- The Rhinoplasty Procedure Explained
- Should I Choose Rhinoplasty?
- Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty Surgery
- What to Expect at a Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Becker
- How to Prepare for a Nose Surgery
- How a Surgical Rhinoplasty is Performed
- The Healing Period Following Rhinoplasty
- Discussing Risks and Side Effects of Rhinoplasty with the Doctor
- Reasons to Seek Rhinoplasty
- Rhinoplasty FAQs
Rhinoplasty is a popular but complex nose-reshaping surgery that requires the skilled hand of a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Changing the nose can affect the aesthetics of the entire face by adjusting overall facial balance and harmony between the facial features. For patients who have never liked their nose or who suffer from breathing problems, a nose job can be a life-changing experience.
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel G. Becker, MD, FACS is known around the globe as an expert in primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, catering to his patients in two convenient East Coast locations. Whether he is performing rhinoplasty in New Jersey or operating in Philadelphia, Dr. Becker is known for delivering consistently great results. Very few plastic surgeons are as dedicated to a single procedure as Dr. Becker. Rhinoplasty is an extremely complex procedure, which is why Dr. Becker has spent so much of his career mastering the art and science of nose-reshaping surgery.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure Explained
More commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is the medical term for elective nose surgery. While plastic surgeons sometimes perform these rhinoplasty surgeries to address breathing problems or structural issues, the procedure is typically performed to help patients achieve their ideal facial aesthetics and to balance out the facial features. It is one of the most popular and effective plastic surgeries, yet few surgeons are truly skilled in performing this intricate cosmetic procedure. The rhinoplasty procedure is customized to each patient’s needs. It is extremely versatile and can involve making a number of changes to the nose, including:
- Changing the shape of the nose and its size
- Smoothing a prominent nasal hump
- Altering the height of the bridge
- Refining the nasal tip
- Removing or altering bones and cartilage
- Adding nasal implants and grafts
- Straightening a deviated septum for better breathing
As one of the oldest facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures in the world, nose job has gone through many changes and has become a very technical procedure. Once patients have healed from their nose job, the results are permanent.
Should I Choose Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty in New Jersey is a cosmetic surgery designed for patients who dislike the look of their nose. Patients may be unhappy with how they appear in photos or feel self-conscious during social situations. Nose surgery can be a great solution for people who feel unattractive due to the aesthetic appearance of their nose. People who choose to get a nose job are those who want a more permanent solution to improving their looks than makeup or a great haircut can provide. Rhinoplasty helps people feel more confident and social by boosting their self-esteem.
Rhinoplasty can improve a naturally prominent nose as well as a nose that has been affected by trauma or disease. By adjusting the look of the nose, rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Daniel Becker can also balance a weak chin in some patients. Because the nasal tip tends to droop as we age, a nose job can also be performed as an anti-aging procedure to refresh the face.
Some patients may be approved for functional rhinoplasty such as a septoplasty and choose to have cosmetic changes made during the same surgery. Septoplasty is a surgery that is performed to straighten the wall of cartilage that divides the nasal passages, in order to improve a patient’s breathing. Oftentimes, insurance companies will cover this portion of the nose job. Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are often combined, especially if trauma or disease has impacted both the nose’s function and its form.
Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty Surgery
While patients must schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Becker for a health review, a nasal examination, and other assessments, there are general criteria for nose job candidates. Because this is a type of cosmetic surgery, patients must be in good health to qualify for cosmetic rhinoplasty. Patients who smoke or drink heavily or have other health issues may have to change their lifestyle or get their medical conditions under control prior to being approved for rhinoplasty surgeries. In some cases, the doctor may order bloodwork or imaging if he has any concerns. Patient safety is paramount to Dr. Becker and his New Jersey rhinoplasty team.
Those interested in this popular facial plastic surgery can schedule a consultation at Dr. Becker’s New Jersey rhinoplasty clinic, The Rhinoplasty Center, to find out if they might be considered candidates. Dr. Becker can also explain less invasive options, like liquid rhinoplasty. This temporary solution can disguise a nasal hump, asymmetry, and other minor issues but must be repeated periodically, typically every few or several months, to maintain results.
