Rhinoplasty

The rhinoplasty procedure typically lasts between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Rhinoplasty generally involves mild to moderate pain or discomfort after surgery. Dr. Chopra may prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.

After your first consultation with Dr. Chopra in his Washington, D.C. office, you can expect to have at least three more key appointments. About two weeks before your surgery, Dr. Chopra will see you for a pre-operative appointment to review the procedure’s details, answer any remaining questions, and ensure you’re medically cleared to proceed. You’ll then have the surgery itself, which is an outpatient procedure, and then you’ll have one or more follow-up appointments to watch your progress and ensure you’re properly healing.

Rhinoplasty results unfold gradually over time, with noticeable improvements emerging in stages. The most dramatic changes appear within the first few weeks as swelling subsides, but residual swelling, particularly around the nasal tip, can persist for several months. About 60-70% of swelling has typically resolved by the three-month mark, revealing a more refined nasal shape. However, final results can take up to a year or longer, especially for patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty or those with thicker skin, which retains swelling longer.

Full recovery can take up to a year, but most people see a significant improvement in the first 4-6 weeks. Swelling and bruising will subside over time.

Scarring from rhinoplasty largely depends on whether an open or closed technique is used. In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars. With an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is placed on the columella, but is strategically positioned and sutured to ensure minimal visibility once healed. Initially, the scar may appear pink or slightly raised, but with proper healing and scar care, it typically fades to a thin, barely noticeable line within 6 to 12 months.

Patients should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks to allow the nose to heal properly and prevent complications. In the first two weeks, even light activities should be avoided to minimize swelling, bleeding, and potential displacement of delicate nasal structures. Around week three or four, light activities such as walking may be introduced, but anything that raises blood pressure or increases nasal swelling (such as running, weightlifting, or yoga inversions) should be postponed until cleared by Dr. Chopra.

Yes, it’s incredibly common for patients to combine other procedures with a rhinoplasty for a more dramatic transformation and to treat multiple areas of concern at once. Doing this can reduce surgical, anesthesia, and medication costs and the downtime needed for each surgery. Patients often like to pair their rhinoplasty with other facial procedures such as brow lifts, eyelid surgery, neck lifts, and lip lifts, depending on their goals. During your consultation at our Washington, D.C., practice, Dr. Chopra can recommend the best and safest combination of procedures to meet your goals.

Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing (in rare cases)
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic results

It is important to follow Dr. Chopra’s post-surgery instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Finding the best plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C., requires thorough research to ensure you choose a highly skilled and experienced professional. Start by looking for a well-trained and well-qualified surgeon, as this indicates rigorous training and adherence to the highest safety and ethical standards. Review their before-and-after photos, patient reviews, and testimonials. Lastly, schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, ensuring the surgeon listens attentively, provides honest recommendations, and customizes a plan tailored to your unique needs.

Functional rhinoplasty can address a deviated septum, improving your nose’s appearance and function.

Chopra Cosmetic Surgery offers a range of cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, facelifts, rhinoplasty, body contouring such as Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation, a full MedSpa, and more. Dr. Chopra focuses on helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals with tailored treatments.