What is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a reshaping of the nose. The reshaping can be done to improve the appearance of an otherwise normal nose, or to reconstruct a damaged nose. It can also be used to restore breathing through the nose. When the rhinoplasty is used to both improve breathing and the appearance of the nose it is called a septo-rhinoplasty .

The reshaping of the nose can be divided into procedures that change only the appearance of the tip of the nose (tip plasty) and those that reshape the bony part of the nose (rhinoplasty).

Who benefits from the rhinoplasty procedure?

If your nose has been broken or changed in appearance after an accident, insurance carriers will most likely help pay to help restore a more normal appearance to the nose.

If you are having breathing problems that can be corrected by pulling on the cheek skin next to your nose, a rhinoplasty with some form of cartilage graft will improve your breathing. Breathing problems after an accident or inability to breathe thru one side of the nose are more likely corrected by a septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty: tip or entire nose

Some people find they do not like the way the tip of their nose looks, but are otherwise happy with the rest of the nose. The tip of the nose may look too 'fat', or their nostrils show too much, or the tip may 'stick out too far'. A more limited procedure, the 'tip rhinoplasty' will help in these cases. Other people complain of a 'bump' in the nose, or a nose that looks too broad, or like the nose is not 'straight'. A total rhinoplasty will be of help here.

Rhinoplasty trends: refinement of the nose

Most people nowadays are not looking for a dramatic reshaping of the nose, but a 'refinement' of the nose. African Americans are requesting this procedure more frequently; expressing a desire for reshaping that maintains ethnic character.

What is involved in the rhinoplasty procedure?

The rhinoplasty can be performed under general or 'twilight anesthesia'. It involves reshaping of the bones of the nose, generally making the nose appear thinner and straighter, and if there is a 'hump', shaving it down to make the nose appear straight from the side view. The tip of the nose is also reshaped to make it look more refined while at the same time bringing into harmony with the rest of the nose.

What is the cost of the rhinoplasty procedure?

The physician's surgical fee for rhinoplasty ranges from $2000 for the tip of the nose, to $4000 for a full rhinoplasty. Additional charges include hospital and anesthesia. Fnancing is available. Please contact us for details.