During rhinoplasty, you will be given local or general anesthesia to make sure that you are comfortable and you don't feel any pain. Your surgeon might perform the procedure inside your nose or through an incision at the base of your nose.
Changing the shape of your nasal bones or cartilage can be done in several ways, depending on how much needs to be added or removed, available materials, and your nose’s structure.
If your nose needs to be augmented because you want to increase its size, prosthetic implants or cartilage from your nasal septum or ear is used. Once your surgeon is done altering the shape of your nose and correcting any defect, they will place the nose’s skin and tissue back, then close the incisions with stitches.
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or stay in the hospital for a day or two. The surgery itself takes around 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you should not leave Costa Rica right away. Instead, plan to stay about 10 to 14 days for initial recovery and follow-up checkups. A week following the surgery, your surgeon will remove your stitches.
You generally need to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks until you can resume most of your normal activities. However, you should not perform any strenuous activities, such as intense exercise, for about 3 to 6 weeks. During the first few days after the surgery, you will experience some swelling around your eyes, but these will subside within 3 to 14 days. You will also have to wear a nasal splint for about a week following the surgery.
Since you may experience some discomfort, your surgeon will give you painkillers to ease any pain and discomfort. Make sure to take the pain medication as prescribed. For a couple of weeks following the surgery, you should not blow your nose, as well as laughing or talking too much. You also need to avoid any clothes that need to be pulled over your head and glasses on your nose for a few weeks. Always make sure to cover your nose while going out in the sun during your recovery period.
It's important that you avoid bumping or hitting your nose, and keep your nose safe and protected from anything that could misalign the bones and undo the results. To help you recover smoothly and quickly, eat healthy and nutritious food.
Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most complicated facial cosmetic surgeries. However, thanks to the advances in technology and surgeons’ extensive experience, the procedure has a very high success rate of between 85% and 90%.
Although rhinoplasty is generally safe, it does carry some potential risks of complications and side effects, including bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, permanent numbness in your nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, an uneven-looking nose, discoloration, persisting pain, scarring, septal perforation, and a need for additional surgery.
If you are unable to undergo rhinoplasty, you can opt for its minimally invasive or noninvasive alternatives, such as filler injections or Botox. Both filler injections and Botox are noninvasive and require only a very short visit with your doctor. It works by injecting the substance into your nose to change its shape. Many people choose these methods because it is not as painful as rhinoplasty, requires little to no downtime, and no incision or stitches are involved.
If you want to improve your breathing, you may be recommended to use nasal strips. The nasal strip is a type of bandage with adhesive-embedded splints or plastic ribs that is applied across the bridge of the nose and the sides of the nostrils. It can keep the airway open, making breathing easier.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers. This content was last updated on 10/10/2023.
Costa Rica is a tiny country in Central America, bordered by Panama, Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. This country is generally regarded as having the most democratic and stable government of all the Central American countries. It charms its visitors with unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, a plethora of wildlife, and steaming volcanoes. Besides its breathtaking landscape, Costa Rica is also famous for its healthcare. Tens of thousands of medical tourists come to this country to take advantage of its world-class yet inexpensive medical care. Most of the medical procedures in the country are 40% to 50% cheaper than in the United States or Europe. Cosmetic surgery and dentistry are the most sought-after procedure, but a growing number of foreign patients also come for orthopedic treatment, bariatric surgery, and eye surgery.
Surrounded by volcanoes and green hills, San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, has one of the most spectacular settings in the world. This laid-back and pleasant capital is filled with colonial mansions that have been converted into contemporary galleries, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. The most popular attractions in this city are Museo de Jade, Teatro Nacional, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Mercado Central. Those who want to relax under the sun usually visit Tamarindo, which is famous for its beaches. Here, visitors can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park, go rafting in the Colorado River, or relax in Playa Tamarindo.
Due to its close proximity to the Equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country with two seasons: the dry “summer” season and rainy “winter” season. The dry season, from January to April, is warm and pleasant. Rain is very unlikely to fall during this season, even in the rainforests. The rainy season, sometimes called the “green season,” is hot and humid. Rain usually falls in the afternoon and evening, while the mornings are often sunny. On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is spread out throughout the year, but it gets far less rain in September and October.
Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main international airport in Costa Rica, located in San José. It has various flights to domestic and international destinations, including Toronto, Mexico, New York, and London. Affordable domestic flights between San José and popular destinations are the fastest way to get around and handy for accessing the more remote areas. Buses are reasonably priced and have an extensive network, but they can be slow. Private and shared shuttles are available, the best way to get around is, however, by renting a car as it gives more flexibility and allows you to access more remote destinations.
Everyone who wants to visit and stay in Costa Rica is required to have a passport unless they are a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries include EU countries, the UK, the US, Australia, Russia, and several other nations. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa exemption agreement need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting.