Rhinoplasty after chin lipo/buccal fat removal - how long should I wait in between procedures?

Question

Can I do a rhinoplasty on the 22nd of July if I have a chin lipo and buccal fat removal on June 5? My rhinoplasty doctor does not do chin lipo so I had to get them scheduled seperately unfortunately

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The interval is about seven weeks, which may be adequate after an uncomplicated recovery, but it should not be assumed in advance. Chin liposuction and buccal fat removal can leave swelling, firmness, bruising, and nutritional or medication issues for several weeks, and the face may still be changing when the rhinoplasty plan is finalized. Many surgeons prefer at least 6–8 weeks between elective operations, and sometimes 8–12 weeks or longer if swelling, infection, wound-healing problems, anemia, smoking, or other medical risks are present. Both surgeons and the anesthesia team should know the complete plan and agree that you have healed sufficiently. Your chin/buccal surgeon should examine you before the rhinoplasty and provide clearance, while the rhinoplasty surgeon should confirm that residual facial swelling will not interfere with assessment or recovery. If there are any complications or you still need pain medication, antibiotics, or significant compression, postponing is safer. The calendar alone is less important than normal healing and coordinated clearance from both teams.

Edward J. Gross, MD · Answer

Six weeks is typically a safe interval between chin liposuction/buccal fat removal and rhinoplasty. It's important that your rhinoplasty surgeon is aware of the previous procedures. If you haven't selected a plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty, I recommend consulting with double board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeons /ENT with extensive experience performing cosmetic nose surgery.

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello. We routinely do all these procedures together. However, i would recommend a minimal gap of 2 weeks between your procedures in your scenario. 2 weeks is time from anaesthesia perspective. Other wise the fields of both surgeries re different. 
Thank you.

Regards,
Dr Sameer Karkhanis,
Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Mumbai, India

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. That timing should be fine. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Rhinoplasty after chin lipo/buccal fat removal - how long should I wait in between procedures?

Answers (4)

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