Should I Have Lasik Before Or After A Rhinoplasty?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am considering having Lasik eye surgery. If I did get it, how long after Lasik should I wait until being able to safely have a rhinoplasty. Would it be safer to wait to do Lasik until after having the nose surgery?

A: Rhinoplasty does not affect Lasik (corneal) eye surgery in any direct way. So, in theory, it should not matter whether rhinoplasty is done before or after corneal modifications. However, rhinoplasty does involve working around the eyes and often the eyes are either protected by corneal shields or the lids are closed over the cornea by tape. Such protective manuevers always run the risk of causing a corneal abrasion even though their intent is to prevent that exact problem. Therefore, if I was a patient I would prefer to have my rhinoplasty done first and then have the Lasik surgery done afterwards so the rare risk of that problem which could be occur during a rhinoplasty is eliminated.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana