What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the nose that involves reshaping nasal bones and cartilages to improve its appearance. It is a highly popular procedure designed to reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony. It may also be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a congenital plastic malformation present at birth or after trauma or injury. Dr. Hutchinson is trained in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, making her the ideal plastic surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty in New York.

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What Can a Rhinoplasty Address?

  • Balance the size of the nose with other facial features
  • Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
  • Improve the nasal profile (including removing humps or depressions)
  • Contour a nasal tip that is too large, too boxy, drooping, or upturned
  • Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
  • Narrow and reshape the nostrils
  • Correct asymmetry or deviation

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

For many patients, rhinoplasty is a life-changing cosmetic surgery, as it results in an enhanced facial appearance. In patients who suffer from breathing problems, a functional rhinoplasty may include surgery on the nasal septum (called septoplasty), and aims to address those issues. The main benefits of rhinoplasty include one or more of the following:

  • Results in enhanced facial harmony and balance
  • Fixes a broken nose and realigns nasal bones
  • Decreases a prominent, enlarged, wide, or humped nose
  • Smooths out and reduces the size of the nasal bridge
  • Narrows a wide or bulbous nasal tip
  • Raises the tip on a downward pointing nose
  • Straightens a crooked nose
  • Reshapes and enhances a pinched, overly small, or narrow nose
  • Achieves an aesthetically pleasing shape to the nostrils
  • Provides a boost in confidence, which helps improve quality of life
  • When performed in conjunction with septoplasty, may improve breathing and address a deviated septum
  • In revision rhinoplasty, the aim is to correct abnormalities in appearance and function of the nose resulting from prior nasal surgery

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty in Upper East Side are those who:

  • Are at least 13 years old with a fully matured nose
  • Are bothered by the appearance of their nose
  • Are non-smokers in good health
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson in surgical attire
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's surgical practice in Upper East Side - 5
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's surgical practice in Upper East Side - 7

Why Choose Dr. Hutchinson for Rhinoplasty?

As one of the top plastic surgeons in New York City, Dr. Olivia Hutchinson, seeks to exceed her patients’ expectations and provide the highest level of care for each individual patient. She is dedicated to treating her patients with the highest standards of integrity, personalized care, and delivering outstanding aesthetic results. All surgeries are performed either in our fully AAAASF accredited operating room or in a hospital setting. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation for rhinoplasty in New York, with one of Manhattan’s top plastic surgeons, contact us online or call us at (212) 452-1400.

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Patient Testimonial 

I had an amazing experience. Would definitely recommend Dr. Hutchinson! She was patient, knowledgeable, and caring. I met with her several times before the surgery and she addressed all of my concerns in a clear and understandable way. She carefully listened to what I wanted and explained in detail exactly what she was going to do during the surgery. The day of the surgery, Dr. Hutchinson was very reassuring and I felt like I was in good hands. Additionally, the nurses and office staff were very kind and helpful. After the surgery I had little to no pain and minimal bruising, and during my recovery I was able to contact Dr. Hutchinson easily and she answered all of my questions and addressed my concerns. I am very pleased with the results. Dr. Hutchinson really listened to what I wanted and executed it perfectly. She is a talented surgeon and a wonderful person, and I am incredibly grateful to her. 

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Rhinoplasty Surgery Details

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Hutchinson may use one of two techniques to access the different nasal tissues when performing nose surgery: “open” or “closed” rhinoplasty.

In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are hidden inside the nose within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). With both methods, Dr. Hutchinson will gently lift the soft tissues covering the nose. She will sculpt the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.

If the patient desires nostril reshaping, usually to narrow the nostrils or improve symmetry, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.

The entire rhinoplasty surgery procedure usually lasts one hour, with revision rhinoplasty or more complex surgeries requiring additional time.

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Combining Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Nose surgery is sometimes required to improve the function of the nose, rather than just the appearance. Combining cosmetic nose reshaping with functional surgeries such as septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis.

If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Hutchinson may perform a septoplasty, in which she will reshape or remove portions of the septum so as to straighten the nose and potentially improve airflow through the nose. 

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Rhinoplasty Recovery, Risks, and Results

For a short time after nose surgery, patients may experience puffiness, facial discomfort, a dull headache, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or congestion. Most patients feel significantly better within two days and return to work in about one week. The results of a nose job become gradually apparent in the days following surgery and as the swelling recedes. 

Swelling may recur from time to time in the first year after a nose job, and may be more pronounced at times due to increased physical activity, seasonal allergies, or other factors. Contact lenses can be worn immediately after nose surgery, but glasses may feel uncomfortable if resting on the bridge of the nose and should be avoided for several weeks.

Patients who have realistic goals for rhinoplasty in Upper East Side are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results will depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness, and age. Complications are rare and when they do occur, they are relatively minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or respiratory problems.

Rhinoplasty Additional References

How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Take to Heal?

Rhinoplasty FAQ

What should I avoid after rhinoplasty?

Will a rhinoplasty improve my breathing?

Can I get a rhinoplasty with a nose piercing?

Can I exercise after a rhinoplasty?

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

What happens to rhinoplasty as you age?

What should I avoid after rhinoplasty?

After your rhinoplasty procedure, it’s important to rest and allow yourself to recover. Don’t do any strenuous activities for 2 weeks, and protect your healing nose from being bumped or touched for the initial period after your surgery. Although you may wear eyeglasses, they may be uncomfortable and not fit well due to bruising and swelling while the tissues heal. You should also refrain from blowing your nose or sneezing through your nose for the first couple of weeks.

Will a rhinoplasty improve my breathing?

If you have a deviated septum, a nasal blockage, or other breathing concern, a functional rhinoplasty is typically performed to specifically address these issues. If you are considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, Dr. Hutchinson will also discuss your functional breathing problems and determine if they can be managed at the time of your cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Can I get a rhinoplasty with a nose piercing?

As long as the stud or other nose jewelry can be removed for the surgical procedure, a nose piercing will not affect your rhinoplasty, and the piercing usually remains intact during surgery. However, it is not safe to leave any nasal accessories or jewelry in place during your surgical procedure, as they can become dislodged and cause complications.

Can I exercise after a rhinoplasty?

You will need a short period of time to recover after your procedure. Rest is required to give your body time to heal properly. While light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to prevent blood clots and improve circulation and healing, you will need to wait for 2 weeks and get clearance from Dr. Hutchinson before you can exercise strenuously again.

How much does a rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of a rhinoplasty procedure varies depending on the complexity of the procedure required based on your specific needs and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Hutchinson will perform a full physical examination of your nose and discuss your desired results and goals. From there, a surgical plan will be tailor-made for you. The exact cost of your rhinoplasty will be determined based on your customized plan.

What happens to rhinoplasty as you age?

The results of rhinoplasty generally last for a lifetime. However, the nose changes with age, whether you have had a rhinoplasty or not. The soft tissues and cartilage that support your nose may weaken as time passes. As a result, there may be some widening or dropping of your nose or some changes in appearance. People who have had rhinoplasty may also notice these differences, in part because the structure of the nose was reduced or altered by their surgery.

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