Rhinoplasty FAQs
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
Rhinoplasty at Contura Clinic, Bangalore, is a day surgery under general anaesthesia. You wear a splint for about a week, most people take 7–10 days off work, and you can exercise again after 3 weeks. The shape is clear at about a month. Full guide: Rhinoplasty in Bangalore.
Before surgery
Who is rhinoplasty for?
People unhappy with the shape, size or projection of their nose, and people with breathing problems or a blocked nose.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty uses a small cut at the base of the nostrils for the most access. Closed rhinoplasty works through cuts inside the nostrils and suits smaller changes. See Types of rhinoplasty.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, for example with chin augmentation, buccal fat removal, face lift, eyelid surgery, fillers or fat grafting.
Why isn't rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Cosmetic surgery isn't covered. Part of the cost may be covered if it also corrects a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum.
Recovery
Is rhinoplasty painful?
You feel nothing during surgery, and a long-acting numbing medicine means you leave pain-free. Discomfort while healing is controlled with medicine.
What happens right after surgery?
You go home the same day with a splint, usually for about a week. Keep your head raised, don't blow your nose, and expect swelling for several days. Read more: Rhinoplasty surgery day.
How many days off work do I need?
About 1 week if you don't mind visible bruising. Allow 7–10 days to keep it private, or up to 2 weeks for physical jobs.
How long does swelling last?
Swelling drops by the second week, and the shape is clear at about 1 month. Rarely, slight swelling lasts up to a year.
When can I exercise?
After 3 weeks.
Results and risks
What are the risks?
Infection, nosebleeds, numbness, swelling, scarring, small irregularities, a hole in the septum and, rarely, nasal collapse. About half of patients have some bruising.
What limits the result?
Thick skin is the main limit, because it doesn't shrink as much over the new shape.
Can a previous rhinoplasty be corrected?
Yes. Revision rhinoplasty fixes too much or too little removal, or breathing problems. It is more complex because of scar tissue.
Related pages: Rhinoplasty · Types of rhinoplasty · Rhinoplasty surgery day · Chin correction
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.