Discover the step-by-step process of an evaluation appointment.
Step-by-step view of Rhinoplasty
Main doubts
in rhinoplasty
How long does a rhinoplasty last?
Although each case has different complexity and duration, on average, a primary rhinoplasty in our hands takes 3-4 hours. Revision surgeries or reconstructions are usually longer due to the additional complexity of these cases.
Is rhinoplasty very painful?
No, currently rhinoplasty is a very low-pain surgery, being painless in most cases.
Is there a minimum and maximum age for rhinoplasty?
In general, surgery can be considered once full facial development has been reached, which in women is usually around 15 years old (approximately 3 years after menstruation) and in men, approximately 18 years old. Another important aspect is the emotional maturity of the patient to understand the implications of the surgery and face the recovery process. The maximum age will depend solely on the patient’s health conditions.
Is nasal packing used?
Generally, we do not use routine nasal packing in our rhinoplasties, except for some particular cases that may require the placement of internal silicone splints to ensure airflow during the first few days after surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used?
We perform all rhinoplasties under general anesthesia. For more details, visit the Anesthesia section.
Are there any risks associated with this surgery?
Every surgery involves some risk. It is important to understand that even if the surgeon performs a technically perfect surgery, they cannot control how each patient will react and heal. Individual healing factors also influence the outcome. During anesthesia and even in the late postoperative period, unfavorable changes and complications such as bleeding, infections, graft resorption, asymmetries, and changes in the outcome may occur. There is a risk that the patient simply may not like the result obtained, even if others consider it beautiful. The success of the surgery also involves subjective aspects such as personal taste and expectations. Fortunately, major complications are very rare, making surgery overall very safe. The risk can be minimized by adequately preparing each patient and performing the surgery under optimal conditions.
How much downtime is recommended?
Usually, it’s possible to return to in-person work activities after 10 days.
When can I resume physical exercise?
Exercise should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, depending on how the nose recovery progresses and the type of exercise. Three months of rest are recommended for contact sports involving the risk of nasal trauma.
Are the results of rhinoplasty immediate?
After surgery, the nose begins to swell, reaching its peak at 72 hours. Most of the swelling from surgery decreases over the first 3 months and it may take more than 1 year or more to see the final results.
Are the results of rhinoplasty permanent?
The result of a rhinoplasty persists in the long term. After a few years, as with any part of the body, natural changes in the appearance of the nose can occur due to aging, weight gain, pregnancy, illness, injury, etc.
Is there a possibility of needing a touch-up or revision?
Around 5% of operated patients will need touch-ups or revisions in case of unfavorable evolution. Most of the time, these are simple and quick procedures to correct minor irregularities that appear postoperatively. Revisions are usually done until after 1 year of surgery or at the discretion of the surgeon.
What is the recovery like?
We explain the process in the techniques section, go to section.
What is the price or cost of a rhinoplasty?
Most of the time, these are simple and quick procedures to correct minor irregularities that appear postoperatively. A valuation appointment is essential to define the existing complaints or problems in each patient, the necessary corrections, and the surgical plan according to the complexity and aspects of each case. Subsequently, an appropriate surgery budget can be provided.
Learn the step-by-step and schedule your evaluation appointment with Dr. Javier Tapia.
What our patients say
@DRJAVIERTAPIA
“Desde la primera cita el trato fue excelente. La explicación detallada, la cirugía, el seguimiento, la recuperación y los resultados superaron todas mis expectativas! Gracias por el compromiso y la pasión con la que hacen las cosas. Estoy súper contenta con los resultados e infinitamente agradecida con el doctor Tapia y su equipo de trabajo!”