Rhinoplasty Q&A
Find answers to rhinoplasty questions from Dr. Kim.
227 questions
Can chronic sinus problems be addressed during rhinoplasty?
To an extent — structural contributors to sinus problems, such as a deviated septum blocking sinus drainage pathways or enlarged turbinates obstructing…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →Why do some noses look too straight or "fake" after augmentation?
This "operated" look most often comes from a bridge line that's too uniform in height and too straight from radix to tip, without the subtle, natural…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →What happens if cartilage shifts or warps after healing?
Cartilage warping — where a graft gradually curves or shifts due to internal tension released during shaping — is a recognized possibility in rhinoplasty…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →When can I fly back to my home country after surgery?
Most patients are cleared to fly around 7-10 days after surgery, once the splint has been removed and Dr. Kim has confirmed your early healing is…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →How is breathing function tested before and after surgery?
Before surgery, breathing function is assessed primarily through physical examination — checking the internal nasal structure, septal position, and…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →What's the difference between augmentation and reduction rhinoplasty?
Augmentation rhinoplasty adds height, structure, or volume to the nose — typically to the bridge or tip — using cartilage or, less commonly today, silicone.
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →Can smoking or alcohol increase surgical risks?
Yes, significantly. Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to healing tissue, which can slow wound healing, increase the risk of tissue…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →What type of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty doesn't require general anesthesia — our clinic performs all nose surgeries, including primary rhinoplasty, revision cases, and procedures…
Anesthesia & Surgical SafetyRead answer →Will fixing a deviated septum change the outside appearance of my nose?
Not necessarily — septoplasty, the purely functional correction of a deviated septum, is designed specifically to leave the external appearance of your…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →Can a bump or bony irregularity be smoothed without full surgery?
For a small, purely bony bump with no other concerns about your nose, a limited procedure focused specifically on that irregularity is sometimes possible…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →Is nasal asymmetry after surgery normal, or a complication?
Some degree of asymmetry is genuinely normal, both before and after rhinoplasty — virtually no face is perfectly symmetrical, and a small amount of…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →What happens if I have allergies to anesthesia medications?
If you have a known allergy to any sedation medication, disclosing this clearly during your consultation and pre-operative screening is essential — this…
Anesthesia & Surgical SafetyRead answer →
The History of Rhinoplasty
The history of rhinoplasty, as Dr. Kim has seen it
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