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Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to surgically refine the external appearance of the nose or correct any structural irregularities that may be causing impaired breathing function. For patients dissatisfied with the proportions of their nose as it relates to the rest of their face, rhinoplasty can effectively reshape the components of the nasal structure—including the nostrils, tip, septum, or bridge—or adjust the nose’s overall dimensions to achieve improved aesthetic balance between surrounding facial features.
While rhinoplasty is commonly considered for cosmetic purposes, the procedure can also be utilized reconstructively to repair a deviated septum or otherwise improve breathing function. Plastic surgeon Geoffrey Leber, MD, FACS is extensively trained and experienced in delivering beautiful rhinoplasty results that appear natural. In addition to learning advanced nose-contouring techniques during a prestigious rhinoplasty fellowship in Beverly Hills, Dr. Leber has decades of experience at his Scottsdale private practice achieving first-rate results that can complement your facial profile.
A good understanding of the rhinoplasty procedure will help you become more informed about surgery so you have a better idea of how to achieve your goals before your consultation. Dr. Leber will answer all of your questions and concerns in person, but we welcome you to familiarize yourself with some key terms commonly associated with nose surgery:
Thorough patient education is one of the top priorities at our Boston practice and our team is committed to helping you understand every aspect of rhinoplasty, as well as any other treatments that may help you achieve your goals.
Surgical rhinoplasty can create enhanced facial harmony by cosmetically altering certain parts of the nasal structure. Bumps can be straightened, the nasal width or nostrils can be narrowed, and a protruding nasal tip can be corrected or modified. With a well-trained aesthetic eye, Dr. Leber customizes each procedure according to your own unique needs and reasons for surgery. After a careful consultation, he can develop a treatment plan designed to fulfill your surgical goals and ultimately attain your cosmetic ideal. In general, the procedure may be performed to:
Rhinoplasty can also be utilized to restore the appearance of the nose after a traumatic injury, or correct a deformity or birth defect. In addition, for those pursuing rhinoplasty to address functional concerns, the opportunity can be utilized to refine the nose aesthetically, if desired. To see the potential results of what can be achieved with rhinoplasty surgery, please feel free to peruse the rhinoplasty before-and-after photos in our patient gallery.
Rhinoplasty can benefit patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose, or who wish to improve their breathing by correcting a deviated septum. Those considering rhinoplasty should also be in good physical health to undergo surgery, with no major medical conditions. It is also important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure, and Dr. Leber can help you in determining whether the cosmetic changes you desire are possible with rhinoplasty. Your consultation will be an excellent opportunity to learn about every aspect of rhinoplasty, allowing you to make a well-informed decision about whether to proceed with surgery. Since smoking has been known to inhibit the recovery process, patients who smoke may not be good candidates for the procedure.
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are both procedures designed to enhance the nose, yet there is an important distinction between the two treatment options: septoplasty primarily focuses on realigning the nasal septum in order to improve breathing, while rhinoplasty is pursued for cosmetic rather than functional purposes. That said, many patients who seek to repair their deviated septum may also want to enhance the appearance/proportions of their nose. This often results in a joint treatment plan consisting of both septoplasty and rhinoplasty to improve the form and function of the nasal structure. If you feel your breathing is obstructed and also desire more aesthetic harmony in the appearance of your nose, Dr. Leber can evaluate your concerns to confirm whether a septorhinoplasty is the ideal solution to achieve your goals. Factors like the type of anesthesia utilized and how long surgery will take generally depend on the overall complexity of your procedure. Dr. Leber will meet with you to discuss these matters and help ensure you understand every step of the surgical process.
During a thorough consultation, you and Dr. Leber will discuss your concerns in regard to the aesthetic appearance and function of your nose. He will then formulate a treatment plan custom-tailored to fulfill your surgical expectations and attain a natural-looking result. Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.
Depending on your unique facial anatomy and the changes you wish to see, rhinoplasty will utilize either the “closed” or “open” technique. Closed rhinoplasty involves placing incisions within the internal nasal structure, while open rhinoplasty is performed by placing incisions between the nostrils. In most cases, open rhinoplasty is the best technique for more complex alterations to the nasal structure, such as decreasing the rate of projection in the nasal tip or revision rhinoplasty procedures. This incision allows easier access to the bone and cartilage of the nose, providing full visibility of the nasal framework. Closed rhinoplasty is usually better suited for primary rhinoplasty and cases that require minimal nose reshaping. Both incision locations can allow little to no visible scarring once fully healed. After the incisions are made, Dr. Leber can adjust the underlying bone and cartilage to provide the new framework for the nose and achieve the desired result. The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete, although the exact duration is dependent on the complexity of your treatment plan.
