Frequent Asked Questions

You may be a good candidate if you are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to improve either the appearance or function of your nose. Whether you're bothered by a cosmetic concern, breathing difficulties, or both, Dr. Ginsburg will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy, medical history, and goals to determine whether rhinoplasty is right for you.

Preparing well before surgery helps create the best possible experience. Dr. Ginsburg will provide detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to you. In general, you should be in good overall health and stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery if you use marijuana or tobacco products. Dr. Ginsburg may ask you to get a medical clearance if you have any preexisting health issues.

You'll also receive instructions on recommended vitamins, an antibiotic ointment to reduce nasal bacteria before surgery, and simple preparation steps, such as trimming nasal hair. Having your recovery supplies ready and arranging for someone to help during the first few days after surgery can make your recovery much more comfortable.

Most patients wake up wearing a protective cast over the nose, along with a few small sutures near the base of the nose or inside the nostrils. It's normal to experience light bloody nasal drainage during the first two or three days.

Many patients are pleasantly surprised that rhinoplasty is less painful than expected, with most no longer needing pain medication within about 48 hours. Dr. Ginsburg will provide detailed post-operative instructions, so you know exactly how to care for your nose.

Recovery happens gradually and varies from person to person. About one week after surgery, you'll return to the office so Dr. Ginsburg can remove your cast and any sutures. Swelling is still expected at that stage, although some patients already look remarkably natural. Swelling can be uneven or worsen during recovery, but it does not affect the final result.

Most visible swelling improves enough within three to four weeks that others may not realize you've had surgery. However, rhinoplasty requires patience. Final results typically develop over a year, while revision rhinoplasty may continue refining for 18 months or longer.

Our relationship with you doesn't end when your procedure is complete. From your consultation through your recovery, our team is here to answer questions, review instructions, monitor your healing, and provide reassurance whenever you need it.

You'll have scheduled follow-up visits with Dr. Ginsburg so he can evaluate your progress, remove your cast and sutures, and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. We ensure you feel supported throughout every stage of your rhinoplasty journey.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery because it requires balancing both appearance and function. Dr. Ginsburg specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery, with rhinoplasty serving as his primary area of expertise. His training and experience allow him to evaluate the intricate anatomy of the nose while considering how every change will affect overall facial harmony. He aims to help you achieve a nose that looks natural, functions well, and complements your unique facial features.

Patients often notice changes in their smile during the first few weeks after rhinoplasty. This temporary change is usually caused by swelling, not by any permanent effect on the muscles of the lip or smile.

After surgery, swelling from the nose can gradually move downward due to gravity, often affecting the upper lip. As a result, the upper lip may feel stiff or swollen, and you may notice that less of your upper teeth show when you smile. While this can be surprising or concerning, it is a normal part of the healing process.

The good news is that this swelling is temporary. As the swelling in the nose and upper lip improves, your smile will gradually return to its normal appearance. For most patients, this process takes several weeks, although healing timelines can vary.

Rhinoplasty should not cause permanent changes to your smile. Any temporary differences you notice during recovery are typically related to swelling and resolve as healing progresses. If you have concerns about your recovery or feel your healing isn't progressing as expected, contact your surgeon for guidance.

Key Takeaway: A temporarily different smile after rhinoplasty is usually caused by swelling of the upper lip. This is a normal part of the healing process and should improve as the swelling subsides over the following weeks.

Many patients wonder when they can return to their usual facial cleansing and skincare routine after rhinoplasty. In most cases, it is best to keep things simple during the first week of recovery.

During the initial healing period, focus on caring for your nose, cleaning any incisions as directed, and letting your body heal. You can shower and gently wash the areas of your face not affected by surgery, but most patients do not need to use their normal skincare products during the first week.

Once your nasal cast is removed, you can generally resume washing your face and using your usual cleansers and skincare products. Some patients notice clogged pores, breakouts, or increased oiliness on the nose after cast removal. This is normal and often occurs because the cast has covered the skin for several days. Acne treatments, including benzoyl peroxide products, are typically safe to use at this stage unless your surgeon advises otherwise.

Although you can return to most skincare activities after the first week, be gentle around your nose. The nasal bones continue healing for several weeks after surgery, and excessive pressure could affect the healing process. Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Aggressive facial treatments, extractions, pore strips, or anything that places significant pressure on the nose should be avoided in the first 3 months after surgery. Do not use abrasive agents or exfoliants, such as retinol and facial scrubs, on your nose in the first 3 months after surgery.

For most patients, the following are generally safe after the first week: washing and cleansing the face, using regular skincare products, applying acne treatments as needed, shaving, and resuming a basic skincare routine. The key is to treat your nose gently while it heals and follow any specific instructions your surgeon provides.

Key Takeaway: Most patients can return to washing their face and using their regular skincare products after the first week of rhinoplasty recovery. Just avoid excessive pressure on your nose and follow your surgeon's postoperative care instructions.

Most patients take about one week completely off to rest and recover. During that first week, it's normal to experience swelling, congestion, and some bloody drainage from the nose. You'll want to spend most of your time relaxing at home with your head elevated while the initial healing takes place. Many patients return to desk work after about a week, with manageable swelling and bruising that can be covered with makeup.

Even if you're feeling well, it's important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and physically demanding work for three weeks after surgery. You can return to your regular workout routine at 3 weeks post-op. Activities that raise your heart rate or blood pressure too soon can increase swelling and interfere with healing. Wait 6 weeks before playing any contact sports or swimming with your head underwater.

Patients are advised to avoid wearing glasses directly on the nose for 6 weeks after rhinoplasty, as the pressure from frames can affect the healing nasal bones and cartilage. During the early recovery period, even lightweight glasses can place pressure on the surgical area and potentially impact your results.

