What does Rhinoplasty cost in Mexico? What does Rhinoplasty surgery do?
| Procedure | Canada/USA | Mexico |
| Rhinoplasty | $15,000.00 | $3,000.00 |
Rhinoplasty (pronounced “rie-no-plas-tee”) is surgery that changes the shape and/or functionality of the nose. Reasons to undergo this procedure will likely either be for aesthetic purposes or to improve breathing; sometimes it can be both.
Surgery performed for cosmetic reasons (often referred to as “nose jobs”) work to enhance the outward look of the nose. Procedures might include reducing the width of your nose, removal of a nasal hump, correcting for asymmetry, reshaping of the nose tip, reshaping or resizing of the nostrils, or increasing or decreasing the nose’s overall size and length.
Surgery performed for functional reasons could include problems from a congenital disability or injury, chronic stuffiness, snoring or post-nasal drip. Sometimes it could be for reconstructive purposes, possibly as the result of an accident or from playing contact sports.
Septoplasty, is a specific type of rhinoplasty for the inside of the nose. The most common reason for this surgery is to correct structural defects such as a deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages is displaced to one side; the result being that one nasal passage is smaller than the other.
One of the top reasons people choose to come to Mexico for rhinoplasty surgery is the quality of care they can expect. Mexico offers internationally accredited (JCI) facilities and staff with a strong history of achievement and a commitment to quality health care.
Also important is the difference in cost. The average cost of the surgeon’s fee for rhinoplasty in the USA or Canada is *$5,409.00 according to 2019 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What you need to consider is that this covers only part of the price – it does not include operating room facilities, anesthesia or other related expenses. The total can actually range as high as *$15,000.00.
In Mexico, on the other hand, the average (total) cost of rhinoplasty is *$1,500.00 to $3,000.00.
(*prices quoted in USD)
The argument is clearly in favour of Mexico in terms of both quality and value.
My Medical Club has put together some helpful tips and answers to FAQ that you may have.
You’ve thought about this. Now it’s time to consult with your doctor. Record any key items in your medical history and have a full list of all medications you take, to share with your physician. You will no doubt be sent for blood tests and you may have to undergo other tests if your doctor feels it is warranted. An example might be an EKG; a test that determines how healthy your heart is and helps determine the possible risks of surgery.
Discuss these possible risks with your doctor. Depending on how complex your surgery is and what your surgeon prefers, rhinoplasty requires general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
Sedation, also known as monitored anesthesia care, is for minor surgery or shorter, less complicated procedures when an injection of local aneshtetic isn’t sufficient, but deeper general anesthesia isn’t necessary. Which type is best for you?
At least a couple of weeks before surgery, avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding. Your doctor will advise if you need to adjust any other of your current medications.
Do not smoke. Patients who smoke have a slower healing time. Tobacco use has also shown to increase the risk of infection and scarring.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Eat a nutritious, healthy diet. Fuel your body with plenty of essential nutrients that promote healing and boost your immune system. Stay well hydrated.
For men, if you need to shave, do so at least 2 to 3 days before the day of operation. This helps to prevent infection of the surgical site.
Don’t eat or drink anything, including water, at least 8 hours before surgery.
Make sure to take a shower before going to surgery. A good antiseptic soap will help rid your skin of bacteria.
Don’t wear any jewelry or any makeup on the day of operation.
The procedure can take 1.5 to 3 hours. You might need to stay in hospital for 1 or 2 nights, but a cosmetic rhinoplasty operation is often done as an outpatient procedure. Your doctor will be able to tell you more, depending on the complexity of your operation.
While not very painful, some people will report tenderness and aches due to congestion and sinus pressure. Your surgeon will be able to talk with you in advance about pain management options, and provide you with a prescription for pain relief.
You will definitely have some pain in your nose and you could also have a headache. Your nose could be stuffed up and you could have trouble breathing for a brief time. The skin on the tip of your nose could feel numb. You could have some itchiness or sharp, shooting pains as the feeling returns.
Pain at any intensity usually lasts no more than 36 to 72 hours. This could be longer if the nose is manipulated or bumped in any way. It’s very possible that your nose may remain tender or sensitive to touch for up to 3 months.
You will have a dressing on your nose for the first 12 hours after the operation. You will also have a splint held over your nose with tape for 7 days. Breathing through your nose might be difficult or not even possible for about a week.
There will be some swelling. The swelling may take many months to go down, although most people will stop noticing it after a couple of months.
You can expect to be back to performing most activities after a week, and be able to resume all activities after 2 to 4 weeks. For most patients, it takes roughly 6 weeks for the bones in your nose to heal. During this time, try and avoid any extreme exercise.. Even movements that seem harmless like stretching, lifting or bending over can increase nasal swelling.
Brushing your teeth might not be something you would think of in connection with your healing nose, but it’s important to take it easy while doing this twice-a-day activity. Overly excessive tooth brushing could push and shift the upper lip and, potentially, affect the cartilage and tissue of the nose as it heals.
Some occasional laughing or yawning will likely not damage your nose as it heals, but the less you do it, the better-and try not to laugh too hard! A good hardy laugh is great for your health but if you feel any pain in your nose, this is an indication to relax. Also, try to avoid any extremely big yawns for two weeks, if at all possible.
You may shower after surgery, but ensure your face does not get wet. It’s vitally important to keep the splint on your nose dry at all times. You may wash your hair on the second day after surgery, if you can do it without lowering your head below your heart.
You may wear makeup if you wish; however most patients will wait for that first week to go by.
For the first 24 hours after surgery, try and consume cool, bland food like soda crackers and ginger ale to minimize the side effects of anesthesia. Over the next few days, soft foods such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, oatmeal and soups are recommended.
How soon can I travel?
In general, flying on an airplane is discouraged for those who have undergone a rhinoplasty procedure for at least one week. Try and focus on rest, relaxation and very light activity during the first few days of recovery.
Stay out of the sun. Avoid sun exposure entirely when you can. If you spend time outdoors, wear sunscreen and a large billed hat as it’s sure that your skin will be hyper sensitive and prone to sunburn as it heals. Too much sun can also contribute to more conspicuous scarring.
Rhinoplasty cost in Mexico is much less than in Canada or the U.S. You can expect to save a minimum of $4,000.00 (usd) and enjoy the personal care and attention of one of MMC’s top-notch surgeons.
You may actually be able to wear your eyeglasses as normal immediately after the surgery. The splint that you will wear for about a week to help protect the nose and set the bones will also protect your nose from the weight of glasses.
Most surgeons will recommend a rhinoplasty patient to sleep on their back and stay elevated with 2 to 3 extra pillows to try and reduce facial swelling; at least for the first few weeks following surgery. A good tip is to sleep in a recliner for the first few days.
Generally, doctors will recommend waiting on a cosmetic rhinoplasty until your nose reaches adult size.
The results of rhinoplasty surgery are quite permanent and long lasting. Many patients still see the changes from their surgery decades after the procedure
One final word of advice – have patience! It can take as long as up to a year to see the final, true shape of your nose. It will be worth the wait.