Rhinoplasty (nose job) in Mexico

Rhinoplasty (also known as a nose job) is a plastic surgery to correct cosmetic or functional defects of the nose. According to this, there are 2 main types of rhinoplasty:

• a reconstructive operation that restores the shape of the nose and its functions
• a cosmetic operation that allows reshaping the nose according to facial proportions and patient requirements.

Before rhinoplasty, a patient sees a surgeon, undergoes a survey, and medical tests to exclude contraindications for surgery.

A plastic surgeon may ask for photos of your nose to model the possible result that will be discussed with you.

At least 4 weeks before rhinoplasty, you need to refuse smoking as far as this habit slows the healing process and increases your chances to get an infection.

You need to avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks before a nose job. These medicines can provoke bleeding. Consult with your doctor about medications you are allowed to take. 

Rhinoplasty can be performed for men and women if they meet the following criteria:

• physical health
• completed facial growth (rhinoplasty is rarely recommended for children and teens)
• they are non-smokers or at least can give up smoking for 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after
• realistic expectations about the outcome.

Note that only a doctor can decide whether you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty or not after a survey.

A nose job operation lasts about 1.5-3 hours depending on a case. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. This means that you won’t stay in the clinic in Mexico after surgery if complications do not occur.

Nose job process consists of such steps:

1. Anesthesia. An anesthesiologist chooses a type of anesthesia (local or general) depending on your case. The most frequently applied one is local anesthesia with sedation. 
2. Surgery. A plastic surgeon starts an operation from the incision made inside (closed rhinoplasty) or outside (open rhinoplasty) your nose. A doctor carefully raises the skin and gently reshapes the inner bone and cartilage to reconstruct the nose.
3. Stitching. When nose reshaping is over, a doctor places tissues and nose skin back, and then an incision is stitched.

If you feel well after surgery, you can return to a hotel.

After an operation, you need to rest with the raised head above your chest. It will allow reducing swelling and bleeding. 

You need to wear a special splint for about one week. This splint will protect and support your nose. 

Also, you need to follow some restrictions for several weeks after rhinoplasty:

• Avoid physical exercises
• Do not take a bath; a shower is an alternative
• Try not to blow your nose
• Eat foods easy to digest. You need to avoid constipation that can provoke extra pressure on the stitches.
• Manage your emotions — avoid extreme laughing and screaming.
• Not to pull the clothes wearing over your head (shirts, sweaters, etc.) to avoid injuring the nose.

Also, avoid wearing glasses for at least 4 weeks after surgery. During this period, you can use contact lenses. 

The noticeable swelling will disappear in several weeks, and you can return to the usual lifestyle.

The results after rhinoplasty are permanent. Even the changes for 1-2 mm can extremely improve your appearance. 

Note that the final result you will observe in about 1 year; till this period the swelling disappears and scarring becomes hardly visible. 

If you don't like the result, the repeated nose job operation is possible to be performed at least in 1 year after the first surgery.

Rhinoplasty is considered a quite complex high-risk procedure. And you need to entrust your health only to an experienced doctor. 

After rhinoplasty such complications can occur:

• breathing disturbance (in 70% of cases) normally disappears in several days after the operation
• swelling frequently occurs; it reduces in several weeks
• infections are a rare complication, but in some cases threaten a patient’s life
• postoperative deformities (in 5% of cases are an indication for a repeated operation).

If you notice any complication, inform your doctor to manage the issue.

Mexico is also a well-known country globally due to high-skilled doctors that undergo internships in American and European institutions. Patients from the USA and Canada prefer treatment in Mexico to other places.

Highly developed medical centers and first-rate therapeutic services at affordable prices attract people from all over the world. Over 1 mln international patients travel to Mexico annually. So Mexico is among Top 10 countries with the most developed medical tourism sector.

Mexico is a top destination for medical tourists because of low-costs. You may save up to 60% on services compared to Canada or the USA due to the average local citizens' income and general price policy within the country.

In Mexico, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.

Visas for travel to Mexico require a number of documents. Lists of documents includes:

• ID card
• confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
• certificate of income and availability of funds
• insurance policy for a stay in Mexico (original and copy)
• 2 photos (5x6)
• visa receipt
• booking of flight and hotel
• medical opinion about the need for treatment.