Rhinoplasty Q&A
Find answers to rhinoplasty questions from Dr. Kim.
227 questions
What is a deviated septum and how does it affect breathing?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of cartilage and bone dividing your two nostrils is shifted or crooked, rather than sitting straight down the center.
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →Can uneven nostrils be corrected during bridge surgery?
Yes — uneven or asymmetric nostrils can be addressed during the same surgery as your bridge work, though it's technically a separate step focused on the…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →Can rhinoplasty cause permanent numbness?
For the vast majority of patients, no — the numbness that occurs after rhinoplasty is temporary, resulting from small nerve fibers in the skin being…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →How is pain managed after surgery?
Most rhinoplasty patients describe post-surgical discomfort as more of a pressure or congestion sensation than sharp pain, and it's generally…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →How does Dr. Kim manage both aesthetic and functional goals in one surgery?
Dr. Kim approaches this by planning both goals together from the very start, rather than treating function as an afterthought to appearance or vice versa.
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →What is a polly beak deformity?
A polly beak deformity is a rounded, convex bulge that appears just above the tip, where the tip itself looks under-projected relative to this fullness…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →What if I'm unhappy with my results?
First, it's worth remembering that your true final result isn't visible until around the one-year mark, so early dissatisfaction — particularly in the…
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →When will I see my final results?
Most of the visible change happens within the first 2-3 months, when the majority of swelling has resolved and the shape looks fairly close to final.
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →What is spreader graft surgery and why is it used?
A spreader graft is a thin strip of cartilage placed between the upper cartilage segments of the nose to widen the internal airway at the nasal valve …
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →How is nasal length shortened or lengthened?
Nasal length is primarily controlled at the tip, through how much the septum and surrounding cartilage are trimmed or extended, along with how much the…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →Can infection occur after surgery, and how is it treated?
Infection is a relatively uncommon but possible complication after any surgery, including rhinoplasty.
Risks & ComplicationsRead answer →What activities should I avoid during recovery?
During the first couple of weeks, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and any activity that raises your heart rate significantly, since increased…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →
The History of Rhinoplasty
The history of rhinoplasty, as Dr. Kim has seen it
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