RhinoplastyRhinoplasty

Questions patients ask

How will I know if I should get a nose job?

Patients decide to get a nose job for a variety of reasons. Some have a crooked nose, an overly large nose, or a hump they would like to be removed. Some individuals have difficulty breathing. A rhinoplasty procedure can help with all of these reasons, giving patients a functional nose with an attractive appearance.

Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?

The cost of a rhinoplasty procedure is specific to each individual and depends on the changes that need to be made. Insurance policies do not typically cover the procedure; however, a portion of the surgery could be covered if there is a functional aspect (such as correcting difficulty breathing).

How safe is a nose job?

A rhinoplasty procedure is extremely safe with an experienced, skilled, board-certified nose surgery specialist such as Dr. Shari Reitzen, a leading rhinoplasty surgeon in the Upper East Side. Every nose surgery procedure is performed using general anesthesia. Additionally, each patient who has the surgery will need to be cleared as being in good health, which contributes to the overall safety of the nose job.

What are the risks of a nose job?

Similar to any major surgery, there are risks involved with rhinoplasty. These include bleeding, infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, difficulty breathing through the nose, permanent numbness around the nose, long-lasting pain or discoloration, and the possibility of additional surgery. While these risks rarely occur, Dr. Reitzen will fully explain them to you before your nose surgery.

What if I don’t like the results?

If for any reason you’re unhappy with your nose job results, Dr. Reitzen can always perform minor revisions until you’re happy with the outcome.

Can I ruin my rhinoplasty?

It is highly recommended patients follow the post-surgery guidelines for best care practices in order to reduce their chances of ruining their rhinoplasty.

Does smiling affect a nose job?

Smiling will not affect your rhinoplasty procedure. You can still smile and laugh following the surgery.

Why does my nose look bigger after rhinoplasty?

After a rhinoplasty procedure, it’s very common for patients to have swelling of the nose, which can make it appear larger than it really is. Although some patients may be alarmed at this, it’s completely normal and indicates that the nose is healing.

How can I make my nose job heal faster?

A nose job is likely to heal more quickly when patients focus on rest, use a cold compress to reduce swelling throughout the first 24 hours, keep their head elevated above their heart, avoid strenuous activities, eat a healthy diet, and avoid blowing their nose. In short, healing goes more efficiently when patients closely follow their home care instructions.

Does a nose job last forever?

Yes. Your nose job will last the duration of your lifetime. However, it’s good to be aware that similar to all other parts of your body, your nose will naturally change over time as you age.

When can I fly after a rhinoplasty?

It’s important to wait at least two weeks after your nose surgery before flying.

What is the best age for a nose job?

It is recommended that rhinoplasty be performed after a patient has finished growing. This is typically age 16 in a female and age 18 in a male. Otherwise, age is not a factor. Dr. Reitzen will discuss your full medical history to determine if rhinoplasty is a good fit for you.

Is male rhinoplasty common?

Yes. Male rhinoplasty is one of the top cosmetic procedures performed on men.

Why do nose jobs sometimes collapse?

Patients are often concerned that their noses will “collapse”, but this is very rare if the nose job is done correctly. When the nasal valve collapses, it can be the result of inflammation, swollen tissue, or scar tissue. In the rare instance when this occurs, nasal valve repair surgery is needed to open the nasal passages. However, Dr. Reitzen uses measures during nose surgery to prevent collapse, such as adding cartilage support.