Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,046 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

What Results Can I Expect from a Rhinoplasty?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 3,922 times
Tags: broken nose, expectation, results

broke my nose in college (long story!) and considering getting a rhinoplasty. What is it like to get nose surgery?

49 answers to What Results Can I Expect from a Rhinoplasty?

+1

What you will have to deal with after Rhinoplasty

The good news is that your recovery is not as bad as you may think. While your broken nose may have been very painful and traumatic in college, rhinoplasty is performed under controlled and surgically precise circumstances. This is provided that you are undergoing surgery by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. While a break in your bones from a fall or other situation traumatically tears the soft tissue attachments of the bones (which contain the nerves!), a controlled break with a sharp... more
+3

What Can I Expect From My Rhinoplasty? "Look and Feel More Beautiful"

The best result you can expect from rhinoplasty is one which looks natural and "UN-operated'. The goal should be to create a nose that is in harmony with the rest of facial features. Most Patients do feel and look more "beautiful". A great rhinoplasty starts with a great communication and rapport between you and your surgeon.  This allows you to openly share your desires and expectations. Your surgeon's careful analysis of nose and face allows a precise... more
+3

Modern rhinoplasty surgery includes surgery to...

Modern rhinoplasty surgery includes surgery to correct/change the external shape of the nose (aesthetic) as well as to improve nasal breathing (functional). Often, both can be performed at the same time. Certainly both should be considered during any rhinoplasty surgery. Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons understand all of these concepts. The general classifications of aesthetic changes are (not all-inclusive; see my publications on these for more info): •Dorsal hump reduction (reducing a... more
+3

Rhinoplasty can improve most undesirable features of a...

Rhinoplasty can improve most undesirable features of a nose. Noses can be made smaller, narrower, shorter, more sculpted, and more refined. Bumps and humps on the bridge of the nose can be corrected, and droopy noses can be lifted. In some instances, such as with wide, flatter noses, a patient may request that their nose be augmented (built up and made larger) to achieve a look that they find more refined and aesthetically pleasing. Rhinoplasty, when combined with septoplasty (correction... more
+2

Rhinoplasty: What to Expect

I’m assuming that getting passed from fan to fan up the stands during homecoming football game is one way to break one’s nose. Rhinoplasty is a complex surgical procedure, best performed by a surgeon with extensive experience in the procedure. Procedures can be performed under twilight sedation (my preference) or general anesthesia, usually in a surgical center or private doctor’s office, and involves delicate carving and sculpting of the cartilage and filing and often... more
+2

Results to expect from rhinoplasty: Look and breathe better!

Nose surgery should address both your cosmetic and functional goals, i.e. you should look better and breathe better. From the front, you should have a straighter nose and improved harmony between the different components of your nose (e.g. the bridge and tip). On side view, a man should have a strong nasal bridge and a tip that is neither upturned nor hanging down. Good nose surgery will make your nose blend into your face so that people better notice your other facial features. The... more
+2

Preview Your Nose, See Some Examples

1. You would not plan to build a house without looking at the blueprints. Why should something as valuable as your nose (it is in the middle of your face) be any different? Computer imaging has helped patient and surgeon alike in communicating what is and is not possible. Beware that there are some surgeons who will use this as a marketing device to "sell surgery." 2. Have the surgeon show you cases similar to yours. This gives you an idea of the capabilities of your surgeon.... more
+1

How extensive is a nose job: surgery, recovery, etc

The extent of your nose surgery depends on the extent of your deformity. Relatively simple clsoed procedures can be achieved with rapid recovery and minimal downtime whereas more extensive irregularities may  require agrgressive open intervention with rib grafts and craniofacial stabilization with prolonged recovery and a longer recovery period with greater risks for revisionary procedures. see video
+1

Rhinoplasty: Art and Science

Rhinoplasty is both an art and science directed at improving breathing and appearance.  Without photos it is impossible to suggest a treatment plan but if your expectations are reasonable and your goals are thoroughly discussed with your plastic surgeon, the outcome is usually a good one.
+1

Everyone experiences something different

Hello, Thanks for your question.  A rhinoplasty is a great option for repairing the result of a broken nose.  In most cases the surgery is an outpatient operation that is fairly easy to recover from.  Most people experience only small amounts of pain.  It is more common to feel a sense of fullness in the nose instead.  It will take a full year to finish recovering from rhinoplasty.  During the first two months a patient will notice that the initial... more
+1

Rhinoplasty Expectations

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can dramatically improve appearance and function: you could look better and breathe better. Choose your surgeon carefully and be sure you r surgeon has a clear idea of your cosmetic goals.  Imaging can be very helpful in ascertaining you are both on the same page.
+1

Nose .rhinoplasty what you can expect.

