Reconstructive rhinoplasty helps to improve breathing by addressing a functional issue caused by a previous surgery or injury. Find out what steps to take when considering reconstructive rhinoplasty in NYC and how to find the best surgeon to get the job done right.

What is Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?

Reconstructive rhinoplasty is a type of plastic surgery to the nose. Unlike purely cosmetic rhinoplasty, reconstructive surgery is typically done to correct an issue with functionality or make a change to something that isn’t desirable from a previous surgery.

You may consider this procedure for one or more of the following reasons.

  • A previous nose surgery left you with less-than-satisfactory breathing or sinus functionality.
  • A previous cosmetic surgery didn’t yield the desired results.
  • An injury left you with poor nasal function.

Steps for Seeking Reconstructive Rhinoplasty in NYC

If you’re considering a reconstructive rhinoplasty in NYC, review the following steps so you can better understand your options and make the right decisions for you about rhinoplasty.

  1. Speak with an experienced surgeon. Discuss your goals in undergoing rhinoplasty. While reconstructive surgery can have many benefits, it isn’t a magic treatment for every problem. A good surgeon will work with you to understand your preferences and needs and educate you about realistic options and outcomes. That way, you can make an informed choice about whether reconstructive rhinoplasty is right for you.
  2. Find out about the cost of reconstructive rhinoplasty. This will help you to prepare for the financial obligation. In cases where an injury to your nose is causing issues with breathing, insurance may help cover the cost of rhinoplasty. Your surgeon may need to document the medical necessity for the procedure and have his office staff pre-authorize the surgery with your insurance company. In doing so, they’ll find out how much you might owe out-of-pocket for coinsurance or deductibles. Whether or not insurance will help cover the cost of rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon likely has processes for payment. Talk with the billing or office staff before you agree to a procedure to understand your obligations and how payment will be made.
  3. Learn how to prepare for the surgery. When you work with an experienced, high-quality plastic surgeon, the staff will educate you about the procedure to ensure it is as comfortable as possible. Preparation may include talking to your surgeon about your preferences for the outcome, not eating or drinking at a certain time before surgery and completing paperwork and letting the doctor know about previous medical histories.
  4. Prepare for recovery after surgery. You may be in moderate discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter and prescription pain medications. You’ll likely have to wear a nose splint for a few days to a week. Because of this, most people take time off from work to recover from a rhinoplasty. Swelling and bruising from the procedure typically goes down substantially within the first few days, but it can last between one and two weeks. You’ll also want to avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks following your surgery. Talk to your surgeon about realistic expectations during recovery, which can help you plan ahead.
  5. Day of Procedure. It’s a good idea to have someone drive you to the surgical facility. Rhinoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to spend the night in the hospital. However, you will have taken some form of medication and may be unable to see well because of swelling. As a result, it’s safest to have someone drive you home, as well and help care for you the day of the procedure.

How to Find the Right Surgeon for Your Reconstructive Rhinoplasty in NYC

Being well-prepared for reconstructive rhinoplasty helps ensure a positive outcome, but it’s equally important to find the right surgeon. There are many plastic surgery providers in the NYC area, but not all of them offer the same level of care and service.

To find the right surgeon for your reconstructive rhinoplasty:

  • Check provider credentials and only work with accredited providers.
  • Ask about affiliations. Providers who are affiliated with national and industry networks tend to be well-established.
  • Question potential surgeons about their experience with reconstructive rhinoplasty. Even if a plastic surgeon has years of experience in other areas, if they’ve never done a nose job, they may not be the best option.
  • Read online reviews and ask for recommendations of friends. Never rely on a single positive or negative comment or review. Instead, take a general consensus of what you find.
  • Ask your insurance provider if you’re having reconstructive rhinoplasty done for a medical reason. Not all surgeons take every insurance, which can make a big difference in price.

If you’re considering a reconstructive rhinoplasty, it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable and experienced team. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your questions and concerns so that you can undergo the procedure with peace of mind and confidence.

revision rhinoplasty NJ

Dr. Winters

About Dr. Winters

Dr. Winters specializes in primary, revision, reconstructive, functional and teenage rhinoplasty surgeries. Dr. Winters is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and maintains active memberships in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and others.