Sunset ENT & Allergy is proud to announce the newest addition to our team, Dr. Michael Coulter. He previously served in the Navy at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, and has extensive experience helping patients with various nasal deformities.
Dr. Coulter’s answers to some common questions about Rhinoplasty:
- What is rhinoplasty, and why is it done?
Rhinoplasty is a surgery to reconstruct the nose and is commonly known as a “nose job”. It can be done for cosmetic reasons to change the look of the nose, to help with nasal breathing, or both. - What changes can be made to my nose?
There are many areas of the nose that can be changed with surgery, but common concerns include a bump or hump on the bridge of the nose, crookedness, or a droopy tip. It is important to discuss your concerns in detail with your surgeon. Surgical goals usually involve creating facial harmony to create a natural look. - Is there a way to simulate what my nose may look like after surgery?
Yes, there is technology I use to re-shape a photo of your nose digitally and simulate what surgery may accomplish, which is called “morphing”.
- What happens on the day of surgery?
Surgery is done under general anesthesia (fully asleep), typically takes about 3 hours, and can be done as an outpatient (going home on the same day).
- What will recovery be like?
As the nose is very sensitive, pain is usually significant for the first 3 days. More mild pain continues until about 2 weeks after surgery. The nose is swollen for about 2 weeks, although minor swelling can persist up to 6 months. Tape and/or a cast is placed on the outside of the nose and “splints” (internal tubes) are placed inside the nose for the first week after surgery, which are then removed in our office. Patients usually take about 1-2 weeks off work. No strenuous activity is advised for 2 weeks. It is very important to keep the nose very moist during recovery.
- Will there be visible scarring?
To access your nose structures, an incision is made on the bottom side of the nose between the nostrils. This incision typically heals very well but does lead to a scar, which is typically barely visible. - How much will rhinoplasty cost at Sunset ENT?
The cost of cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery, anesthesia care, and facility fees is $8,000. If you have functional impairment (such as nasal congestion) as well, your insurance may a portion of the cost. This can be clarified after submitting the request to your insurance. There is an initial consultation fee of $150, which would apply toward any surgeries that are scheduled.
Check out more information on Rhinoplasty here (link to Rhinoplasty & Cosmetic page)
Check out this Rhinoplasty video (link to https://youtu.be/76ttF1EjwG8)