  Your experience with nose surgery , like all other cosmetic surgeries, is directly dependent on who you pick to be your surgeon.  LOOK FOR A FACIAL PLASTIC OR PLASTIC SURGEON WHO PREDOMINANTLY DOES NASAL SURGERIES. Ask to see pictures and if available get an photo imaging of what you can expect. Surgery of the nose is usually minimally painful and very satisfying for the majority of patients who have it done.
+1

Sounds crazy...If done right it doesn't hurt at all

Rhinoplasty is one of the most demanding surgeries from a surgical standpoint.  It takes very careful evaluation, detailed preoperative planning, and exacting execution.  Most of my rhinoplasty consults take over 2 hours in total consultation time. From a patient perspective, the procedure is normally done under general anesthesia.  I do 99% of rhinoplasties under general anesthesia.  Do NOT let someone convince you that sedation is safer.  They are both just... more
+1

Rhinoplasty results

Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult surgeries in plastics.  It is also one of the most frequently revised procedures.  With this in mind, it is wise to visit a number of surgeons and to seek out the one which is most likely to meet your expectations.  Ideally, a rhinoplasty should be undetectable by others and should correct the deformity that exists from your previous trauma.  Most surgeons will place an external splint and sometimes... more
+1

Rhinoplasty increases self-esteem.

Rhinoplasty can be a very positive treatment.  From an aesthetic standpoint, it should result in a natural appearance.  No one should be able to tell whether a person has had a rhinoplasty.  Rhinoplasty can vary in length from 45 minutes to several hours depending upon the nature of the surgery.  It is typically performed under twilight anesthesia. Recovery generally occurs within 5 days at which time the nasal tape/splint is removed.  However, there is a... more
+1

Rhinoplasty Video Journeys

Rhinoplasty can be a very rewarding experience. In the first 1 week- 2 weeks after surgery you will see the most dramatic changes in your appearance. The initial swelling will most dramatically reduce in this time period.  Any bruising, if you have any, should be gone by the end of this time period.  The next 6 weeks you will see the majority of the final changes. Finally, minute/finesse changes in the nose are seen up to a year after the procedure.  Obviously there are... more
+1

Results of a Rhinoplasty

Your two questions are essentially: How should it look? Reshaping the nose with a rhinoplasty takes meticulous detail to the technical aspects of surgery with an artistic eye.  The look should be individualized to each patient and should not be a "cookie cutter" nose.  To help with this, I offer preoperative imaging, both in 2D or 3D.  This allows you and I to see what the results would look like on you.  It ensures that your goals for an attractive nose are... more
+1

Nose surgery for broken nose

The surgery to return the nose back to normal after an accident is not very traumatic. Most patients do quite well and are very satisfied with the results. Make sure you select a surgeon that has experience doing these types of surgeries.
+1

Rhinoplasty Expectations

Undergoing Rhinoplasty surgery is a pretty major decision.  The nose is a key feature of your face and the surgery to modify it involves between 2 and 5 hours of surgery with healing and recovery up to a year.  So you should really take your time choosing a surgeon.  Find someone that does a lot of rhinoplasties, ask a lot of questions, and ask to see a lot of before and afters. Many offices offer computer imaging to help discuss goals and possible outcomes. Another option... more
+1

It is uncomfortable while recovering

Rhinoplasty usually is performed under general anesthesia.   Depending on the extend of operative correction there is swelling and bruising involved that may last for 7-10 days.  There will some residual swelling that is minimal but can last about 6 months.  The recovery is not that painful but is uncomfortable as one's nose feels swollen and tender with difficulty breathing. The results could easily be worth the pain.
+1

Rhinoplasty Expectations

Rhinoplasty can be an incredible experience and can make a significant improvement in your overall aesthetic appearance.  Post-traumatic noses can be complex depending on the extent of the injury and the final outcome is also based on this fact as well.  My recommendation would be to find a skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon (board certified, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon).  There are a lot of things that can be done to improve the nose, however, the... more
+1

Rhinoplasty can offer excellent results.

