We interview Dr. Brian M Kinney MD about this topic. Learn more about Dr. Brian Kinney and his experience with Cosmetic Nose Surgery.
Q: How do I find a doctor who specializes in Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Kinney: While many people search the internet for smaller procedures, deciding to undergo a rhinoplasty is a major decision. You may search the internet, review pictures of before and after surgery, and scan various websites, but realize that many patients prefer privacy and don’t post comments or pictures online, especially those who desire the natural, subtle or “not done” look. Remember too, on websites there may be a number of people who are unhappy and much more likely to post than those who are happy. Weigh the pros and cons accordingly. Finding pictures of someone like you who has a result you like can be very helpful. Often computer imaging is available in the doctor’s office.
For better information than the internet, ask your general doctor, your OB/Gyn or ask friends if they have a referral.
Q: Should I have more than one consultation for Rhinoplasty?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, it is considered a good idea to have two or three consultations with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, one who has been referred by a friend or doctor. Generally having four, five or more consultations will not add much value. If you are comfortable with your first consultation, have a good friend who underwent a procedure in the office or if the doctor was highly referred, additional consultations are not essential.
Q: Do I qualify for Rhinoplasty?
Brian Kinney MD: The doctor can help you decide that question, but if you are unhappy with the way your nose looks and if you have breathing problems then you probably qualify. You should ask a number of questions prior to undergoing rhinoplasty because this is a procedure that changes your face profoundly. Are you in a comfortable, happy state in your life (no recent divorce, job loss, death in the family, psychotherapy, sleep problems, excessive stress, for example)? Are you actually thinking this procedure is going to be a big breakthrough for you (get a promotion, become a famous actor or actress, become the best looking in your school, work, social circle)? Are the goals of your procedure generally acceptable and common in practice? Is it experimental or the latest, newest, “hottest” procedure (be cautious, especially if the doctor is promoting it heavily in the media)? Is it straightforward to perform surgically and relatively risk-free (don’t always go for the risky, big change)? Will it put undue financial strain on you (too much time off work, too expensive)? Can you afford the loss of privacy if others notice your change?
Q: Should I do any kind of treatment before a Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Kinney: A few adjunctive or accompanying procedures may make a difference in rhinoplasty. Perhaps, skin care will help in those with acne, thick skin or clogged pores. The splint and tape after the procedure often lead to short-term skin problems.
Q: What risks can occur if pain medication is taken two days prior to Rhinoplasty?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Some pain medications contain ingredients from compounds like aspirin, Motrin, Nuprin, Advil or Aleve that will cause the blood not to clot and thus cause excessive bleeding, bruising, and poor healing. It is necessary to stop these for 7-14 days before surgery. Please check with your plastic surgeon or general doctor.
Q: How long does a Rhinoplasty surgery take?
Brian Kinney MD: Just trimming the tip a bit may take only an hour, while a complete remake of the nasal passages, septum and outside with nasal fracture may take two to three hours
Q: When can I go back to day-to-day activities after a Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Some people choose to return to general activities like work and school after three to four days, even with the splint still in place. Others will wait a week. Gentle walking and exercise can start after seven to ten days, while vigorous exercise may require two to three weeks of healing.
Q: Is icing important after Rhinoplasty?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, for the first couple of days, it always makes a difference. The more ice is applied the sooner the bruising, swelling and tenderness will resolve. Being good at following post-operative instructions in the early days makes a big difference for the healing weeks later.
Q: What are average Rhinoplasty prices?
Brian Kinney MD: They range from 5,000.00 to 15,000.00 depending on how involved the procedure will be. At the low end perhaps, only the tip will be shaped and sculpted and at the high end, the procedure may include breaking of the bones, reshaping the mid portion and tip, using cartilage grafts from the septum or ear, reconstruction of the internal structures and narrowing the outer cartilages by the cheeks.
Q: Will I need to stay in an aftercare facility post Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Most likely, you will not. Going home is generally acceptable.
Q: What will I feel after Rhinoplasty surgery?
Doctor Brian Kinney: You will experience mild to moderate pain for 24-48 hours with swelling that usually peaks on the second or third day before slowly subsiding over the next week or so.
Q: How long will my recovery time be after Rhinoplasty?
Brian Kinney MD: In general, your healing will have the following pattern:
- Seven to ten days for the initial bruising and obvious swelling to subside,
- One month to start to see the moderate changes and for the shape to appear well,
- Three months to be mostly healed and have a preview of the final results and
- One year or more to be experience the subtle, final effects.
Q: What scaring, if any, will I have after rhinoplasty?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Minimal, if any, scarring will be noticeable with the closed technique, which involves incisions only along the mucous membranes (pink tissue inside). Most rhinoplasty procedures are done internally while a more recent trend is towards open rhinoplasty. If you undergo an open rhinoplasty, there will be a small scar on the columella (the skin that separates the nostrils). More straightforward, less-involved procedures are performed closed, while ones that are more difficult are often performed open. Open procedures take months longer for the swelling to subside.
Q: Will I see results immediately after Rhinoplasty?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Results will be noticeably after the first month and progress after that. For a patient with a large bump or very crooked nose, they will notice immediately after the splint is off. When the splint first comes off, the nose has been compressed for several days, and the swelling has not yet started. At this moment, it is possible to have a “sneak preview” of the result. In the next few hours, swelling will increase before decreasing in the weeks and months ahead.
Q: Will I need more than one Rhinoplasty surgery?
Brian Kinney MD: While rhinoplasty is the most common “redo,” about 15%, in plastic surgery in many surgeons’ opinions, including mine, it is rarely essential for physical health. Remember that your rhinoplasty surgeon generally does not operate on the skin. Instead, the cartilage and bone are modified. The skin must conform to the underlying structures, heal, subside in swelling and reshape to the new skeletal and cartilage structures underneath. This healing is dependent on many biological factors and is not entirely under the control of the surgeon.
* Sometimes patients are not happy with the results. This can be due to surgical design or execution, communication of the desired goals, unpredictable biology, complications, change of heart by the patient, not understanding one’s own desires or emotions and a variety of other conditions. Sometimes, one change in the nose after surgery will lead you to consider another later. Remember, you are in control of whether you will be happy or not, regardless of the outcome, or the need for a second procedure.