Rhinoplasty FAQs

Q-What is rhinoplasty?
A-Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape the nose and sometimes relieve breathing problems. The surgery can reduce or increase the overall size of the nose, remove a hump, narrow the span of the nostrils, alter the tip shape, alter the bridge shape, or change the angle between the nose and upper lip.

Q-Is rhinoplasty right for me?
A-If you are looking to improve the appearance and/or function of your nose and are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, then rhinoplasty may be right for you. Dr. Donath is happy to meet with you for a consultation to help you decide if rhinoplasty can address your needs.

Q-Are there any age restrictions for undergoing rhinoplasty?
A-Rhinoplasty should be postponed on younger patients until the nose has reached its full growth. This tends to occur around the age of fifteen or sixteen.

Q-What happens at the consultation for rhinoplasty?
A-During the consultation for rhinoplasty, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your nose, discuss your goals, and take a thorough medical history. He will weigh other factors like age, skin type, ethnic background and attitude toward surgery to help determine if rhinoplasty is right for you. He will take the time to explain the technique, the anesthesia, the surgical facility, the risks and the costs and will also answer any questions that you may have.

Q-What anesthesia is rhinoplasty performed with?
A-Rhinoplasty may be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.

Q-How is the surgery for rhinoplasty performed?
A-Dr. Donath begins by making incisions, many of which are located on the inside of the nostrils though an additional small incision on the skin between the nostrils may also be necessary. Certain amounts of bone and cartilage will then be removed, added to or rearranged in order to achieve the desired shape. The incisions are then closed, a splint is applied to the nose, and soft absorbent material known as nasal packing may be applied to the inside of the nostrils.

Q-How long is the surgical time for rhinoplasty?
A-Rhinoplasty may take one to two hours on average to perform.

Q-Where are the rhinoplasty incisions located?
A-Most of the incisions for rhinoplasty are located on the inside of the nostrils. In some cases, a small incision may need to be made on the skin between the nostrils.

Q-Will I have scars after my rhinoplasty surgery?
A-The incisions made on the inside of the nostrils result in no visible scarring. If an additional incision is made on the skin between the nostrils, there will be a small, well-concealed scar.

Q-Does rhinoplasty involve much pain?
A-Some discomfort and a puffy feeling of the face may occur which can be controlled with prescription medication.

Q-What is the recovery from rhinoplasty like?
A-Patients can expect the face to feel puffy and to appear swollen and bruised. Most of the swelling will fade within about two weeks. Some discomfort can be expected, though this can be managed with medication. If nasal packing is used, it is typically removed on the day after surgery. The splint is usually removed within six to seven days. Absorbable sutures are often used and these dissolve on their own.

Q-When will I be able to resume work after my rhinoplasty surgery?
A-Work and most other normal activities can usually be resumed within one to two weeks after the rhinoplasty surgery.

Q-When will the stitches be removed after my rhinoplasty procedure?
A-Sutures are often absorbable and need not be removed as they will dissolve on their own.