Surgical Rhinoplasty
Are You a Good Candidate for Surgical Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is not just about reshaping the nose—it’s about improving balance, breathing, and confidence. But not everyone is an ideal candidate for nose surgery. Here’s what to consider before undergoing a surgical rhinoplasty.
It is one of the most personalized procedures in plastic surgery. If you are medically stable, emotionally prepared, and have clear, realistic goals for both function and appearance, you are going to do just fine.
A Face-Centered Approach
A successful rhinoplasty is rarely performed in isolation. During your consultation:
Your entire face is assessed to ensure nasal changes enhance overall harmony, especially the chin and lip projection, the root of the nose and forehead.
Digital morphing (Photoshop) is used to preview possible outcomes
While not a guarantee, it gives you a helpful visual reference for the direction of change, so we are on the same page when it comes to dorsal profile, degree of rotation and projection.
Breathing Considerations
Some nasal obstruction issues—such as deviated septum or valve collapse—can be addressed during rhinoplasty. However, not all breathing problems are resolved with surgery. If needed, further ENT evaluation may be recommended.
Who Should Avoid Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is not recommended for patients who:
Are currently on blood thinners that cannot be safely stopped
Have uncontrolled chronic health conditions
Present with vague, unrealistic, or ever-changing expectations—in which case, surgery is ethically and medically declined
If you're a good candidate, you may also be eligible for preservation rhinoplasty, a technique that reshapes the nasal hump by preserving the natural dorsum, rather than removing it.
What to Expect After Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience without the risks of general anesthesia (only done at patient request, or in long revision cases where multiple graft harvesting sites may be needed).
The post-operative period is usually smooth, with minimal discomfort and a predictable recovery timeline.
Surgical Approach
Open vs. Closed Approach
Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision on the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) and inside the nose. It provides greater visibility and precision for reshaping. The scar is very well camouflaged.
Closed rhinoplasty uses internal incisions only, leaving no external scar. I only use it for minor adjustments, as it gives little control over tip shape.
Both approaches allow for precise removal of bony or cartilaginous humps, but the open approach is better for reshaping of bulky lower cartilages, and fine-tuning nasal tip projection and rotation.
Use of Cartilage Grafts
Grafts are often needed to support and stabilize the new nasal shape:
Usually harvested from the nasal septum (best option, readily available, great quality cartilage that does not calcify or bend)
In some cases, from the ear or rib (especially in revision rhinoplasty or if septal cartilage is unavailable)
Used to reinforce nasal structure and prevent long-term collapse or deformity
Both approaches use very fine sutures, and scars—if any—are nearly invisible after healing.
Recovery Timeline
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Mild discomfort managed with oral medication
External nasal cast remains in place for 1 week—no nasal packing or mesh needed
Daily care: Intranasal swabs and anti-edema spray
Breathing may be reduced due to swelling
Bruising around the eyes is moderate and typically resolves within 7–10 days
First follow-up at 7 days: Cast and external sutures (if present) are removed
Patients often return to work or social activities at this stage
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Swelling gradually improves, at 6 days, you're still seeing about 60–70% of the edema.
By 6 weeks, 70–80% of swelling usually resolves, mostly from the bony and upper cartilaginous vault.
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Between 3 to 6 months, you’ll notice significant tip sharpening and dorsum settling
The nose begins to take on its refined shape, but tip definition may still be evolving
6 Months: Second follow-up: Scar is usually barely visible, tip shape continues to improve
Most patients are usually very close to their final result
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Tip swelling is the slowest: final refinement (especially supra-tip and domal definition) typically takes 12 to 18 months — earlier in thin-skinned patients, later in thicker-skinned ones.
12 Months: third follow-up and final evaluation of nasal contour, breathing, and symmetry
Additional Tips for Healing
Avoid heavy exercise and trauma to the nose for the first month
Wear glasses cautiously—alternatives like forehead taping may be advised
Sleep with your head elevated and icing for the first few nights can help minimize swelling and bruising
Limit sun exposure to protect healing skin and reduce pigmentation of the scar
Nasal taping is maintained for a minimum of 14 days and extended in cases of thick skin to help control swelling and support the new shape.
Based in Beirut and Dubai — Book your rhinoplasty consultation today to discuss your options.