Can I still get a rhinoplasty after I had COVID?

Question

Hi there. I have been in the process of thinning out my skin for rhinoplasty via Accutane. Unfortunately I got covid last month (asymptomatic). I had no symptoms at all and was wondering if that would affect my surgery? I have to go to a second consultation so he can see if my skin is ready for surgery but would like to hear another doctors opinion as well. Thanks in advance xx

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty requires exceptional skill on behalf of the surgeon and great communication with the patient about realistic goals and expectations. Common cosmetic concerns include a dorsal hump, wide nose, sunken nose, irregularities, and asymmetries. Functional concerns include difficulty breathing through the nose, which can and should be addressed at the same time as your rhinoplasty.

In your situation, you would need to test negative twice with a swab before proceeding with surgery. 
Find someone you connect with, who will listen to your concerns and provide you with a framework for what is possible.

Gary Linkov, MD
Rhinoplasty Specialist 
Manhattan

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

I recommend you discuss this with your surgeon as opinions will vary.  Having COVID in the past should not affect your ability to have a rhinoplasty.  However, your surgeon may want you to have at least 1 negative test prior to surgery.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty should be performed at least one month after you stop Accutane. After Covid IgG test comes positive, it means that you have immunity and surgery can be done.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As a true asymptomatic patient, you could be infected but never develop any symptoms at all. Your PS will require that you be tested again within so many weeks of surgery. If your tests are negative, you should be able to have the rhinoplasty. It is best to be off Accutane for a few months before undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear rubbbyyfran,

If your COVID PCR test comes back negative you should be able to have surgery for rhinoplasty. The Accutane is a different issue. Make sure your surgeon has experience with your type of nose and ask to see before and afters.

Best regards,

Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

o	Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
o	Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
o	RealSelf Top Doctor

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. As long as you are completely recovered with no symptoms, and Covid has not caused any adverse health problems, there should be no reason why you cannot proceed with your rhinoplasty. You will most likely have to be tested for the virus prior to your procedure in order to ensure that it is no longer in your system. Every surgeon and surgical clinic may have his/her own set of protocols on Covid-related matters, such as how long to wait to have your procedure following Covid.  So it is best that you consult your surgeon on these or any other concerns that you might have about your procedure as he/she knows your case best.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think everyone would be different depending on their symptoms. You will need a covid nasal swab to show you no longer are infected. You should be able to have surgery but there will be different opinions as to how long to wait.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

If you are COVID negative at the time of surgery and do not have any active medical problems, then you should be able to proceed with rhinoplasty. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The simple answer is yes, but you will get varying answers to the appropriate timing of surgery after COVID. I would suggest that your surgeon get input from a reputable infectious disease consultant in your area of the best approach to follow with regard to timing and pre-op tests. The recommendations will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of of their COVID infection.

Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your best interest. Procedures need to be individualized and what is appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone else. I would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, M.D., FACS

La Jolla, California

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since the virus harbors in the nose and you want to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure, probably best to get two negative tests to make sure that you are not infective before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.  Best to check with your operative surgeon

Can I still get a rhinoplasty after I had COVID?

Answers (10)

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