If I decide on a tip rhinoplasty and then want a full rhinoplasty, is that bad?
RealSelf actual patient comment:
“What is your advice? I’m just a little too worried about actually having them hammer and break the nasal bone. I’m also terrified about anesthesia going wrong and being awake during.”
A. Rhinoplasty is an artistic procedure. Everyone’s nose is different. Some noses may lend themselves to just having the tip refined, and the majority of noses benefit from having the entire nose shaped to create nice harmony that does not attract attention to aspects that may be out of proportion. Fortunately, anesthesia today is much improved over years past. When my patient is undergoing anesthesia prior to rhinoplasty, I tell them just before the IV medication that lets them “go to sleep” to think of their favorite people, places, things to do (i.e. paddle boarding in Hawaii, etc.). Our patients experience what seems like a one minute dream and the next thing that they know is they are in the recovery room comfortably awake from the 2 to 3 hour rhinoplasty. There is no need to worry about “waking up” during the rhinoplasty surgery. You should not be aware that the nasal bones are being cut (“hammer and breaking”). I would not limit your rhinoplasty because of this fear, whether to address your nasal bones or not should be based on the goals of the surgery, your anatomy, and your shared artistic vision with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon based on their experience, skill, knowledge, and most importantly, their natural artistic vision.
