Rhinoplasty FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Nose Surgery

Patients often ask if we must “break their nose” during a nose job. This procedure (called an “osteotomy”) is when your surgeon cuts into the bone. The patient’s anatomy and the degree of reshaping needed will determine the need for an osteotomy procedure. When an osteotomy is required, Dr. Cangello will explain the process as part of the surgical plan

Nose surgery is often performed for functional purposes and to improve breathing. There are many reasons why patients may have difficulty breathing. Some of the structural problems that make it difficult to breathe include the following: deviated septum, collapsing nostrils on inspiration, enlarged turbinates, and collapsed internal valve(s) of the nose. These can all be corrected with nose surgery.

You may or may not have bruising after your procedure. Usually, bruising occurs as a result of intentionally fracturing the nasal bones in order to reposition them. When bones are fractured, the process may cause some bruising in the soft tissues around the lower eyelids. Sometimes patients do not bruise at all. There is no way to predict who will or will not bruise. When bruising does occur, it is usually completely gone in 10-14 days, and it can easily be covered up with makeup.

Some patients are worried about the potential for visible scars following their open rhinoplasty. However, even the incision made in an open approach heals beautifully when done correctly, and it will be imperceptible over time.

It is necessary to remove tissue to fix a nose that is too long. Typically, part of the septum will need to be removed to shorten a nose. However, there is NO skin removal during the procedure. The skin will contract on its own to conform to the newly shaped nasal skeleton.

Swelling can last for one-to-two years; however, you will still see a noticeable improvement immediately after your surgery. Your results will be noticeable the minute the cast is removed at seven days, but the nose will look a little puffy. It will ultimately look more defined as time progresses.

Usually, the nose looks quite good about a month after surgery, but it will look even better after three-to-six months. Swelling will continue to diminish after around six months, but at that point, the swelling is quite minimal. You can expect subtle improvement to continue for up to a year or two.

Protecting the fragile tissues of your nose is key during your recovery. Patients should avoid wearing glasses for up to a month. They should also avoid blowing their nose for the first three weeks and prevent themselves from sleeping on their sides or stomach for the first two weeks. Likewise, patients should avoid getting their cast wet. To prevent bleeding or trauma to the nose, patients should not engage in strenuous activity or exercise for the first two weeks of their recovery.

Your rhinoplasty in NYC will be performed at Dr. Cangello’s on-site, fully accredited surgical facility. You are encouraged to ask for a tour of the operating facility when you come in for your consultation. Alternatively, if you prefer having your surgery in a hospital setting, Dr. Cangello can perform your treatment at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC.

Either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation will be used for your procedure.

Any procedure carries the potential for side effects or complications. Rhinoplasty risks include infection, bleeding, functional difficulty, suboptimal results, and general anesthesia risks.3 Dr. Cangello has a record of success and he always prioritizes patient safety.