Frequently Asked Rhinoplasty Questions – Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
Patients who are considering cosmetic surgery generally have numerous questions, many of which can be addressed only on an individual basis. Some questions, however, are so frequently asked that we feel it is worthwhile to address them on our website. Below are many of the most common questions that rhinoplasty patients at our Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas office ask us when planning their surgery.
- Do you accept insurance?
- What happens during a consultation and how long does it take?
- Can I have a consultation one day prior to surgery?
- Do I have to stay overnight at the surgery center?
- Where is surgery performed?
- Do I have to bring someone with me?
- What are my payment options?
- When can I start exercising after the operation?
- Can I have other procedures performed at the same time as my rhinoplasty?
- What are the limitations following surgery?
- When can I fly on a commercial plane?
- Can I see my hometown doctor for post-op visits?
- How long will it take for bruising and swelling to subside?
Do you accept insurance?
Insurance companies will pay only for the portion of rhinoplasty that is performed to improve breathing (functional surgery). They will not cover any portion performed to improve your appearance (cosmetic surgery). The Gunter Center for Aesthetics & Cosmetic Surgery does not contract with any insurance plans, Medicare or otherwise; however, if it is determined that you have a functional problem, we will contact your insurance company and attempt to obtain approval of coverage. You must have out-of-network benefits in order to be reimbursed for the surgeon’s fee and anesthesia. The surgery center DOES contract with many plans so your hospital bill may be insurable. Understand that it is our policy to collect 100 percent of the surgery and anesthesia fee four weeks prior to your surgery.
After we have sent a letter to your insurance company telling them your problems and outlining our recommendations including the costs, it is your responsibility to follow-up on the amount of the costs they will cover. Even after that, most insurance companies will not give you a specific amount but they are more likely to give information to you than they are to us. It is YOUR responsibility to obtain written authorization from your insurance company. They will not inform us of an exact dollar amount of benefits allowed nor will they guarantee coverage.
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What happens during a consultation and how long does it take?
The length of a rhinoplasty consultation at our Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas office is approximately one and a half hours. The consultation begins with our photographer taking several pictures of you. These will help the doctor to explain the goals of your surgery. The nurse then briefly discusses your medical history with you to ensure it is complete. The doctor will review your history, examine you, and discuss the benefits, risks, and potential results of the procedures that interest you. Next, you and the nurse will review guidelines regarding postoperative care before you are escorted to our patient coordinator's office. The patient coordinator will discuss available surgery dates as well as the fees associated with your procedure. At the conclusion of the visit, she will provide you with a written fee quote and you will be required to pay a consultation fee. Please be aware that we do not contract with any insurance companies, so the consultation fee must be paid in cash or by check or credit card (Visa®, MasterCard®, or American Express®).
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Can I have a consultation one day prior to surgery?
In most cases, surgery cannot be scheduled for the day after an initial consultation. During the consultation, a proper surgical plan is determined and the pros and cons of surgery are discussed. After this you must take some time to consider whether surgery is right for you before deciding to proceed. Patients evaluated through our Internet Consultation program, however, may be able to schedule surgery for the day following their in-office consultation. Please see our Are You a Candidate? page to learn more about Internet Consultations.
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Do I have to stay overnight at the surgery center?
An overnight stay is required only if your rhinoplasty requires a rib cartilage graft or you are a high-risk patient.
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Where is surgery performed?
Surgeries are performed at Texas Institute for Surgery, which is located at 7115 Greenville Avenue. It is on the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas campus and is a part of the Presbyterian system.
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Do I have to bring someone with me?
You are required to have a caregiver upon discharge from the surgery center. If you are a primary rhinoplasty patient, you are required to have a caregiver for 24 hours following surgery. If you are a secondary rhinoplasty patient, you will be required to have a caregiver for 48 hours following your discharge from the surgery center.
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What are my payment options?
The Gunter Center for Aesthetics & Cosmetic Surgery accepts cash, direct wires, verified checks, MasterCard®, Visa®, American Express®, and CareCredit®*. We collect the surgeon and anesthesia fees ONLY. You must pay the facility fee directly to Texas Institute for Surgery.
*If you have CareCredit®, you may use it to pay the surgeon and the anesthesia fee. You must use another form of payment for the facility fee. Texas Institute for Surgery does not accept CareCredit®.
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When can I start exercising after the operation?
Two weeks after rhinoplasty, you may begin exercising gradually and increase your routine as tolerated. Do not start your regular routine until at least three weeks after surgery. Patients who have had rib grafts should not do exercises that cause pain or discomfort in the chest area. However, other exercises such as walking or jogging may start at 3 weeks.
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Can I have other procedures performed at the same time as my rhinoplasty?
Yes, depending on the length of surgical time required. If your surgeon determines it is safe for you to undergo additional procedures, such as a chin implant or other facial and body surgery, our Dallas practice will gladly coordinate it.
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What are the limitations following surgery?
Patients can usually return to school or sedentary work one week after surgery, once the cast is removed. Although you may feel like going back, you will have some swelling and bruising which will take another week or so to fade. You should avoid strenuous activity (any activity that increases your heart rate) for two weeks. Work requiring more strenuous physical activity such as lifting or frequent travel may require a longer recuperation time. In addition to avoiding sun exposure, you should protect your nose from contact with other objects and refrain from wearing glasses for eight weeks after rhinoplasty.
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When can I fly on a commercial plane?
You may fly 48 hours after surgery.
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Can I see my hometown doctor for post-op visits?
If your doctor would like to participate in your care, our nurse can contact your doctor to make arrangements. Ideally, we would like to remove your cast, sutures, and splints at our office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but if you must return home, you are required to contact our nurse and have her coordinate care with your local physician before your operation.
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How long will it take for bruising and swelling to subside?
Some swelling and bruising of the nose and around the eyes are to be expected. After peaking 48 to 72 hours following surgery, this should start to subside. Some swelling and bruising is usually still present when the cast is removed at one week. Normally, after approximately 10 to 14 days, most of the visible bruising will have disappeared or be easy to conceal. Patients will also experience a feeling of numbness and stiffness in the tip of the nose, which will fade as the swelling subsides. It usually takes about four months for most of the swelling to resolve. While you may initially feel self-conscious about your temporary appearance after rhinoplasty, it is generally not noticeable to others after two to three weeks. In general, one year is required for the nose to assume its final appearance. For patients with thick or oily skin, certain effects may be slower to resolve.
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Contact Our Office
If you have additional questions, or would like to schedule a rhinoplasty consultation, please contact our Dallas-Fort Worth office in Texas. If you live outside of the area, view our Internet Consultation page for instructions on how to determine whether you are a candidate before traveling to our practice.
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Contact our rhinoplasty practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation with our doctors.
Gunter Center For Aesthetics
& Cosmetic Surgery
8144 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 170
Dallas, Texas 75231
Ph. 214.347.8184
F.x 214.369.2984
We offer financing through CareCredit®. For more information please click here.