Rhinoplasty surgery time- is it important?

Question

If a surgeon does a surgery in 1-1:30 hours does it mean he is careless OR better? I heard people bragging about how a surgeon spends 4 hours in surgery. but i heard from someone else that more time means more edema cause in surgery so its bad.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

4 hours is longer than most rhinoplasty surgeries, but not so long for a revision. If there is internal work or the need for ear or rib cartilage harvest, that would typically be time in addition to the Rhinoplasty itself. If it is an Open Rhinoplasty, that also adds time. It is hard to predict how complicated a surgery will be, so you might think it will be a 2-3 hour revision, but it winds up taking much longer.I think a surgeon with the patience to devote the extra time in order to make it as good as it can be is an asset, not a detriment. I also think a surgeon that can do excellent work in a shorter amount of time might be someone very skilled. It is hard to say, which is why you should just pick based on the doctor as the sole variable.All the best

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would probably say the time required will range widely among excellent rhinoplasty surgeons, so I would not use this as one of the criteria for judgment.Find a board certified plastic surgeon 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

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Most rhinoplasty surgery should last between one to 2 hours even with advanced grafting techniques. More important than that amount of time that it takes to perform the procedure is the experience of the rhinoplasty surgeon who can deliver the results.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

If you have a skilled experienced surgeon, the shorter the better. You will have less edema and swelling. I have been doing noses for over 30 years and even the most complicated revisions rarely take more than 2 hours. A straight forward nose should take a little over an hour for someone with experience.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The average time for a rhinoplasty is 1 - 2 hours. More complicated procedures may take slightly longer. What is more important than the length of the procedure is the artistry and experience of the plastic surgeon. There are multiple factors beyond the length of surgery that effect the extent of swelling.I would suggest that you find a surgeon
certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is
ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist)
that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with
that surgeon in person.Robert Singer, M.D., FACSLa Jolla, California

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Most rhinoplasties take between 1 - 2 1/2 hours. That can vary greatly depending upon the complexity of the procedure and the efficiency of the surgeon. Four hours is a long time but not necessarily a bad thing if the surgeon achieves great results. Ensure that you like your chosen surgeon's results, that they do alot of rhinoplasty and that the procedures are performed in an accredited surgical center for your safety.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I wouldn't worry too much how long or how short a surgeon takes to perform an operation.  If the works is good that is all that matters.

Damon Thomas, FRACS · Answer

The time required for a rhinoplasty is dependent on many variables including the speed that the surgeon operates at. The surgery performed can vary from a hump reduction only which is relatively quick or the more common open rhinoplasty with correction of the hump, tip and septum. This would normally take longer because it is more complex. Occasionally an augmentation rhinoplasty is required with a rib cartilage graft, this would add an extra 30 - 60 min onto any surgery.Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and discuss any concerns.Hope this helps.Warm regardsDamon Thomas FRACS

Elliot W. Jacobs, MD · Answer

No -- the time spent in surgery should not be the deciding factor in your choice of surgeon.  Some surgeons are slower and more deliberate; others are somewhat faster.  The average time for a cosmetic rhinoplasty is 1-2 hours, but that can vary with the difficulty of the procedure and how many adjunctive procedures are performed (e turbinate surgery, septal surgery, and others).You should visit 2 or even 3 surgeons for consultation and do not expect similar recommendations.  You should then reflect upon the surgeons and their recommendations and go with the doctor whose ideas are similar to yours and in whom you ave the most confidence and trust.The fee, while important, should be the least of your considerations.  The results of your operation will be yours to enjoy for many years to come -- and long after the fee is forgotten.Good luck!Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

Michael Salzhauer, MD · Answer

Although there are some *rare* exceptions. Good surgeons are efficient and decisive in the operating room and therefore faster. Young surgeons and inexperienced ones are slow and inefficient. A good open or closed rhinoplasty with septoplasty should take less than 2 hours in experienced hands.

Rhinoplasty surgery time- is it important?

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