“I appreciated his punctuality and the way he explains things, and how he answered all my questions. I was very happy with the treatment.”
Facial surgery
Rhinoplasty in Merida, Mexico
Aesthetic and functional nose surgery performed in a full hospital by Dr. José Antonio Orozco Gómez, plastic surgeon board-certified by the CMCPER. Shape and breathing are addressed in the same procedure: there is no sense in correcting a profile and leaving a deviated septum behind.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery that modifies the bone and cartilage structure of the nose to change its shape, size or projection, and to correct obstructions that make breathing difficult. It is performed under general anaesthesia and takes two to three hours.
When the septum is corrected at the same time it is called septorhinoplasty, and it is the most common case: a large share of noses that patients dislike aesthetically also do not breathe well.
Aesthetics and function in one operation
Operating only on the aesthetics of a nose that already breathes poorly is a mistake paid for later. The structure that shapes the dorsum and tip is the same structure that supports the airway: weaken it without rebuilding it and the nose can collapse over the years, worsening breathing.
That is why assessment includes examining the airway, not only analysing the profile. Septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy or valve collapse are corrected in the same procedure.
Techniques
| Approach | What it involves | When it is chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Closed | Incisions inside the nostrils, no external scar | Moderate changes to dorsum and tip |
| Open | An additional incision of a few millimetres on the columella | Complex tips, revisions, grafting cases |
| Septorhinoplasty | Either approach plus septal correction | Where there is airway obstruction |
| Non-surgical | Hyaluronic acid, without surgery | Very small, temporary corrections |
Before and after
Real cases operated in Merida, published with written informed consent. In rhinoplasty, the definitive result is assessed at one year, once tip swelling has fully resolved.
What recovery is like
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–7 | External splint. Nasal congestion. Periorbital bruising in most cases. Sleeping semi-upright. |
| Days 7–10 | Splint and sutures removed. The change is visible, though still swollen. |
| Weeks 2–3 | Bruising resolves. Return to normal social life. |
| Weeks 4–6 | No impact exercise, no glasses resting on the bridge, no direct sun. |
| Months 3–6 | About 80% of swelling resolves. |
| Month 12 | Definitive result, particularly at the tip. |
Patience is part of the treatment. A nose at three months is not the nose at one year.
Risks and safety
The main risks are prolonged swelling, residual asymmetry, palpable dorsal irregularities, impaired breathing if the structure is not adequately rebuilt, and the possibility of a revision procedure. Revision rhinoplasty exists in every surgeon's practice worldwide: a small but real percentage of cases need a touch-up, and that is something to know before surgery, not after.
It is performed in hospital, with a certified anaesthesiologist, after internal medicine clearance.
Patient reviews
“Excellent care, and above all you feel at ease.”
“A very professional, attentive and humane doctor. He explains the treatment plan in detail.”
Frequently asked questions
How is the cost of rhinoplasty in Merida set?
It is determined at your consultation. It depends on whether the case is aesthetic, functional or both, whether it is primary or a revision, whether cartilage grafts are needed, operating time, the hospital, the anaesthesia team and pre-operative testing. A primary rhinoplasty and a revision of previous surgery are not comparable in complexity. You receive a written quote.
Where can I have nose surgery in Merida?
With a plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon trained in facial surgery, and always in a hospital, never in an office. Dr. Orozco performs aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty at Hospital Faro del Mayab (Christus Muguerza), with CMCPER certification 2541, verifiable in the directory of the Board.
How long does the swelling take to go down?
The splint comes off between days 7 and 10, and bruising resolves in two to three weeks. Gross swelling settles by about the third month, but the tip can continue to refine for up to a year — it is the slowest area, especially in thicker skin.
Is it painful?
Less than most people expect. The main discomfort is not pain but nasal congestion during the first week and having to sleep semi-upright.
Can the septum be corrected in the same surgery?
Yes, and in most cases it should be. It is called septorhinoplasty and resolves shape and breathing in one operation, one anaesthetic and one recovery.
Will there be visible scars?
With the closed technique there is no external scar. With the open technique a few-millimetre line remains on the columella — the skin between the nostrils — which becomes practically imperceptible over time.
When can I wear glasses again?
Glasses should not rest on the nasal bridge for the first six weeks. Contact lenses, or taping the frame to the forehead as instructed, bridge that period.