Your Guide To Rhinoplasty Surgery: Everything You Need To Know About Nose Jobs

It seems as though the topic of rhinoplasty surgery (or a rhino for short) is all over the internet all of a sudden. There have been viral TikTok trends of rhino results and lots of inquiries throughout google about rhino details.

If you don’t know what a rhinoplasty is, it is cosmetic (or plastic) surgery on the nose, and is often referred to as a “Nose Job.” If you are interested in the idea of getting a Rhino but just aren’t completely sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ll tell you about the in’s and out’s of the surgery, what to look for when searching for surgeons, and even what to ask when making your appointment.

Disclaimer: NO ONE needs plastic surgery to be beautiful. It’s important to discuss your interest in rhinoplasty surgery with your physician before scheduling anything. My only motive is to educate in hopes of leading you to a safe outcome.

Reasons For Rhinoplasty Surgery

Many people choose rhinoplasty surgery after breaking or injuring their nose, to correct breathing problems and issues, or simply because they are not pleased with the physical appearance of their nose.

If you are considering the surgery yourself, you are not alone. In fact, it is one of the most common types of plastic surgery done!

During the surgery, your surgeon can make the possible changes:

Narrowing of the nostrils
Reshaping of the tip
Reshaping of the bridge
Correct the angle
Altering total nose size

It’s important to note that if you are considering the surgery for strictly cosmetic reasons, you should wait until the nasal bone is fully grown. This is complete by the time you turn 18. However, you are able to correct noses when medically necessary at a younger age.

Some people opt to have a “liquid rhino” or facial fillers injected into their nose to improve shape and appearance. For more information on a liquid rhinoplasty, check out:

Filler 101: Your Guide To Facial Fillers

Cost Of Rhinoplasty Surgery

The cost ranges depending on where you live and what surgeon you go to. Let me be very clear: surgically altering the appearance of your face should never be “price shopped.” You are partly paying for the surgeon’s experience and technique, so keep that in mind when surgeon shopping!

The average cost for a rhino is $5,350. However, this average does not include anesthesia, facility fees, or operating fees.

When adding all of the fees, the total price can range from $7,000-$9,000. When calling plastic surgeon offices, ask them for a ballpark figure and what that ballpark figure includes. Also, ask how many appointments are required from start to finish and if those are covered within that price!

Typically, insurance will not cover surgery for cosmetic reasons. If you don’t have that kind of cash on hand (because most of us don’t), ask what financing options the office offers. Finally, feeling comfortable with your surgeon and their expertise is far more important than the final cost.

Risks Of Rhinoplasty Surgery

With surgery comes risks, that’s unfortunately just part of the bargain. Knowing your risks is incredibly important because it gives you the power to ask your surgeon what measures they take to prevent these outcomes!

Risks with any major surgery include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, swelling, severe bruising, and infection.

There is really nothing you can do to avoid the bleeding, swelling, and severe bruising that comes along with a rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will give you clear instructions on how to heal best, and it’s important to follow them! Not listening to your surgeon or nurses’ recommendations can result in infection and less than desirable results.

Risks associated specifically with nose jobs:

Difficulty breathing out of your nose
A permanently numb nose
Possibility of not liking your results
Scarring
The possible need for future surgery if mistakes are made in the original one

Scheduling A Consultation

Once you decide you are going through with the surgery, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Questions to ask when scheduling the appointment:

How many plastic surgeons does your facility have?
What is the surgeon’s experience or credentials?
- We are looking for an experienced surgeon who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Bonus points if they are dual board-certified.
Is there a consultation fee?
- Most quality surgeons charge a consultation fee. Consider it a copay. This likely means the surgeon’s schedule books up quickly and is hard to get into. This is a good thing!
Is the consultation fee applied towards total surgery cost if I decide to schedule surgery?
- Some offices may offer to apply the consultation fee to your total account balance.
Can you give me ballpark pricing for the surgery?
- Some do, some don’t. If they don’t, ask if you will receive a quote for a price at your consultation.
What does the price include?
- We are looking to see if the price includes anesthesia, facility fees, operating fees, and follow up appointments.

Recovery From Surgery

After your surgery, a splint may be placed inside your nose to help retain its no shape while it heals.

Swelling and bruising will change within the first week or so after surgery. Make sure to follow all of the recovery instructions given by the surgeon or nurses! This could make or break your results!

You will receive a list of things to avoid for a few weeks following your surgery, so follow those instructions as well. Some of these limitations may include: