It’s no secret that nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery in the United States. In 2018 alone, there were already more than 200,000 rhinoplasties done.
If you’re considering having a nose job, many questions may be swirling around in your mind. Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about nose surgery. By understanding more about this procedure, you can make a well-informed decision.
Q: What Kind of Anesthesia Will I Need?
While some patients need general anesthesia for nose surgery, most do well with local anesthetic along with IV sedation. The goal of anesthesia is complete patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Q: Will There Be a Lot of Pain Afterwards?
As with any type of surgery, rhinoplasty causes some degree of postoperative discomfort. Your care team will give you some medications to keep you comfortable during your recovery.
Q: Will I Have Scars?
That depends on which technique your cosmetic surgeon uses:
- Closed rhinoplasty –This involves your surgeon making all incisions within your nostrils. This technique is less invasive and produces better cosmetic results as it creates no visible scarring.
- Open rhinoplasty – This involves your surgeon creating a visible, external incision, which is closed with several layers of stitches. Your cosmetic surgeon may use this technique if your nose is crooked or requires a significant reduction in the nasal tip projection (i.e.., how far the tip of your nose sticks out from your face).
Though it can create a visible scar, this approach allows for a clearer view of the changes that need to be made and the ease of intricate grafting and/or suturing.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Recover from Nose Surgery?
Much depends on the extent of the work done on your nose and your adherence to your surgeon’s postoperative instructions. For normal rhinoplasty procedures, recovery time is somewhere between six and eight weeks.
Q: Is My Nose Surgery Covered by My Health Insurance?
Nose surgeries done for cosmetic purposes are not covered by health insurance. However, those done to improve function and overall health are. It’s best to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage, including copays.
Nose Surgery in Atlanta, GA
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, and in search of a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon for your nose job, look no further than Dr. Gregory Mackay. A double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mackay will gladly answer all of your questions about rhinoplasty and equip you to make a well-informed decision.
Book a visit with Dr. Mackay today. Contact our office at (404) 777-9791, or request an appointment on our website.
