Rhinoplasty in Costa Rica (Nose Job Surgery)

Comprehensive facial and nasal analysis with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Discuss your aesthetic goals: dorsal hump reduction, tip refinement, nostril reshaping, bridge augmentation, deviation correction. Review functional concerns like breathing difficulties. Surgeon evaluates nasal anatomy, skin thickness, cartilage structure. 3D imaging may be used to visualize potential results. Discuss open vs closed technique, realistic expectations, and create personalized surgical plan.

Complete pre-operative lab work and medical clearance to ensure surgical safety. Review detailed surgical plan and confirm aesthetic goals. Pre-operative photos taken from multiple angles for documentation and comparison. Receive specific instructions: medications to avoid (aspirin, NSAIDs, supplements), fasting requirements, arrival time. Discuss post-operative care and recovery expectations.

Surgery performed at Centro Médico Cariari under general anesthesia. Open rhinoplasty (small external incision on columella for maximum visibility and precision) or closed rhinoplasty (all incisions inside nose). Surgeon reshapes bone and cartilage: removes dorsal hump, refines nasal tip, narrows bridge, straightens septum, adjusts nostrils. Procedure typically takes 1.5-3 hours. Nasal splint applied externally, internal splints/packing may be placed. Recovery in post-anesthesia care, then return to Adventure Inn same day with caretaker.

Initial recovery at Adventure Inn with head elevation (2-3 pillows), ice packs for swelling, pain medication. Swelling, bruising around eyes and nose expected—peaks day 2-3, then gradually improves. Nasal congestion and breathing through mouth required if packing placed. Internal splints/packing typically removed days 5-7 (immediate relief). External nasal splint removed around day 7. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing. Significant improvement in appearance after splint removal, though still swollen.

Swelling and bruising continue to decrease significantly. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work/social activities by day 10-14 with makeup to cover residual bruising if needed. Nose still swollen but less obvious—appears "improved but swollen." Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending over. No glasses on nose bridge for 6 weeks (use tape/prop). Continue sleeping elevated. Follow-up to assess healing progress.

Cleared to resume most normal activities including moderate exercise by week 3-4. Swelling continues to decrease—60-70% resolved by 6 weeks. Nose looks significantly improved and more refined. Avoid contact sports and activities risking nasal trauma for 6-8 weeks. Final follow-up before leaving Costa Rica if still present, otherwise virtual follow-up available.

Residual swelling gradually resolves over months, especially in nasal tip (thick-skinned patients may take 12-18 months). Final shape and definition become apparent. Scars fade—open rhinoplasty columella scar becomes nearly invisible thin line. Full healing complete by 12 months. Long-term results are permanent, though natural aging continues. Follow-up photos at 6-12 months for documentation.