What to Expect at a Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Becker
Patients Gallery
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
When patients meet Dr. Becker for the first time to discuss the possibility of primary rhinoplasty surgery, they will go over any health issues that may need to be considered. Patients will also have the opportunity to discuss their concerns, and ask questions about the treatment plan. They will explain why they dislike the look of their nose and may provide pictures of noses that reflect their aesthetic goals.
Dr. Becker may use imaging to show patients how different changes might look after surgery. He carefully tailors each rhinoplasty surgery with his knowledge of facial features harmony, anatomical structures, and the patient’s preferred look. Dr. Becker may suggest additional procedures to help a patient achieve their ideal facial features and aesthetics.
During the initial consultation with Dr. Becker, he will explain what to expect before, during, and after the rhinoplasty surgeries. He will go over the location of the surgery and explain the two options of his New Jersey or Philadelphia rhinoplasty practice, the use of general anesthesia, and the specifics of the steps he will take during the nose surgery. Dr. Becker can also provide important information to ensure a speedy rhinoplasty recovery and suggest a date when the patient can return to work following the nose reshaping procedure.
How to Prepare for a Nose Surgery
Local patients can return home soon after rhinoplasty surgeries when driven by a family member or friend, but those who may have traveled from other parts of the country or beyond will want to make arrangements for a short stay in the area. The doctor’s New Jersey rhinoplasty staff and the Philadelphia ENT specialists team may be able to assist with knowledge of area accommodations. The doctor will help patients determine their length of stay since he will need to see them for a postoperative visit to ensure a proper healing process and to address any side effects.
Before the date of the surgery, patients should have any prescription medications filled. These can include medicines to control swelling, infection, and pain. They should also stock up on plenty of ready-made food and beverages with straws available. Frozen gel packs or peas should be chilling in the freezer, and a recovery area should be set up in advance.
Patients are instructed to rest and sleep with their head elevated during the first few weeks while avoiding strenuous activity, which means extra pillows should be available at all times. While Dr. Becker and his team will take every precaution to prevent infections, patients are expected to maintain the hygiene of their environment and practice good self-care. Those who have undergone rhinoplasty will want to wear button-down shirts not only to their appointment but also in the week following the procedure. Pullover-style shirts can bump and jostle the nose, potentially compromising the results.
Before surgery, patients should request at least a week off work, school, or their normally scheduled routines.
How a Surgical Rhinoplasty is Performed
Dr. Becker typically performs nose surgery under general anesthesia. He operates in an approved facility with an expert care team. Before the rhinoplasty, Dr. Becker will meet with the patient and guide them through the steps of the surgery. He may create markings on the patient’s face to help guide him as he makes the requested changes to the nose. Patients are placed in a comfortable and monitored sleep while Dr. Becker operates.
In cases of revision rhinoplasty, nasal reconstruction, or in other cases where areas of the nose must be built up, Dr. Becker may first harvest cartilage from the patient’s own ear or ribs. Tissue is removed discreetly and will not affect the look or function of these areas. In rare cases, biocompatible, animal, or cadaver tissue is used.
If performed as an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Becker will create a small cut between the nostrils to access the underlying bones and cartilage. He will then use surgical tools to alter the tissues of the nose. By reshaping the nasal structure, manipulating bone and cartilage, or adding implants, Dr. Becker can change the overall look of the nose. He can further restructure the nostrils to change the position of the nose or the look of the nostrils.
Dr. Becker may use sutures to close any incisions and will typically place a nasal cast over the nose to help it maintain its new nasal shape. Nasal packing may or may not be used to help control bleeding and stabilize the nasal passages. Anesthesia will be reversed, and the patient will be awoken from the surgery. Once Dr. Becker and his staff feel that it is safe for the patient to leave, they will be discharged.
The Healing Period Following Rhinoplasty
Directly After the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Once comfortably resting, patients will often sleep much of the remainder of the day as the anesthesia wears off completely. Pain medication should be distributed by a caretaker. Patients can further control pain and swelling by lightly applying a cool compress. Any time the patient is sitting or laying down, the head should be elevated at least 45 degrees.
Before surgery, patients should request at least a week off work, school, or their normally scheduled routines.
The Week After Rhinoplasty
Patients will visit Dr. Becker’s office in the days following the surgery. If nasal packing was placed, it will usually be removed within a few days. The nasal cast is typically removed one week postoperatively. Bruising is often short-lived and usually disappears around the two-week mark.
