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Why Would One Surgeon Say My Rhinoplasty would Take 1.5 hrs and the Other 3 hrs?

asked 8 months ago by james in ny, ny
Latest answer by Philip Young, MD
Question viewed 212 times
Tags: choosing a surgeon, timing

Narrowed it down to two surgeons. One quoted me 1.5 hours and the other quoted 3 hours for open rhino. Both were confident about my tip asymmetry, neither cared much about the small dent on bridge of nose. Why such a big discrepancy in time of operation? Does open rhino take that much longer?

13 answers to Why Would One Surgeon Say My Rhinoplasty would Take 1.5 hrs and the Other 3 hrs?

Rhinnoplasty Time

All surgeons operate at their own speed based on comfort, experience and technique. You should make your decision based on the relationship you have with your surgeon. Read testimonials, reviews, research background, credentials and so on. Good luck!

Philip Young, MD
Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?

I can see why you're confused by such a wide discrepancy in estimated operative times. Certainly, using the open rhinoplasty approach does typically take longer than a closed approach. I wouldn't focus too much on the surgical time estimates, though. You should make sure that both surgeons are talking about fixing the same things. More experienced rhinoplasty surgeons may have longer operative times due to the fact that they have the skills to make complicated changes to the nose... more

Thomas A Lamperti, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

How long should rhinopalsty surgery take?

Every surgeon should work efficiently and safely to attain your goals of a great result. For a straight forward rhinoplasty of the tip, middle and upper portions, most experienced surgeons would reserve about 90 minutes of operating room time, but would never be surprised if it took an hour longer. If you have seen 2 reputable surgeons and you like their personal manner and their previous results , then you could be happy with either. There is a chance both would finish in... more

Michael Suzman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.westmedgroup.com

Time is important but results is what counts

The estimated time for the rhinoplasty procedure has to do a lot with surgeon’s experience and skill. For an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon usually the open rhinoplasty would take about 1.5 hours for the first time rhinoplasty. Sometimes the septum also needs to be repaired and the combination of both can take about 2 hours (on average). It is hard to select a right plastic surgeon so although shorter surgery is obviously preferable, it is the results that count. Please make... more

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty length of surgery

Experience is a big factor a longer procedure or faster one doesnt guarentee results look at photos check reputation ask if the procedure is open (longer) require grafts (longer) general anesthesia (quicker)

Jed H. Horowitz, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Time

Different surgeons take different amounts of time to do surgery. I usually do a nose in about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Most of the noses I do are closed. I have been doing it that way for over 30 years. Many younger surgeons do the surgery open, which takes longer. The most important thing is that you get a good result no matter how long the surgery takes.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

In my experience, most Rhinoplasty Surgeries will take between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete unhurriedly.

I read your concern. If you're financially responsible for your anesthesia / facility fee, your 3-hour estimate may just be an over-estimation so there are no monetary surprises after your surgery. When performing Rhinoplasty, I almost exclusively use an open-approach, and I will harvest and use septal-cartilage grafts in nearly everyone. Specifically, a columella-strut has become fairly routine for ensuring tip position and support. Sometimes a tip-graft is needed as well. At this... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

It does not really matter how long a rhinoplasty takes.

Hi. Some surgeons are fast and some surgeons get great results. The two factors are independent. But a rhinoplasty hardly ever takes three hours. You have to decide whom you trust. see video

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Time Estimates for Rhinoplasty

Different surgeons operate differently, and it is very difficult to judge your results from proposed operative time. You should make your judgment on the relationship you have with your surgeon and their experience in rhinoplasty. Timing is based upon surgeon preference. Best of luck

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Time for rhinoplasty

That is a difficult question to answer. open technique does take slightly longer. i would recommend you discuss with each surgeon what their plan is, maybe one is planning to do more than the other. surgeons operate at different speeds as well. time is not as important as achieving the result you want.

Rick Rosen, MD
Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty time

Obviously with experience operative time is reduced.It is also important to determine exactly what each surgeon has in mind. You may be comparing apples to oranges. Also some surgeons are faster and some are slower it is not the operative time but the quality of the result.

Jay M. Pensler, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.plasticsurg.org

Rhinoplasty Operative Time

Without pictures and a physical examination, it is very difficult to know which estimate is more realistic. However, if any form of septal work is involved, the surgery will likely exceed 2 hours in duration. The speed of the surgery does not necessarily have any effect on the quality of the work performed. I would choose your Surgeon based on reputation, the results you are shown, and your overall gut feeling.

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

Why Would One Surgeon Say My Rhinoplasty would Take 1.5 hrs and the Other 3 hrs?

I have performed Rhinoplasty both open and closed for over 20 years and taught Rhinoplasty to surgeons in training for about 10 yaers. IMHO, most experienced Rhinoplasty surgeons would take 1 to 1 1/2 hours to perform a closed Rhinoplasty. Open Rhinoplasty does take longer because of the added tissue dissection but should take about 2 hours nonetheless. The local anesthetic injected into the nasal tissues, that constricts the vessels to decrease bleeding, lasts 1 1/2 to 2... more