Patients suffering from post-traumatic nasal deformities can expect excellent results and significant improvement in their appearance. Typically the correction will include repositioning of the nasal bones and often will require straightening of the nasal septum as well. In addition, other features that you want to change can be addressed at the same time. This is usually a more difficult procedure than a typical reduction Rhinoplasty so choose your surgeon carefully. Make sure he/she can... more
+1

Nasal surgery experience

A rhinoplasty is unique for every patient.  The analogy most often used is erecting a tent.  The skin is the tarp and the bone and cartilage are the tent poles.  Rearrange the tent poles and you have a different tent.  
+1

Typical recovery after a Rhinoplasty

A Rhinoplasty is designed to correct nasal deformity, whether from trauma or as it occurs naturally.  It is rather common after a nasal fracture to develop abnormalities in nasal appearance.  During rhinoplasty the surgeon sculpts entire nose,  including the bones and cartilage.  Make sure your surgeon is well qualified to asses internal workings of the nose as well, so that it gets properly treated during surgery as well. In our practice typically the patients... more
+1

Rhinoplasty experience

In answer to your question, What's it like to get rhinoplasty," my recommendation is not to focus on the rhinoplasty experience, which lasts one day, and the recovery process a few weeks, but focus on the result which lasts the rest of your life.  Find a surgeon who can give you a good result and that you feel comfortable with, and the rest takes care of itself.
+1

Realistic Expectations from Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can be performed to reduce or increase the size of the nose, remove an unwanted hump, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the width of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. The procedure restores an improved balance between the nose and other facial features. The best results are often those where change is minimal and natural. Rhinoplasty should never destroy the supportive anatomy of the nose.
+1

Rhinoplasty can enhance your self confidence

Restoring balance and symmetry of your nose can improve not only your breathing, but also your self confidence.  An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon in your region can analyze your nose and create a plan to restore the nasal airway and the appearance of your nose.  Pain should be minimal post op and the patients usually find the experience very satisfying.
+1

Rhinoplasty is the best way straighten a crooked nose

Rhinoplasty is the best way straighten a crooked nose. This procedure entails making an incision at the bottom of the nose and then exposing all of the elements of the nose that is creating the outward appearance.  Then manipulating each of these structures will then change the shape of the nose. For the crooked nose, you must change the structures by releasing the forces that are holding the nose in a crooked fashion and essentially weaken these structures then strengthening them in a... more
+1

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can correct deviations in the nose, remove a dorsal hump, straighten the nose, make it smaller, adjust the slope and projection of the nose and adjust the size and shape of the nostrils. It is hard to say what your nose will look like after with out examining you first. But likely, based on what you have stated, your nose will be straight again.  Septoplasty is often performed alongside rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as septorhinoplasty.... more
+1

Rhinoplasty should help one achieve their aesthetic goal.

Rhinoplasty will help many achieve both their aesthetic and functional goals.  Multiple techniques exist to achieve a balanced, natural appearing result that is functional.  One should seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of ASAPS, ASPS as well as the Rhinoplasty Society.
+1

Rhinoplasty expectations

It is always good to do a great deal of research when considering rhinoplasty.  Especially in your case where what you are considering is not truly a rhinoplasty!  The operation you will have is a reconstruction of a traumatic nasal fracture.  Yes, you may be considering this for cosmetic reasons, but the fact that you broke your nose changes the dynamics of the operation considerably.   You can expect a week to two weeks of downtime, about 3-6 months for the result... more
+1

Broken nose with rhinoplasty

You should expect to get a result from rhinoplasty that will give you the shape that you want and give balance to your face.  As stated, it is very important to find a board certified plastic surgeon and someone who has experience and a passion for rhinoplasty.
+1

Expectations for a Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a very effective surgery that can create natural results with significant changes to your entire facial appearance.  The most important step in choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon is doing your research and finding a board certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with rhinoplasty. In our practice, we find it essential to use digital morphing software to help show the patient what they may look like after their surgery. This is an incredibly important... more
+1

Rhinoplasty Results

Well, what you can expect depends on what you want.  If you broke your nose and see crookedness or have trouble breathing, you should be able to have your nose straightened and the internal blockage reduced so it looks like it did before your injury.  If you want to change other features, such as a hump, size, or shape of the tip you will need a little more work.  A rhinoplasty can easily be done as an outpatient.  In all cases, you will not be aware of the actual... more
+1

Factors to consider when having a rhinoplasty

The most important question to ask yourself before having a rhinoplasty is what is it about my nose I would like different. Then once you have some idea you can see a rhinoplasty expert. Keep in mind that if you have broken your nose and it is crooked, the hardest thing to do is to guarantee that your nose will end up perfectly straight. Aside from that, you typically need two weeks from strenuous activity to avoid bleeding and you can be black and blue up to two weeks. Swelling can... more
+1

Key point

I agree with almost everything said here. Here are the key points. 1) Make sure that you see someone who performs at least 25-50 Rhinoplasty per year 2) Have a careful a complete discussion of your goals. This will hopefully include image morphing. 3) Once you goals are well articulated make sure your surgeon has a clear plan on how to accomplish them 4) Understanding that healing takes place in three phases. 7-10 days for initial healing (bruising, etc). 3 months for 75% of swelling to... more
+1