The Months After Rhinoplasty and Beyond
Healing from a nose job surgery can take up to a year or longer, though much of the visible swelling and bruising will have gone down within the first few months. The nose will take on its new shape without obvious signs of surgical intervention. Patients who are seeking a revision rhinoplasty for any reason must generally wait six months to a year after the initial procedure to allow the nose to heal completely.
Discussing Risks and Side Effects of Rhinoplasty with the Doctor
Rhinoplasty surgery can be unpredictable for a number of reasons. The patient may have been injured while healing, developed an infection, or might have been dissatisfied with the results due to limitations of the anatomy.
Aesthetic medicine is not a perfect science, but every precaution is taken during the consultation, surgical plan, and execution of the rhinoplasty to prevent adverse results. Prescription medications will also help prevent infection and excessive swelling, which can impact the final look of the nose.
Patients Gallery
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
Although rare when the procedure is performed by an expert rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Becker, the following complications have been associated with this plastic surgery procedure:
| Bleeding | Infection | Anesthesia complications |
| Changes in sensation | Breathing problems | Scarring |
| Poor aesthetic outcome | Skin necrosis | Skin discoloration |
Sometimes while healing, patients may feel concerned about the appearance of their nose. This is normal because the nose takes a long time to heal from facial plastic surgery. Nasal bones may have been broken, cartilage could have been added or removed, and significant swelling may be present. Patients are encouraged to call our New Jersey office as needed to help them feel comfortable during their rhinoplasty recovery.
Reasons to Seek Rhinoplasty
Trauma to the Nose (Medical Reasons)
Traumatic events like a fight, participation in group sports, and car accidents can damage the nose. A broken nose may appear crooked, have an asymmetric tip, or develop a ridge or bump. A broken nose may also lead to complications that include a hole in the nasal septum or the collapse of the bridge of the nose which can lead to breathing problems. A rhinoplasty specialist reshapes the nose to address imperfections and breathing problems caused by the trauma.
Nose Size is Unappealing
Many people dislike the size of their nose. You might feel it’s too large, too wide, too short, or has a large hump on the bridge. Rhinoplasty doctors work with you to create a nose you’re proud of without setting unrealistic ideals. The goal of a nose job is not to radically alter your nose. Instead, the doctor strives to create a natural facial appearance. Computer imaging is a very helpful way to communicate surgical goals. The patient understands that computer imaging shows a possibility – it is not a guarantee, but it is a way to find our shared goal. It is important for me to know what the patient wants to accomplish, and the patient must know what the surgeon envisions as a goal for the surgical result. Computer imaging is extremely useful to communicate this information, and we, therefore, perform computer imaging on virtually all patients prior to surgery.
Tip Problems
On some people, the tip of the nose droops down, is too bulbous, or isn’t well-defined. Rhinoplasty corrects each of these issues. By using suture techniques to bring cartilage together, the doctor can elevate the nasal tip or refine a bulbous tip, sometimes while eliminating the need to cut into the tissue. Your doctor will discuss the best surgical techniques for your needs prior to the surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Becker for a Primary Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Becker is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience performing primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgeries. He started his first practice in Philadelphia and expanded across the Delaware River to New Jersey in 2003. The doctor specializes in the following procedures:
- Smoothing a nasal hump
- Creating nasal symmetry
- Repairing nasal fractures
- Restructuring a nasal tip
- Narrowing the nose
- Reconstruction
- Primary rhinoplasty
- Revision rhinoplasty
- Functional rhinoplasty
Dr. Becker is a true specialist in the art of rhinoplasty and is internationally known for his expertise. He serves as a Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and has continued research in rhinoplasty on an ongoing basis. He presents his findings all over the world to help his peers improve their techniques and outcomes. Educating others had been an integral part of his professional satisfaction. He has also authored journal articles and textbooks.
Testimonials
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- Jamie
With a background as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor), the doctor has advanced experience with the intricacies of the nose. He is also the most qualified doctor to perform functional rhinoplasty, where septoplasty is combined with cosmetic components.
Articles Featuring Information on Rhinoplasty
The following articles may be of interest to prospective patients:
Dr. Becker wrote an article for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal about nasal correction and the Journal of the American Medical Association regarding revision rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Some plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty procedures using biocompatible material like Gore-Tex implants, but Dr. Becker is not a proponent of this method. Gore-Tex nose jobs are more likely to become infected, and they can result in an unnatural aesthetic if the implant shifts.
