Rhinoplasty FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions from patients considering a rhinoplasty procedure.

What will I look like immediately after rhinoplasty surgery?

After surgery, the patient may have a small splint placed externally and/or internally  to support the newly structured nose. The splints will typically remain for one week, after which it is removed, and the nose is cleaned. 

Some bruising and swelling around the eyes are common after a rhinoplasty procedure. In most cases, bruising reduces in one week. Any remaining bruising can be covered up with conservative makeup. Patients may also find relief in using cold compresses and medication for swelling.

Is there a difference between a "nose job" and rhinoplasty?

No, there is no difference between them. The phrase "nose job" is a colloquial reference to surgical nose reshaping. Rhinoplasty is the technical, medical term for cosmetic or aesthetic nasal surgery.

Does rhinoplasty surgery cause pain?

Rhinoplasty patients can expect to experience mild discomfort with nasal surgery. However, oral medication is usually prescribed to help with any discomfort felt after rhinoplasty. Cold compresses can also help with discomfort.

Will my nose be packed after surgery?

After surgery, Dr. Greco places a small, gentle cotton ball coated with antibiotic ointment in each nostril to control any bleeding that may occur. The cotton balls are removed the morning after surgery. 

A special quilting suture is used after surgery, which significantly reduces the amount of discomfort associated with formal nasal packing. A small drip dressing may be applied after rhinoplasty surgery.

How long will my nose be swollen after rhinoplasty?

Typically, 80% of the swelling disappears two weeks after surgery, and another 10% subsides after 2 months. The tip of the nose may retain swelling for longer. 

Patients will continue to see an improvement in the tip of the nose over the next several months. 

After surgery, patients may experience some temporary numbness of the skin of the nose, which improves with time.

When will I be able to return to my usual activities?

In most cases, any swelling and bruising substantially reduces one week after surgery, and patients can expect to go out in public. 

Patients should avoid strenuous activity for two weeks after the procedure. However, at that time, they can gradually start back with their usual routines, including exercise. 

Contact sports should be avoided for six weeks.

Will the rhinoplasty surgery affect my breathing?

Yes, rhinoplasty should improve your breathing! Dr. Greco is uniquely qualified to achieve improvement in both breathing and appearance. 

You can expect the nose to feel stuffy immediately after surgery. However, in a few weeks' time, you should have a noticeable improvement in breathing. This is especially true for cases that had significant nasal obstruction before surgery.

Will I need more surgery on my nose?

Dr. Greco believes in planning the rhinoplasty procedure after understanding the patient’s concerns and aesthetic desires. He always aims to perfect the nose as per the patient’s needs with a single procedure. 

Noses that have been fractured, crooked noses, and noses that have had previous surgery are generally more difficult to correct. Such cases may need a "touch-up" procedure using revision rhinoplasty. 

Dr. Greco may sometimes recommend avoiding revision surgery and suggest injection fillers for the nose to correct minor contour abnormalities.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex facial surgery procedures. There are risks associated with rhinoplasty, just like for any other surgical procedure. Risks for rhinoplasty may include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing and scarring
  • Change in skin sensation (numbness or pain)
  • Visible irregularities
  • Asymmetric nostrils
  • Nasal septal perforation
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Skin discoloration and swelling
  • A possible need for revision rhinoplasty surgery

Is the revision rhinoplasty process the same as the first surgery?

Secondary nasal surgery or revision rhinoplasty is usually more complicated than the initial rhinoplasty procedure. This is because of scarring and loss of structural support typically seen in revision rhinoplasty. 

Revision rhinoplasty may also take longer than the initial rhinoplasty procedure. Talk to Dr. Greco about the steps that will be performed during the revision procedure.

How can I get a nose job but retain my cultural identity?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is your answer. Dr. Greco is Philadelphia’s leading expert in rhinoplasty, and has performed rhinoplasty procedures for patients of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds over the course of his 30-year career. 

Achieving a natural-looking result while preserving the ethnic identity of the patient is Dr. Greco’s goal.

Where will my procedure be performed?

Are you looking for a rhinoplasty expert in Philadelphia?

Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto). 

Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation. Call (610) 664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.

2 Bala Plaza | 333 E. City Ave
Suite PL-15
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone (610) 664-8830
Fax (610) 664-8812

Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
Sat & Sun Closed

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