Can Someone with Hyperthyroidism Have Rhinoplasty Done?

Question

I've been wanting to have rhinoplasty done for a long time now. The only thing holding me back is my hyperthyroid, medication helped my thyroid go hypo but now its back to hyper(it's unstable my doctor has been trying to get it under control). I haven't spoken to my doctor about possibly doing rhinoplasty because she strongly believes in natural beauty. I'm also worried about the scarring because my cuts heals very slowly and turns into scars most of the time. What would you recommend for me?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The answer is yes, someone with hyperthyroidism can have a rhinoplasty
	performed. The overactive thyroid would need to be under control prior to having
	any surgery. In general, it is important to fully disclose the following to your
	surgeon prior to having surgery:

	1) Any medications you are currently taking
	2) Medical issues that may affect the surgery

	Scarring is not something to worry about with rhinoplasty as long as the columellar incision (if the procedure is open) is performed properly. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hyperthyroidism must be controlled prior to surgery.   Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Well controlled hyperthyroidism should not be a contraindication to rhinoplasty surgery. Best to have documented ( lab tests) well-controlled thyroid hormone levels for at least 3 months prior to proceeding. Your internist/endocrinologist will be your best resource when it comes to good advice regarding timing of the procedure. Best wishes.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's always best to make sure your thyroid levels are within the normal range, and not being too high or too low. This will affect the healing process and most anesthesiologists will not place patient's to sleep under anesthesia unless there is an emergency. Best to have an endocrinologist adjust your levels, and then proceed with the elective cosmetic nasal surgery. Closed rhinoplasty technique would avoid an external incision on the nose. Please see our closed rhinoplasty photo gallery on the link below

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

I would do your best to ensure that your thyroid hormone is properly balanced before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery. I wouldn't say that it is a contraindication to doing surgery but it is best to make sure that you have managed all of your medical problems in order to optimize your healing. Follow up with an experienced endocrinologist to try and get the thyroid hormone blanced.

Can Someone with Hyperthyroidism Have Rhinoplasty Done?

Answers (10)