


About Rhinoplasty


Primary Rhinoplasty


Revision Rhinoplasty


Balanced Profile

Rhinoplasty FAQs

1. What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty describes the procedure when all the incisions by the surgeon are made internally (inside the nose). Open rhinoplasty describes when the incision is made in the skin between the nostrils (columella).

2. Does the rhinoplasty procedure hurt?

The surgical procedure is done either with general or twilight anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel anything. You will discuss with Dr. Motykie the type of anesthesia you prefer. Afterwards, you can expect your nose to be sore for about a week or so, but you should not experience any significant pain – if necessary Dr. Motykie can prescribe you pain medication.  Most patients, however, find this unnecessary.

3. Are there any age related issues?

There are no age restrictions for rhinoplasty surgery, assuming the individual is in good health and has reasonable expectations.  The majority of patients receiving rhinoplasty are in their 20s and 30s. Individuals in their 40s and 50s, however, may have wanted to have it when they were younger but were unable to do so.  There may be special requirements for the elderly, teenagers, and children.  Dr. Motykie will require parental consent for patients under the age of 18.

4. How long will my nose be swollen?

80% of the swelling will lessen within 3 weeks. The remaining 20% may require up to a year. However, no one will notice the remaining swelling; during this healing period, the nose becomes more refined.

5. Will there be a lot of bruising afterwards, and how long will it last?

Most patients experience seven to ten days of purple discoloration and swelling around the eyes and upper cheeks, although this varies from patient to patient. The nose itself will be swollen for around ten to fourteen days. The swelling at the tip of the nose can take a month or two after surgery to fully disappear.

6. Will I have black eyes from the rhinoplasty procedure?

Maybe. If your rhinoplasty requires fracturing of the nasal bones, you most likely will have bruising and discoloration around the eyes for seven to ten days. The discoloration is not painful; it looks far worse than it feels. If your procedure is limited to tip or cartilaginous work, you probably will not experience any bruising or discoloration.

7. Where will the incisions be made?

In most of my cases, the incisions are made inside the nose. In selected cases an incision may be made in the skin between the nostrils. This is more likely in patients who require a more complicated rhinoplasty.

8. Are there medications I should avoid prior to rhinoplasty?

Yes, there are some medications to stay away from before your surgery. Prior to your scheduled surgery, Dr. Motykie will give you a full medical evaluation and discuss which medications not to take prior to surgery.

9. Where is the rhinoplasty surgery performed?

Most of our rhinoplasty/nasal surgery cases are performed as outpatient procedures in Dr Motykie’s fully accredited surgery center.  Out of town patients will need to stay in the area before and after the procedure, and have many private Beverly Hills hotels to choose from.

10. Does the procedure leave any scars?

Any incisions made on the outside of the nose generally heal fast and the resulting scars will be virtually invisible.

11. How long will I need to take off of work?

Not long. Depending on the type of anesthesia, you will need approximately 2 to 4 days off. If your nasal tips are modified, you may have bruising for 10 to 14 days and will wear a protective splint for about a week. Heavy exercising should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

12. I have trouble breathing through my nose and have terrible sinus problems (or other breathing problems). Will my insurance policy pay for rhinoplasty?

When someone has trouble breathing through their nose, it is most likely because he/she has a deviated septum or an abnormal internal framework of the nose. This condition may simply be a malformation from birth or may have been caused from trauma such as a broken nose.  A deviated septum or some sort of nasal obstruction could also result from allergies.  While individual insurance policies can vary, in general, functional surgery to improve breathing is considered a covered benefit in most group health insurance policies and is therefore covered by insurance. Insurance will not cover your nose surgery if the reason is simply cosmetic.

13. Will I need to have someone help me out at home after my surgery?

It is recommended that you have someone stay with you for at least the first night after your rhinoplasty surgery. It would be best if this is the same person who picks you up after surgery so they can be given necessary information and instructions about your discharge and recovery.

14. What will my nose look like after surgery?

In general, rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery or a “nose job”) is performed to reduce excess cartilage and/or bone in the nose, removing irregularities and/or bumps to give a straightened, smooth, refined and, usually, enhanced appearance. The overall trend in contemporary rhinoplasty is to move away from an over-reduction of tissue that can reduce the ability to breathe through the nose and towards an individualized tailored treatment to give a balanced and refined look without compromising function.


Rhinoplasty of Beverly Hills