According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty was one of the top five cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. in 2020. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure used to change the shape of the nose.
The procedure may be performed to make the nose’s shape more aesthetically appealing, to improve breathing, or both. A facial plastic surgeon may achieve this by manipulating the nose’s bone, cartilage, or skin.
As a rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Greco’s goal is to give you a result that functions well and fits the characteristics of your face without an over–operated look. Our office is located in Bala Cynwyd, conveniently located to provide patients in the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryan Mar, and Wayne, PA, rhinoplasty to improve your nasal appearance and function permanently.
Nasal aesthetic surgery is a procedure where form and function are equally important. Rhinoplasty procedures are often combined with a septoplasty procedure.
The septum is the nasal partition that divides the nose into the left and right sides. A septoplasty corrects structural problems, such as a deviated septum, that make it harder to breathe normally through the nose. In such cases, the surgery restores function, eliminating the obstructed airway and improving airflow and breathing.
Aesthetically speaking, there is no ideal nose shape. What may look ideal for one person may appear out of place for another. This is because various factors, such as age, ethnic background, and overall facial shape, influence the “ideal nose shape” for a face.
Extreme variations, such as a saddle nose or a pinched tip, can create conspicuous distortion to a person’s appearance that rhinoplasty can address. In general, however, nasal aesthetic characteristics that complement facial harmony include:
A rhinoplasty can correct if any of these elements are not in harmony with the face.
Planning for rhinoplasty surgery is an important step before the procedure is scheduled. During your consultation with Dr. Greco, clearly communicate your concerns and expectations so your procedure can go as smoothly as possible. Digital imaging of your nose ensures you are on the same page regarding your aesthetic outcome.
Your consultation is the ideal time to review your medical history and perform a functional and aesthetic analysis of your nose.
Rhinoplasty is not recommended for people who have not completed puberty. This is to ensure that growth is complete and the nasal structure has fully formed.
For aesthetic corrections, it is best to wait until 15 for women and 16 for men before undergoing rhinoplasty. However, in the case of functional problems of the nose, rhinoplasty may be recommended at an earlier age.
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under MAC (twilight) anesthesia and is considered the safest option. Other medications may also be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Dr. Greco may perform open or closed rhinoplasty surgery depending on the patient’s needs.
Nasal reshaping is performed by modifying the underlying structure of the nasal bone and cartilage. If the nose is very large, the surgeon might reduce its size by removing bone or cartilage.
On the other hand, if nasal augmentation is required, the surgeon might need to use additional cartilage to strengthen the nasal structure. A cartilage graft from the patient’s ear or rib may be needed in such cases.
Functional concerns, such as a deviated septum, are also addressed at this time to improve breathing.
Once the nose’s underlying structure is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue are redraped over it, and the incision is closed.
Internal and external splints may be needed to aid the healing process for a few days. There may be some swelling and bruising around the surgery site for about one week.
In most cases, patients can see a noticeable change 7 to 10 days after the procedure. However, the nose can take up to one year to fully heal and for the newly refined nose to be apparent.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex facial surgery procedures. There are risks associated with rhinoplasty, just like for any other surgical procedure. Risks for rhinoplasty may include:
Rhinoplasty costs depend on the complexity of the surgery required. Costs can include:
On average, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $13,350, but since every case is different, we only provide a general range. The complexity of the case and Dr. Greco’s approach determine the exact cost, which will be given in the consultation.
Your insurance may partially cover the cost of a functional rhinoplasty because the procedure helps improve breathing function caused by an obstructed airway. In such cases, a portion of the cost is typically covered by insurance, even if aesthetic changes are part of the procedure. However, it is best to confirm the details with your insurance provider.
When you submit your claim to your insurer, you will likely be required to provide detailed reports on the type of functional problem causing the breathing impairment. We do not accept insurance and are out-of-network, but we can provide any necessary information for you to make a claim directly through your insurance provider.
Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. He is skilled at all types of rhinoplasty procedures that help patients improve facial harmony. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS).
Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Greco can help!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. Call 610-664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.
