New York & Connecticut Rhinoplasty FAQ

For more information about New York nose surgery, click for our New York rhinoplasty overview.

How old do you have to be to have Nose Surgery?

For Rhinoplasty in New York, girls should be at least 13 years-old and boys should be at least 15 years-old to have nose surgery. Boys tend to have growth spurts later than girls and surgery is not recommended before the nose is 90% of adult size. Most teen-agers do outgrow the dislike of their noses and caution should be used when determining if surgery is the right step at younger ages.

What will happen at my consultation for New York Nose Surgery?

At the New York Center for Plastic Surgery in New York and Connecticut, Dr. Erlich will examine you and ask for your medical history. Since Dr. Erlich is a pioneer of computer imaging, you will be able to see possible surgical results using computer imaging technology. Having realistic expectations about your potential results is important. Dr. Erlich will ask you to explain or show him pictures of the kind of enhancements or changes you are interested in. The consultation is the time for you to ask Dr. Erlich any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery and effects of Rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Erlich will discuss costs and fees during this visit. If Dr. Erlich determines that you are a good candidate and you choose to set an appointment for surgery, you will be given pre-operative and post-operative instructions, and pictures will be taken for your file.

How should I prepare for surgery?

You may be asked to refrain from taking certain medications prior to surgery. You should avoid sun tanning your face at least a week prior to Nose Surgery in New York. If you smoke, you will need to refrain from smoking at least a week prior to surgery and for at least three weeks following surgery. You will be given instructions about eating prior to the procedure. Preparing your living space before surgery is important so you can return home to rest and heal properly, and having post-op prescriptions ready before surgery can be very helpful in reducing stress and discomfort after the procedure. You will need to arrange for some one to pick you up and take you home after your New York rhinoplasty.

How is Rhinoplasty New York performed?

Working from inside the nose, New York plastic surgeon Dr. Erlich carefully modifies and reshapes the nasal bones and cartilages. When an oversized nose is made smaller, the nostrils may also need to be reduced in size. Unbalanced, crooked, or curved noses can be straightened and made more symmetrical. Dr. Erlich uses a conservation technique that conserves supportive tissue by rearranging it resulting in noses that are stronger after surgery instead of weaker.

How long does New York Nose Surgery take?

Usually the procedure takes between one and two hours.

Where will I have the surgery?

While we do have an accredited plastic surgery facility in Connecticut, most of our rhinoplasty procedures are performed at our New York plastic surgery office.

How painful is New York Rhinoplasty?

Most patients report that Nose Surgery New York is not as painful as they expected. You will be given medications to relieve any discomfort and to aid in the healing process.

What should I expect after New York Nose Surgery?

You will have a small plastic splint placed on your nose to help protect the enhancement and to maintain the proper shape as the nose heals. The splint is usually left in place for five days. Keeping your head elevated for the first few days will help reduce swelling. There may be some bruising around the nose and eyes, but you will be given medications to help alleviate the bruising quickly.

How soon can I return to work and other normal activities?

You will be up on your feet a day or two after the surgery, but most New York Nose Surgery patients return to work after a week of recovery. If bruising is persistent, make-up can be worn to camouflage any discoloration. Exercise can be resumed in a few weeks, but this should be discussed with Dr. Erlich during your consultation and subsequent appointments. You will want to avoid any potential impact to your face while your nose is healing and wearing sunscreen when outdoors is also important during the recovery period.

If you think you are a candidate for rhinoplasty in New York, the doctors at Profiles & Contours invite you to request a consultation or call 212.861.4100 to schedule an appointment today. You can meet with our doctors at our Connecticut cosmetic surgery center or in New York City to discuss your surgical expectations and rhinoplasty questions.