Can I have a rhinoplasty with hypothyroidism?

Question

My TSH count is normal ( controlled) as i take Levothyroxine everyday.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

As long as you are on thyroid replacement and your levels are relatively normal, there should be no additional risk to undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure. The biggest risk would be if you had very high thyroid levels as that would put you at risk from the anesthetic.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @zzoe! This is a great question. Assuming your labs are normal and you are on thyroid replacement, you should be cleared for surgery. The anesthesiologist may require additional clearance from your endocrinologist to undergo an elective surgery.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello!Thank you for your question!If your TSH count is normal you should be an eligible candidate for a rhinoplasty, but i do suggest you speak with your primary care physician before going through any type of surgical procedure. The best option for you is to find a board certified facial plastic surgeon that dedicates his/her entire practice to scarlessnose rhinoplasty's. With a closed rhinoplasty you can achieve any look that you desire without the risk of a scar at the bottom of your nose. I recommend going to a Plastic Surgeon that specializes in closed scarless rhinoplasty (preferred by actresses and celebrities) because there is no risk of external scarring and much less healing and recovery time. Closed rhinoplasty enables you to have flash recovery with very minimal bruising if at all. You will only have to wear a cast for 5-7 days, no one will know you had anything done. All the incisions are made from inside the nose. The goal is to finesse and enhance the nose without drastic change. It still looks like it is your nose just more refined without looking fake. Meaningful refinement is the key!  All the same surgical maneuvers your nose requires can be performed with a skilled closed scarless surgeon. Best of luck, Dr. Deepak Dugar
ScarlessNose Institute of Beverly Hills

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear zzoe, Thank you for your question. Although hypothyroidism is not necessarily a contraindication for a rhinoplasty, I suggest discussing this with your primary care physician before proceeding. If you collectively decide that this is appropriate, I would consult with a Board Certified Operating surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Yes, you should be able to have rhinoplasty with managed hypothyroidism. You can bring the pictures that you think would be flattering to your face and these can be discussed.  It takes special interest and study to understand the facial aesthetics to create a nose that is harmonious with your other features. Take the time to find the right facial plastic surgeon and ask them to create digital images of the nose they propose for you and discuss the cost.
Hope this helps.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

While you'll need to be cleared for surgery, patients with hypothyroidism can have rhinoplasty. I would recommend starting with a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty surgery to discuss if rhinoplasty can address your concerns. 
I would recommend writing down the following questions before scheduling your consultation:
1. Are you unhappy with the tip of your nose? 
2. Do you feel that your nose is too wide? 
3. Do you want to make your nostrils smaller in appearance? 
4. Are you looking to decrease the general size of your nose?
I hope some of these questions will help you pinpoint what it is that you don't like about your nose.  Cost will vary due to various factors like anesthesia fees, facilities fees, etc. I wish you the best as you research your options when scheduling a rhinoplasty consultation.
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Burke Robinson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Untreated hypothyroidism would be a contraindication to having a rhinoplasty.  Fortunately, hypothyroidism is easily treated with oral thyroid medication.  You would want to make sure that your thyroid levels (especially your TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) are recently checked and confirmed to be normal.  I have performed surgery on countless patients with hypothyroidism that was under good control by their physician.  Hope this helps!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Yes, no contraindication to surgery with hypothyroidism treated with levothyroxine supplementation.  It is quite a common condition with no adverse sequelae seen in the perioperative setting.

Catherine Winslow, MD · Answer

Hello! If your hypothyroidism is controlled with medications there is no problem proceeding with rhinoplasty. It is always advisable to discuss with your endocrinologist first. Good luck!

Adam C. Augenstein, MD · Answer

Low thyroid levels would not affect a rhinoplasty but would be best to have your thyroid levels regulated appropriately when undergoing general anesthesia.