctor about your coverage options. In certain cases, only specific portions of the procedure may be covered.
3.What are the potential side effects of rhinoplasty?
As with any cosmetic or medical procedure, there are a few minor potential risks that are associated with rhinoplasty. Dr. Gantous will take the time to assess your nose during the initial consultation and explain these potential risks to you. Here is a list of some of the side effects you may encounter during the recovery period:
- Discolouration and slight swelling around the nose
- Various sensations such as numbness, itchiness, or discomfort
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia (it’s important to provide a complete list of allergies before the procedure)
- Infection if proper aftercare isn’t administered
- Some scarring or redness
- Nasal septal perforation (a small hole in the septum) – this is rare but is treatable in most cases
- Possible need for revision surgery (this is not uncommon)
- Dissatisfaction with the end result
- Laboured breathing (which can be corrected through revision rhinoplasty)
4.What is the legal age to get a nose job in Canada?
The legal age to get a nose job in Canada can be as young as 14 or 15. However, there are a lot of individual ethical and physical factors that need to be taken into consideration. Clients under the age of 18 require parental consent if they’re undergoing a strictly cosmetic procedure.
It’s also necessary to undergo a comprehensive preliminary assessment to ensure the emotional and intellectual maturity of the patient. We also need to perform an assessment on the client’s nose to ensure that it’s fully grown before undertaking the procedure. If the patient’s nose is still in the growing and development phase, then the procedure will eventually be rendered a moot point.
At that age, gender is also a major qualifier. Facial features in young girls can be fully developed as early as 15 or 16 years of age, while teenage boys may have to wait until at least 17 or 18 to get a cosmetic rhinoplasty. There’s no maximum age requirement.
5.How do I prepare for nose surgery?
Following your preliminary assessment, Dr. Gantous will provide you with a complete list of instructions to help you prepare for nose surgery. Here are a few things you should do to prepare ahead of time:
- Fill all prescriptions that are prescribed so you’re well prepared
- Stock your fridge with foods that are easy to digest and eat (you may feel nauseous in the days after your surgery)
- Do your laundry – particularly your sheets because you will be bedridden for a number of days post surgery
- Stock up on button down tops to reduce the risk of damaging your nose by putting on and taking off shirts over your head
- Stay hydrated at all times
- Take a shower the night before the surgery to remove all makeup and skincare products.
- Stock up on lip balm or petroleum jelly because your lips will be extremely dry after surgery
- We recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to your surgery
- Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery
- Wear an easily removable button-up shirt
6.Is rhinoplasty an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
Depending on the nature of the procedure, rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis in either a hospital or a clinic. You may be required for a few extra hours post-op for observation, but you most likely won’t have to stay overnight.
7.What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is when the facial plastic surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the nostrils and on the outside of the columella, which is the external strip of cartilage that unites the nostrils. This procedure is much easier to perform than a closed rhinoplasty because it makes it easier for the surgeon to be able to see what they’re doing.
Closed rhinoplasty is when all of the incisions are made from the inside of the nasal passage. This is the more popular option because all of the scarring—as minimal as it is—appears on the inside of the nose. The recovery time is also usually a lot shorter.
8.What filler is used for non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Several fillers including hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxipatite can be used for non-surgical rhinoplasty. These are labelled under major brand names like Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Radiesse® respectively.
9.Will fixing a deviated septum stop snoring?
In some cases, septoplasty surgery (correcting a deviated septum) can actually reduce or stop snoring and even treat patients with breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. Schedule an assessment with Dr. Gantous to see if this procedure is right for you.
10.Is rhinoplasty a permanent procedure?
Rhinoplasty is permanent in the sense that as long as your facial features are fully developed, then your nose won’t change shape on its own. That being said, rhinoplasty is also reversible and unpleasant results can be corrected through revision rhinoplasty if necessary.
11.What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary rhinoplasty procedure that you can undergo if you’re unsatisfied with the results of the first procedure or to correct post-op complications that may arise.