Rhinoplasty Q&A
Find answers to rhinoplasty questions from Dr. Kim.
171 questions
Who do I contact if I have questions after I return home?
Whenever a question or concern comes up during your recovery at home, just reach out to your coordinator on WhatsApp — the same person you've been in…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →Can cosmetic and functional (breathing) surgery be done at the same time?
Yes — this is actually one of the more common scenarios in rhinoplasty, and combining both in a single surgery is generally more efficient than treating…
Functional Rhinoplasty & BreathingRead answer →How does facial structure (e.g., forehead, chin) factor into bridge design?
The nose doesn't exist in isolation — it's read visually in relation to your forehead, chin, and overall facial proportions, which is why Dr. Kim…
Bridge, Dorsum & Structural ConcernsRead answer →When can I shower or wash my face normally?
You can typically shower from the body down starting the day after surgery, but you'll need to avoid getting your splint wet, which generally means…
Recovery & AftercareRead answer →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 →
The History of Rhinoplasty
The history of rhinoplasty, as Dr. Kim has seen it
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