Rhinoplasty with Cheek Implants?

It is an acceptable practice to place cheek implants with a rhinoplasty procedure under the same anesthetic.  The surgery is an outpatient procedure and should take approximately 2 hours with general anesthesia.  Most patients are up and awake within an hour after the procedure and are able to go home. Patients are able to drive the next day.  Expect 2 weeks of bruising and swelling in the face and nose afterwards.

A rhinoplasty is a quite varied procedure.  This can range from a mild smoothing of a nose bump to more extensive reconstruction of both the internal and external nasal structure.  The degree of pain and recovery depends on the extent of the procedure.  In general if osteotomies, or breaking the nasal bones, occurs then more discomfort is involved.  Depending on the extent of your surgery it is best to limit any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least a week.  If you have a young child I would recommend having a family member or friend available to help out during the first week following your surgery.

There is no issue that would preclude combining cheek implants with revision rhinoplasty.  The postop course will include some increased cheek swelling and bruising relative to rhinoplasty alone but will not be markedly different. 

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC.