Rhinoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is consistently among the most common cosmetic surgeries, with hundreds of thousands of Americans undergoing these procedures each year. (1) As the nose is one of the most prominent facial features, even subtle changes in the nose can have a dramatic impact on the overall aesthetics of the face.

Rhinoplasty procedures require meticulous planning, meaning it is important to select a surgeon who is highly experienced.

Dr. Elie Levine of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC stresses an artistic, nuanced, and customized approach to rhinoplasty for each patient. His goal when it comes to rhinoplasty is to improve overall facial aesthetics in the most natural way possible, not to create a one-size-fits-all “designer nose.” Dr. Elie Levine is a fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in functional and cosmetic procedures.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Elie Levine today to begin planning your personalized rhinoplasty. You can reach our office through our online contact form, or you can call us directly at (212) 988-1800.

Before and After Photos

About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as “nose reshaping,” is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance and function of the nose. (1) Whether patients seek alterations for cosmetic reasons, such as refining the tip or reducing a dorsal hump, or for functional purposes like correcting breathing problems, rhinoplasty offers long-lasting solutions. Surgeons must create results that account for a patient’s unique features, including their facial proportions, heritage, genetics, and more, to help them achieve their ideal appearance.

Rhinoplasty Types

Revision Rhinoplasty

Some patients come to Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC seeking to revise a nose surgery that does not meet their expectations. Whether you are unhappy with the aesthetic results of your previous surgery or you are experiencing persistent functional complications, Dr. Elie Levine can help.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Working with ethnic noses requires both refined skill and extensive experience, as well as an understanding of the unique anatomical characteristics associated with different backgrounds. (2) Dr. Elie Levine is highly experienced in performing rhinoplasty for Asian, African American, Hispanic, and various other ethnic nose types.

Young Rhinoplasty

When younger people are not happy with their appearance, it can affect their self-image and self-confidence, sometimes for their entire lives. If your son or daughter is self-conscious about their nose, you should meet with Dr. Elie Levine to find out if they are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Nose surgery can be performed after a person’s face and nose are fully developed and the individual is mature enough to understand the process they are considering.

Benefits

Rhinoplasty offers improvements like a refined appearance, improved airflow, and more. Under the expertise of Dr. Elie Levine, his patients see benefits like:

  • Enhanced facial symmetry: Adjustments made to the nose can significantly improve harmony with other facial features.
  • Improved breathing: Functional rhinoplasty can enhance airflow and elevate the quality of life for individuals with breathing difficulties.
  • Correction of structural deformities: Address existing issues such as asymmetrical nasal structure or a bump on the bridge of the nose.
  • Boosted confidence: A well-proportioned nose can enhance self-esteem and encourage positive body image.
  • Long-term results: Most rhinoplasty results are permanent, providing lasting satisfaction after the initial healing period.
  • Minimal scarring: Skilled surgeons make incisions in discreet locations, minimizing visible scarring.
  • Personalized treatment: Each patient receives individualized treatment based on their unique anatomy and desires, ensuring optimal results.

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:

  • You are unhappy with the appearance of your nose
  • You want to optimize your overall facial harmony
  • You have impaired breathing through your nasal passages
  • You want to correct problems from a previous nose surgery

Candidates for rhinoplasty should be in good health and have realistic expectations about results.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will review your medical history and discuss your cosmetic concerns in detail. He will perform a thorough examination of your nose, including skin thickness, cartilage strength, and overall facial structure.

After assessing your case, Dr. Elie Levine will explain a potential surgical plan. He can also use a state-of-the-art computer imaging system to help you visualize what your nose may look like after surgery.

Schedule your consultation online or by calling (212) 988-1800.

Because so many patients travel to New York City to receive treatment from Dr. Elie Levine, our team can help you schedule your consultation and procedure, as well as your travel and lodging arrangements.

Preparation

You will receive preparation instructions at your consultation. Carefully following these instructions will ensure a smooth procedure with optimal outcomes. These may vary slightly for each patient depending on their goals and medical history, but common requirements include:

  • Discontinuing blood thinners and certain supplements as advised.
  • Ceasing tobacco use for up to 6 weeks before and after surgery to facilitate healing (if applicable).
  • Filling prescriptions for pain relief medications in advance.
  • Arranging transportation home after the procedure.
  • Planning time off work and social activities for adequate recovery.