If the implant punctures the skin, damage may not be able to be repaired. There are well-documented instances of implants failing during this type of rhinoplasty.
Primary rhinoplasty can cost between $5,000 to $7,000, while a revision rhinoplasty can often cost double. The cost of rhinoplasty can vary based on the doctor’s expertise, the area of the country, and the nature of the case. Rhinoplasty patients may be eligible for financing plans through Dr. Becker’s practices, or insurance may cover a portion of the cost for some revision or functional surgeries.
A nasal tip plasty is the term used for a rhinoplasty surgery that focuses on improving just the tip of the nose. In some procedures, this can be performed as a liquid rhinoplasty (or non-surgical rhinoplasty), where a dermal filler is injected into the tip of the nose. However, a long-term solution is to undergo surgery. Most nasal tip plasty surgeries are faster and less invasive than full rhinoplasty.
Non-Caucasian individuals tend to have facial features specific to their ethnicity. Dr. Becker must consider the nasal anatomy of the individual in order to achieve the patient’s desired results. Additionally, Dr. Becker is careful to retain certain characteristics of the nose that reflect their ethnic heritage.
Fixing a twisted nose can be as simple as shifting the broken bones back to the middle. Sometimes – if there is a deviation or twist in the lower two-thirds of the nose – the part made of cartilage – it can be a bit more complicated. Surgeons specializing in rhinoplasty have dedicated themselves to mastering the various techniques that can be used to straighten a twisted nose.
We do this through “alar base reduction.” This involves the removal of soft tissue from this area, with suture re-approximation. I am careful to minimize the use of external incisions in alar base reduction.
Is your teen asking you for a nose job? It is not uncommon, as teens become more aware of their bodies and others’ perceptions of them, for them to express an interest in plastic surgery. While many parents may initially reject these desires, it may be that under the right circumstances, a rhinoplasty can be a good choice for your teen. There are many reasons a teen might want a nose job. They might want to remove a hump, particularly if it is the result of a previous break. They may want to adjust the shape or width of their nostrils. Some are looking to lengthen or shorten the tip of the nose. One important consideration regarding nasal surgery for your teen is that they have well-articulated and realistic goals for the operation. A teen should not undergo a rhinoplasty operation in order to be more popular or imitate a celebrity’s look. It is important for anyone considering plastic surgery to be sure that they are having the surgery for their own benefit. Physical maturity is also important. Your plastic surgeon will want to wait until a growing person’s nose is fully mature before operating. For girls, this is generally around age 15-16, while it is a little later for boys, around age 16-17. If carefully considered, a rhinoplasty can be of benefit to your teen.
Dr. Becker performs rhinoplasty with the patient under general or sedation anesthesia. These days, he is finding that more patients seem to prefer general anesthesia, but either way is fine with Dr. Becker. Under sedation, your nose and surrounding areas will be numb and you will drift in and out of sleep. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep for the entire surgical procedure. The risks of anesthesia will be discussed with you by the anesthesiologist.
Patients with thick nasal skin can take longer for the nose swelling to resolve, sometimes it takes a year or longer. In some cases, patients can take until 8 months for the swelling to be gone. The nose looks bigger and may have a bulbous nose tip appearance but is totally normal after surgery. In very few cases, a revision rhinoplasty is needed it.
In nose surgery, open and closed refer to two basic techniques. The closed technique is performed through incisions made inside the nose, leaving no external incisions to heal. In an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the columella, which is the section of soft tissue separating the nostrils. While it is a small incision, it is still an external wound that has the potential for a visible scar, though it usually heals well.
Naturally, the closed approach has the advantage of no external incision and therefore no scar. Sometimes closed rhinoplasties also lead to a slightly shorter recovery time and decreased swelling, revealing the new nose on a shorter timeline. However, it goes without saying that this approach does not provide the surgeon with the same level of visibility as an open procedure.
If you live in the state of New Jersey, Becker Rhinoplasty Center offers rhinoplasty among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
This article on rhinoplasty in Philadelphia and New Jersey was written by Dr. Daniel G. Becker, MD, FACS {About rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Becker}.