If you rely on prescription glasses, alternatives include wearing contact lenses during recovery, taping glasses to your forehead to keep them off the nose, or using special support devices, like a head strap, designed for post-rhinoplasty patients.

This directive includes sunglasses and any type of goggles.

The first week is all about rest. Most patients notice swelling, bruising, congestion, and light nosebleeds. You won't feel completely like yourself right away, but discomfort is usually manageable, and many patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they start feeling better. Some patients may feel well enough to work from home or do schoolwork at home after 3-4 days.

Yes, but wait 4-6 weeks before scheduling a facial. Even then, avoid anything abrasive, aggressive, or that involves significant pressure or movement of the nose during the first 3 months after surgery. Your nose is still healing, so facials should be gentle and should not manipulate or massage the nose.

Yes. Massages are generally fine after rhinoplasty as long as you avoid the nose during recovery. Be sure to let your massage therapist know that you recently had nasal surgery so they can avoid putting pressure on your nose or face.

We recommend trimming your nose hair before surgery to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.

After surgery, you can generally resume carefully trimming your nose hair at around 6 weeks. Be gentle and avoid inserting anything aggressively into the nose while it is still healing.

There is not a specific age at which someone is automatically considered too old for rhinoplasty. Candidacy depends more on your overall health, anatomy, goals, and ability to undergo surgery and recover safely.

During your consultation, we will evaluate whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances.

Generally, no. Most patients do not require internal nasal splints or packing after rhinoplasty.

In some cases, a splint may be used if the nose requires additional support during healing. This is determined based on the specifics of your surgery.

Yes. Even if you live out of town, it is important to return for in-person follow-up appointments during your recovery.

You will return to the office for cast removal one week after surgery. Three weeks after surgery, we will have a post-op visit either virtually or in person.

In addition to those initial postoperative visits, we typically want to see patients in person at approximately 3 months and 1 year after surgery. These visits do not have to occur on the exact date, but they are important for evaluating your healing and documenting your progress with photographs.

If you travel from out of town, we can help coordinate your follow-up appointments around your schedule.

During the first part of your recovery, sleep on your back with your head elevated. This helps minimize swelling and keeps you from accidentally putting pressure on your nose while you sleep.

Try to avoid sleeping on your side or stomach for 3-6 weeks to help with your swelling. A few extra pillows or a wedge pillow can make sleeping comfortably on your back easier.

After one week and your cast removal visit, it is safe for you to fly.

If you are traveling by plane from out of town for surgery, you should remain in the area after surgery until your cast removal visit at one week. We recommend that out-of-town patients who live more than a 3-hour drive away stay in the area for the first week after surgery. It is important to follow these recommendations rather than making travel plans based solely on how you feel.

Swelling is a normal and expected part of rhinoplasty recovery—and patience is important. Your nose will continue to change as it heals, even after you feel back to normal.

When your cast is removed, your nose will be swollen and will likely swell more after the cast comes off.

Some swelling improves relatively quickly, while more subtle swelling can take many months to resolve. It is common for the nose to look different from one day to the next during the healing process.

Try not to judge your result too early. Rhinoplasty is a gradual process, and the nose needs time to settle into its final shape. Dr. Ginsburg will monitor your healing throughout your postoperative visits and can help you understand what changes to expect along the way.

Dr. Ginsburg provides his cell phone number so patients can reach him directly with urgent postoperative questions during the first week after surgery.

His cell phone is available for urgent questions during this initial recovery period. After the first week, please contact the office with any questions or concerns. You can also refer to the postoperative information and FAQs provided by our office for answers to common recovery questions.

If you are experiencing an emergency, seek appropriate emergency medical care.

Usually, no. Most rhinoplasty patients do not need scar cream or other specialized scar treatments. Incision sites typically heal to be imperceptible.

Dr. Ginsburg will let you know if he recommends a particular treatment based on your incision and how you are healing. If you have concerns about your scar's appearance, bring them up at one of your postoperative visits.

We don't recommend piercing your nose after surgery. If you are set on piercing your nose, wait at least 6 months until your nose has fully healed. Even though the skin may look healed on the outside, the deeper tissues can continue healing for many months after rhinoplasty.

Because piercing involves trauma to the nose and carries a risk of infection, discuss your plans with Dr. Ginsburg before getting a new piercing.

A strange or unpleasant smell inside the nose can occur during healing. Crusting, dried blood, mucus, and other normal postoperative changes can contribute to an unusual smell while the inside of the nose is healing.

This is usually temporary, but if the smell persists, becomes particularly foul, or is accompanied by increasing pain, redness, drainage, fever, or other concerning symptoms, contact our office so we can determine whether you need evaluation.

It is best to wait until your nose has had time to heal before having Botox or filler in the nose or surrounding areas. We recommend waiting 3 months before getting Botox or fillers in the surrounding area, and we recommend checking with our office if you are considering getting anything injected in your nose.

Many patients start considering a facelift when they notice changes that fillers, skincare products, or non-surgical treatments can no longer fully address. Common concerns include sagging along the jawline, deeper facial folds, loss of neck definition, skin and soft tissue laxity in the neck, and an overall tired or aged appearance. Many patients also notice their cheeks have shifted downward over time, creating a more tired or aged appearance. Good overall health and realistic expectations are also important factors.

Fillers, skincare products, and skin-tightening treatments can provide excellent improvement, but they can't fully correct significant skin laxity or deeper structural changes. Many patients begin exploring facelift surgery when they feel they've reached a plateau despite consistently using non-surgical treatments.

No. There isn't a "right age" for a facelift. The best candidates are healthy individuals who have legitimate concerns related to facial aging and who have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

A consultation is the best place to start. We'll evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and help you understand whether a facelift or another treatment option is most likely to achieve the results you're looking for.