Nasal fractures are some of the most common facial injuries experienced by patients of all ages. A broken nose can not only affect your appearance, but may also make breathing more difficult or create the feeling of a perpetually stuffy nose. While not all nasal fractures require surgery to repair, rhinoplasty can be an effective procedure to treat your injury if:
Diagnostic x-rays will give you a better idea of the severity of your broken nose, and whether rhinoplasty or reconstructive nose surgery is advised. Dr. Leber can work with your primary care doctor to determine the best course of action after your facial injury.
Following the procedure, soft material or a splint may be utilized to help the nose maintain its new shape until the healing process is complete. Patients will experience some degree of bruising or swelling after surgery, which can obscure the results of rhinoplasty; however, your new nasal contour should be fully revealed as swelling continues to dissipate. Any discomfort can usually be managed well with oral pain medication, and most patients can typically make a full return to normal activity within one to two weeks. After rhinoplasty, the final cosmetic outcome is generally an improved aesthetic balance between facial proportions for an enhanced facial appearance overall. If the surgery was pursued for functional purposes, the structural deficits in the nose that may have been inhibiting proper breathing function should be corrected.
Once swelling has fully resolved, the outcome of rhinoplasty is designed to last a lifetime. While results will vary depending on your unique treatment plan, the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues of the nose are permanently altered during surgery to achieve long-lasting facial harmony. If performed properly, rhinoplasty results should remain stable over the years and you should not need to pursue a secondary procedure to preserve your enhancement. For this reason, the importance of choosing a highly experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to achieve your goals cannot be overstated. For patients who wish to further refine their nasal appearance after receiving rhinoplasty from another surgeon, Dr. Leber can meet with you to gain a sense of your concerns and discuss the possibility of improving your results with a revision rhinoplasty procedure.
Patients generally report that their scars from rhinoplasty are virtually undetectable thanks to Dr. Leber’s meticulous incision placement. Depending on the details of your procedure, your incisions may be made internally (closed rhinoplasty) or on the undersurface of the nose (open rhinoplasty) — both locations offer little to no visible scarring. Dr. Leber will show you exactly where post-surgical scars are likely to appear during your consultation so you understand what to expect after your rhinoplasty. He will also provide detailed aftercare instructions following your procedure to help your incisions heal as optimally as possible, which can further reduce the appearance of post-surgical scars. When performing facial plastic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty, extra care is taken to produce an outcome that looks as natural as possible without obvious indication of surgery.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that the surgical fee for a rhinoplasty is approximately $5,200. However, this figure is a nationwide average and does not include expenses for the surgical facility, anesthesia, post-operative care, or other related fees. In general, the ultimate price of rhinoplasty in Boston depends on:
An accurate quote of your rhinoplasty procedure will be provided after your consultation with Dr. Leber. We believe high-quality cosmetic surgery should be an affordable option for all who desire it, which is why our practice accepts plastic surgery financing plans from CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. These companies provide an array of flexible payment plans for qualified patients who prefer to pay in installments. For more information, please call our practice to speak with a member of our team.
While there is no non-surgical treatment that can match the results achieved with rhinoplasty, Dr. Leber can still use minimally invasive techniques to slightly recontour and modify the nose. In a simple in-office treatment called a “liquid rhinoplasty,” strategic injections of dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® can be administered to improve some aspects of the nose appearance, such as smoothing bumps in the nasal bridge. The results of a liquid rhinoplasty will be temporary, but this non-surgical alternative can be ideal for patients who prefer to avoid a recovery period or who are seeking quick enhancement before a wedding, event, or special occasion. As a liquid rhinoplasty simply uses a volumizing filler to adjust the shape of the nose, there are certain concerns that cannot be addressed non-surgically. Dr. Leber will help you determine whether nose surgery or minimally invasive treatment is the best course of action to achieve your cosmetic goals.
