12 Questions to Ask Before Getting Asian Rhinoplasty or Nose Job

It's only normal to raise a lot of questions on a surgery that can change your look forever.

Here is a list of questions that you might have asked yourself before getting Asian rhinoplasty.

1. I am afraid of general anesthesia, what other options do I have?

Rhinoplasty is generally done through general anesthetic, but for some cases IV sedation an also be used. This will not knock you out totally as with general anesthesia, but it can make you experience more side effects while under it. Even under the influence of anesthesia, the local effect will still make you aware of some sensations.

2. Are there risks involved with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a safe procedure but it also has a number of risks. Usually the common risks involved the procedure involves the adverse reaction to general anesthesia, infection and excessive bleeding. The possibilities of this happening can either be minimized or avoided.

3. What age is most appropriate for rhinoplasty surgery?

It is best for a patient to get rhinoplasty surgery when he or she has reached the full and stable growth of the nose. It’s around 15-16 for females, and 16-17 years for males. It is also important that the patient is mature enough to take care of his or her new nose, especially during the immediate healing period. On the other hand, there is no age limit as to the maximum age a person can get rhinoplasty, just as long as he or she is generally healthy.

4. Are there different approaches to rhinoplasty?

Yes, you can either choose open or closed rhinoplasty. The open technique takes on a more invasive nature because the skin of the nose has to be incised so that the internal structures underneath can be properly visualized. The close technique on the other hand has a more conservative approach because the incisions are made insde the nose. But there will be a limited visual field and scope of improvement. The approach used will depend on your goal after surgery.

5. How can I prepare for a rhinoplasty?

You should physically, psychologically and financially prepare for rhinoplasty. You have to be generally healthy so that you can qualify as a good candidate for the procedure. Certain health conditions and medications can hamper your ability to qualify for nose surgery.

Psychologically, you need to have realistic expectations about rhinoplasty. Otherwise, you will never be contented with the outcome. You have to accpet the fact that there will be limitations depending on the surgeon's evaluation.

Financial preparation is also important because rhinoplasty is also an expensive procedure. If the surgery is done mainly for aesthetic reasons, this will not be covered by insurance, but if accidents or congenital conditions are causing an impediment to breathing, some will cover all or part of the costs.

6. What can I expect during rhinoplasty surgery?

Generally, rhinoplasty can be performed through general anesthesia with the entire procedure usually lasting for not more than two hours.

7. What are the alternatives to rhinoplasty?

There is no alternative to the surgical enhancement of the nose. But if the purpose of your surgery is to improve its breathing function, then you can use nasal strips to correct the problem non-surgically.

8. What can I expect after rhinoplasty?

You can expect the results of your rhinoplasty once the swelling has gone down, and also when the splint is taken off. Expect to have some discomfort for the next few weeks due to the nasal stuffiness. It can take up to a year for the final results to be achieved.

Heidi Liow kept a video diary during her recovery from Rhinoplasty. She talks about how she feels before and after the surgeries. Note that the recovery process after the surgery may vary depending on individuals.

9. How long after normal breathing can be restored after surgery?

This will vary for each person; however some patients report that they notice a slight improvement in breathing in the first day after surgery. But usually, patients will feel stuffiness for weeks due to the swelling both inside and outside the nose. This can be relieved through nasal saline spray to reduce the swollen internal structures. 

10. How long will it take for the swelling to go down?

The swelling that occurs immediately after the surgery can take around 4-6 weeks. After this time, you can now start to see the nose's new form. But the final result can take place after a year. But this will vary for every patient because there are other factors that are also at play.

11. Is there anything I can do to assist in the healing process?

A healthy and balanced diet is important to good healing. You need to avoid foods that are high in sodium because this will only aggravate the swelling. Limit it to 1200 mg of sodium per day.

It is also important to elevate your head while lying down because this can minimize the swelling on the surgical area. In this way, you can hasten the healing and prevent complications.

12. How long should I wait until I can get a revision rhinoplasty if I don't like the first results?

It is advised that patients who are unsatisfied with their results wait for a year after their first surgery to get a revision. This amount of time is enough for the swelling to have gone down, because prematurely getting a secondary rhinoplasty even while the nose is still inflamed will only hamper the healing process.