Combining Rhinoplasty and Blepharoplasty

For a variety of reasons, some patients choose to combine rhinoplasty with other facial plastic surgery procedures, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Some patients choose this option simply because they have more than one facial feature they would like to improve upon, while others do so in order achieve more balance in the facial features.

So long as you are in good overall health and your surgeon is a skilled, experienced board-certified facial plastic surgeon, combining rhinoplasty with upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty should not take much longer than a single procedure and will not significantly increase the risks associated with either procedure. However, before moving forward with surgery it is important that your surgeon evaluates your medical history and conducts a thorough physical exam, including blood tests and possibly other medical tests.

The Role of the Nose and Eyes in Facial Balance

One of the main reasons facial plastic surgeons recommend having rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty at the same time is that it allows the surgeon to assess your nose and eyes in relation to one another and to overall facial aesthetic balance. Facial balance is one of the most important factors when determining whether or not a cosmetic procedure has been successful, and both the nose and eyes play very important roles in this equation. The nose in particular plays a crucial role, as it is the most central feature of the face. By performing the blepharoplasty procedure at the same time as rhinoplasty, the surgeon is able to view the nose in juxtaposition with your new eyes.

When Blepharoplasty Should Be Combined with Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty can be combined any time a patient is interested in both procedures and is deemed to be a good candidate for both. It is important to note that there will be a bit more swelling around the nose and eye areas than there would be after a single procedure, especially if lower eyelid surgery is performed. Also, the recovery period can be a bit longer. And though rare, as with any surgery there are potential risks and complications associated with this combined procedure, including bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia. Locating a well-qualified surgeon and surgical team will significantly lessen your risk of complications.

Additional Benefits of a Combined Procedure

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, the main benefits of having a combined rhinoplasty-blepharoplasty procedure are that you only need to pay for anesthesia and operating room fees once, and you only have to go through the recovery period one time.

Finding a Surgeon

While undergoing rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty at the same time is certainly feasible, the combined procedure is a tricky endeavor that should only be performed by a board certified facial plastic surgeon that has extensive experience performing both procedures—particularly in combination.

To locate such a surgeon, refer to the website of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). The Physician Finder on this website allows you to search for a qualified surgeon in your area.

Look for a surgeon that has experience handling both cosmetic and functional problems, including breathing problems. Choose a surgeon that has hospital privileges and regularly performs both rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty, preferably in combination. It is also important that your surgeon has hospital privileges. Look for “Top Doctor” awards and honors as well, as this is a good indication of a quality surgeon. Also make sure that you share the surgeon’s aesthetic vision. This can be achieved by viewing the surgeon’s before and after photos.

When speaking to the surgeon, it should be clear that he or she is dedicated to patient safety and care. A good way to further assess this factor is by reading the surgeon’s patient testimonials. Any surgeon worth considering will happily provide you with testimonials.

Also be sure to ask the surgeon about the equipment he or she uses. Technologies such as 3D imaging help the surgeon to be more precise, in turn leading to reduced downtime after the procedure.

The cost of the surgery should not be your first consideration. If you feel that you cannot afford a combined rhinoplasty-blepharoplasty procedure now, consider having it a year from now, or ask about patient financing options.