In certain cases, placement of a chin implant can be an effective technique to utilize in complement with, or in lieu of, rhinoplasty. Made of a flexible biocompatible material, a chin implant is designed in shape, size, and contour to enhance a patient’s overall facial harmony. The implant is inserted through a small, discreet incision under the chin or inside the mouth, resulting in enhancement that can appear very subtle and natural. If you are bothered by a weak or recessed chin, an implant can create a stronger, more defined jawline while offsetting a dominant nose. This can be a highly effective way to improve the balance of your facial proportions, thereby enhancing the appearance of the entire face. Dr. Leber can evaluate whether you would benefit from a chin implant, rhinoplasty, or a combination of both modalities during your appointment.
There are many measures you can take to limit and reduce swelling throughout recovery, including getting plenty of rest, keeping your head elevated, and using ice packs as directed by Dr. Leber. Maintaining a healthy diet of fruits, veggies, and vitamin-rich foods has also been known to decrease inflammation from surgery. In general, overactivity and poor nutrition tends to slow down the recovery process. It’s important to remember that swelling in and around the nose is an expected part of healing after rhinoplasty, and may initially obscure your results. While this may last six months to one year after your procedure, most swelling should fade within the first six weeks after surgery.
Your nose will likely feel stuffy or congested during the first few days after rhinoplasty, but it is essential to resist blowing your nose for at least two weeks. Putting excessive pressure on the delicate nasal bones and cartilage while they are still healing can cause bleeding and may even alter your results. Taking oral decongestants can help decrease sinus congestion during the early recovery period.
If you wear prescription glasses, Dr. Leber recommends switching to contacts for at least 10 days after rhinoplasty. The nasal bridge will be very delicate during the initial stages of recovery, so it is key to avoid unnecessary pressure on the nose while it is healing. Dr. Leber will personally advise you on when you can expect to resume wearing glasses and sunglasses.
Ethnic rhinoplasty simply refers to a standard rhinoplasty procedure performed to preserve the unique characteristics of one’s facial features and achieve natural-looking results. Patients of various ethnic backgrounds typically have certain anatomical distinctions, such as differences in their nasal shape and tissue thickness. These factors are taken into account during rhinoplasty to achieve a harmonious, proportional result. Every facial plastic surgery procedure should be performed to achieve a patient’s cosmetic goals while preserving the natural character of their face. This is usually an indication of a successful outcome. Technically speaking, there is no difference between a standard rhinoplasty and an ethnic rhinoplasty.
Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary nose surgery performed to improve upon the results of an initial procedure. Patients may undergo revision rhinoplasty because their goals were not achieved with a previous plastic surgeon, or because they are dissatisfied with their original results. This may occur when communication between a patient and their surgeon is poor, which is why Dr. Leber conducts open and honest consultations with individuals interested in rhinoplasty so there is a mutual understanding of the potential results that can be expected. If you feel you would benefit from a revisionary procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our practice so you can discuss your concerns with Dr. Leber.
Similar to an “ethnic rhinoplasty,” there is technically no difference between rhinoplasty performed for male versus female patients — the goal of every procedure is to achieve natural-looking and harmonious results according to each person’s facial characteristics. Men and women have natural anatomical differences, such as the size and thickness of their nostrils and the height of their nasal bridge, among other distinctions, which will be taken into account during the rhinoplasty procedure. Ultimately, every rhinoplasty in unique to each patient’s goals and Dr. Leber has achieved stunning results for men and women alike. We invite you to explore these outcomes in our patient gallery.
Cosmetic nose surgery should be pursued only when a patient’s nose has stopped growing and reached full maturity. This age varies from patient to patient, and girls often achieve full development of their nose slightly faster than boys. Dr. Leber can evaluate your nasal framework to provide a recommendation on when you can safely and effectively undergo rhinoplasty.
It’s essential to wait until your nose fully heals before performing any exercise or strenuous activity. While the desire to resume your fitness regimen as soon as possible is understandable, working out prematurely can deter the healing process and even affect your final results. Patients should generally wait four to six weeks before exercising, but this timeframe may vary according to each person’s individual rate of healing. Dr. Leber can provide further guidance in your post-operative follow-up appointments.
The general risks of rhinoplasty include an unsatisfactory final result, difficulty breathing, and nasal septal perforation, along with the potential complications associated with any surgical procedure. These complications include a risk of infection, changes in sensation, poor wound healing, or negative reactions to the anesthesia. You will be informed of all the risks and limitations of rhinoplasty during your consultation so you have the knowledge to make an educated decision about your procedure. The risks of any adverse events occurring are significantly lowered when you’re under the care of a highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon.
For more information about the rhinoplasty procedure, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leber, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our practice today.