Procedure

The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of your procedure and can range from twilight sedation to general anesthesia.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Dr. Elie Levine is experienced in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques. In closed rhinoplasty (endonasal rhinoplasty), all incisions are made inside the nose. (2) In open rhinoplasty (external rhinoplasty), he makes a small external incision under the nose. (2) The best approach for each patient depends on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Elie Levine will examine your nose thoroughly and discuss what approach would be suitable for your rhinoplasty.

Airflow Correction

Rhinoplasty can help improve airways and correct functional problems in the nose. Two surgical procedures can help relieve airway obstruction and chronic nasal congestion. Septoplasty is a procedure designed to correct a deviated septum, a condition in which the bone and cartilage that divide the nostrils become displaced, causing impaired breathing. (3)

Turbinate Outfracture is a procedure that reduces the size of the turbinate, a nasal structure that helps to warm and humidify the air we breathe. (4) Turbinates naturally become temporarily enlarged when we suffer from colds and allergies, but for some people, they are consistently enlarged, resulting in chronic nasal congestion. (4)

Septoplasty and Turbinate Outfracture are often performed together to ease airway obstruction and congestion. In addition, these procedures can also be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty for both improved function and enhanced aesthetics. Procedures performed for functional reasons may be eligible for insurance coverage.

Recovery

Dr. Elie Levine uses long-acting pain relief, which will help to minimize discomfort during your initial recovery. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are common after rhinoplasty surgery. Icing and head elevation can help to control swelling. The majority of the early swelling will resolve in about seven to nine days, with mild residual swelling persisting for months after the surgery.

Dr. Elie Levine may lightly pack and splint your nose after surgery. In most cases, he removes the splint after about a week. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications. Dr. Elie Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.

If you are traveling to New York for your rhinoplasty, our team will make sure you are ready to return home safely.

Corresponding Procedures

Rhinoplasty can be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures to create a well-balanced, natural-looking result. During your initial consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will assess both your nasal anatomy and your entire facial structure to help you determine whether additional procedures could bring about enhanced facial harmony. In particular, there is a unique relationship between the chin and nose. Chin augmentation and rhinoplasty complement each other for this reason—even a slight change to the chin or nose can change the perceived appearance of either feature, and therefore, the overall face.

Other procedures that can complement rhinoplasty include:

Cost of a Rhinoplasty in NYC

Prices will vary depending on the issues being addressed, patient goals, medical history, the scale of the procedure, and more. After meeting with Dr. Elie Levine to plan your procedure, you will receive a cost estimate. Our practice also offers financing options to help patients access their treatments. Insurance coverage may also be available for certain patients, particularly those who require functional corrections; Dr. Elie Levine will discuss your options with you during your consultation.

Schedule your consultation today to learn more. If you have any further questions, please call our NYC office at (212) 988-1800.

FAQ

What age is ideal for rhinoplasty?

Candidates should be at least 16 or have sufficiently matured nose growth.

Does rhinoplasty hurt?

Most patients describe rhinoplasty recovery as manageable—patients often describe their experience as feeling like they have a mildly stuffy nose. Icing and elevating the head can help mitigate side effects as well. Dr. Elie Levine uses a long-acting pain reliever that makes the initial stages of recovery more comfortable. Patients do not feel any pain during the procedure itself because of anesthesia.

When can I see the final results of my rhinoplasty?

After 7-10 days, patients are often presentable and have significantly improved. Swelling continues to diminish in the subsequent months, with complete visualization typically taking up to a year or sometimes longer.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to rhinoplasty?

Yes, non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers, can temporarily enhance nasal features during a ‘liquid rhinoplasty’. For certain patients, a liquid rhinoplasty can be effective for contouring the tip, disguising a nose bump, acting as a form of revision rhinoplasty, or offering an alternative for those not ready to commit to a surgical procedure.

References

  1. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/
  2. Tasman AJ. Rhinoplasty – indications and techniques. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc09. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3199847/
  3. Watters C, Brar S, Yapa S. Septoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567718/
  4. Abdullah B, Singh S. Surgical Interventions for Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: A Comprehensive Review of Current Techniques and Technologies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(7):3441. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073441