When should I get my rhinoplasty done?

The timing of a rhinoplasty procedure is an important detail, and one that is completely up to you. There is no benefit to having it done over winter break versus after you graduate high school, and just comes down to your personal preference. After 2 weeks, you would be ready to return to school, but might still have a bit of residual swelling. It would most likely not be evident to your peers, but since you know your own face so well, you may notice when you look in the mirror. Many patients opt to have a rhinoplasty procedure after they graduate high school and before they start college because summer break naturally provides a longer period of time to plan and heal from the procedure. I have a lot of patients who also express that it gives them the boost of confidence that they needed before entering a new college environment. Either way, just make sure that you choose the time that fits most easily into your life. I would be happy to answer any other questions or talk about this in more detail during a consultation.

You may want to wait until you have a little more time for recovery.  I perform these surgeries
with closed technique
to preserve the structure of the nose and minimize visible scarring.
Look at website before and after galleries and reviews to help you select your surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Ogunn97,The answer to your question is based on what you prefer. If the surgery is done during winter break, you will return to school with a significant amount of swelling. This may be noticeable since the surgery would have been done fairly recently. The swelling will take about a year to completely subside but will be fairly moderate after 3-4 months. Waiting until after graduation gives you more healing time indoors so the swelling can subside. However, having a rhinoplasty in the summer has to be monitored as you cannot be out in the sun excessively and must wear sunblock. Ultimately the decision is up to you.Hope this helps!Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Rhinoplasty scheduling. You can do either--2 weeks is enough time for bruising to fade. Your choice.

2 weeks is an adequate amount of time for basic recovery including resolution of bruising, removal of splints and sutures... however you will likely (depending on the extent of surgery) still have significant swelling 2 weeks after.  The summer time will certainly give you a more comfortable amount of recovery time if you are concerned about people knowing that you had surgery.

There's enough time during Christmas vacation if you want. Also,you don't have to be 18 years old to get a rhinoplasty. The only major restriction will be to avoid strenuous activity for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. That would include physical education classes.

A rhinoplasty can be performed on school break. Best to give yourself 2-3 weeks to get rid of bruising.  Swelling will persist for many months

If you are sure that you want rhinoplasty then there is nothing to be gained by waiting and postponing.  Have it done during your Christmas Holidays and have great graduation pictures. 

Anticipate approximately 10-14 days of visible swelling and bruising after the rhinoplasty procedure. The cast usually stays on for approximately one week after the procedure as well. The timing of when to perform the surgery more of a personal decision, but it is acceptable to do it at Christmas break or in the summertime.

The answer to your question completely depends on you.  Most teenagers do wait until summer break.  You can recover with 2 weeks over Christmas, but you will most likely have a cast on for 1 week and may be bruised or swollen in photos!  Either works, but again...it is up to you!