by Kenda Robertson

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2008

Self image is important to success in life and while cosmetic surgery wasn't designed to give anyone immediate self-confidence, having rhinoplasty surgery, or a nose job, can help a person with a crooked nose, or a nose that is too large or too wide, feel a little less self-conscious. And a skilled plastic surgeon can manipulate the nose so it conforms to the face, making the nose look more natural and less altered.

Whether the rhinoplasty candidate wants surgery to correct a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum, for cosmetic reasons or both, there are a several important things to consider:

COSTS

Even if you are having problems breathing through your nose, don't count on insurance to pay for fixing the outside of your nose unless you have a serious deformity that adversely affects your health or you need reconstruction from an accident or disease. If they consider the surgery purely cosmetic, it won't be covered.

Rhinoplasty costs vary depending on the skill of the surgeon, the complexity of the work that needs to be done and where you are having the surgery performed. Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to as much as $10,000, which includes surgeon's fee, surgery center fee, anesthesiologist and any materials needed. Some doctors offer financing. (Doctor's fees may be negotiable.)

FINDING A QUALIFIED SURGEON

Finding a capable, board-certified surgeon is the most important step you will take in your rhinoplasty journey. A surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery is your best option, but not always the cheapest. It is a good idea to choose two or three surgeons, check their backgrounds and visit each one with a list of specific questions about the procedure and what's involved. Most surgeons offer free consultation, and some can even give you an idea how your nose will look after the procedure by manipulating your photo on the computer.

Keep in mind, this surgery will directly affect your appearance, so find someone you are comfortable with and confident in. Any surgery, especially facial surgery that is close to the brain, is serious and must be taken seriously.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Plan for at least a week of recovery from the operation, preferably two. Rhinoplasty surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, but is normally done under general anesthesia and will take a few hours. (In some cases, you can also have a local anesthetic and be awake for the surgery, but most people are too squeamish for that.) You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure and preferably stay with you for at least 24 hours in case of bleeding or other problems.

Expect your eyes, nose and cheeks to be bruised and swollen. If you had reconstructive nasal surgery along with the rhinoplasty expect to have "packing" in your nose for at least 48 hours after the operation. The packing can be uncomfortable, but pain from the surgery is usually minimal. A splint also will be placed on the nose under a series of bandages.

In two or three days, your swelling should start to go down and the doctor can remove the larger bandages. In a week or so, most of the bruising will be gone and the splint usually can be removed. If you don't see much of a change in the way your nose looks, don't get discourage. Due to the swelling, it can take several weeks or months for the nose to reach its desired appearance.

While getting your nose corrected will not change your life in most instances, it can change your outlook on life. By doing your homework, your path to a beautiful and better-functioning nose can be a smooth and happy one.

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