Rhinoplasty experience

What you might experience from undergoing a reconstructive rhinoplasty procedure really depends on what is being done to your nose. If the injury has caused a slight contour issue to the bridge, you might experience only a slight amount of swelling and a relatively shorter recovery period. If the nose has to be broken and/or there is a need for additional structural work to be done, you may have a slightly longer initial recovery period. The following is typical for many patients. Most of my... more
+1

Rhinoplasty to correct a broken nose

Most rhinoplasty operations are done under general anesthesia and patients leave the surgical center to go home after surgery. The majority of surgeons do NOT use packing in the nose, which makes recovery more unpleasant. You will have bruising around your eyes for about a week. If the tip of your nose is not altered during surgery, your final surgical results will become clear in about three months. If the nasal tip is altered, the final result will be manifest in six months. Most patients... more
+1

What to Expect From Rhinoplasty

Goals For Rhinoplasty The goal of rhinoplasty is to produce a nose that looks natural and functions well. Depending on your nasal type and characteristics, different techniques are used to produce a balanced and well-proportioned nose. How Rhinoplasty is Performed? Nose reshaping is performed either via an open or closed approach. Closed Rhinoplasty is performed by making incisions on the inside of the nose. The bone and cartilage framework of the nose is modified underneath the skin to... more
+1

Rhinoplasty expectations

Rhinoplasty surgery can take from 2-4 hours depend on what is being done. After surgery you will have swelling, bruising around the eyes, splint on the nose for two weeks, most of the swelling will diappear in three weeks some swelling remain for 12 weeks.  You will feel congested with discomfort.  
+1

Straight nose

Many nasal fractures result in a crooked nose which can be corrected with a rhinoplasty. If only the nasal bones are crooked, this is usually a straightforward procedure. You can expect your nose to look good again. We do counsel patients that there is always a small chance the nose won't be "perfectly" straight, or there may be persistent irregularities. The recovery after rhinoplasty is fairly mild. You can expect your nose to be stuffy for 1-2 weeks, and there may be some... more
+1

Rhinoplasty for broken nose

If you broke your nose, you may have broken the bones and also dislocated or fractured your nasal septum. This is expecially true if your nasal bones and septum deviate to the same side or if the septum curves from one side to the other. With a rhinoplasty, you may need an open approach to the septum to reconstruct it properly and reinforce it. Otherwise the bones may not straighten. If you have a breathing problem, this surgery would also be designed to fix that. If you want any cosmetic... more
+1

Rhinoplasty expectations

A rhinoplasty is  a good procedure to correct nasal fractures from previous injuries. You will have some discomfort after surgery and you will probably want to take it easy for the first week or so.
+1

What is it like to get a Rhinoplasty

It really depends on what you have done. A small revision to the tip of the nose is different than a procedure that requires an alteration of the nasal bones. Of course, different people react differently to the same surgery. As a very general rule I would equate the experience with having you wisdom teeth removed.
+1

Get video imaged

One of the best tools for predicting the result of a rhinoplasty is video imaging. I use it with all my nose patients and give them a copy of the anticipated results. Everyone knows that the imaging results are not exact, but the general final product is understood. It, on occasion, helps me because I sometimes discover issues that were missed on physical exam.
+1

Rhinoplasty for Broken Nose

It is a very rewarding experience. It can straighten the nose and also can make it look nicer. It then changes the whole facial look. The down time is about one week off from school and/or work. Regards
+1

What Rhinoplasty is Like

If you are referring to the aftercare and recovery, then Rhinoplasty is like having a bad cold for 3-5 days with a slow bloody nose. If you get that image in your head, then you will be prepared for the first few days. The amount of bruising and swelling depends on the surgery that you had. Generally most of it is gone by 7-10 days. The nose will not be in its final shape at that time, but you will feel socially acceptable. 80% of swelling is gone by 1 month. Final result is at 1-1.5 years... more
+1

Rhinoplasty can be very rewarding

Rhinoplasty is one of the most artistic procedures in plastic surgery. Achieving a balanced appearance to the nasal shape, from both the frontal and side views, must be combined with careful attention to the functional purpose of the nose. In most cases, breathing can also be improved with this procedure. Adjustments may be made to your nasal tip, your nasal dorsum, your nasal width, and your nasal base. A change in one of these features, however, can have significant effect on the... more
+1

Natural looking rhinoplasty

I tell my patients that if nose surgery is done skillfully, no one will realize that they have had the operation. People will know that something about them is different, but they will not realize what it is. I sometimes bet patients that their own parents will not know what they have done when they are seen three weeks post-operatively. I have never lost the bet!!

Ask a question