Rhinoplasty Surgery
Conveniently located to serve Chicago and North Shore
What is Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is one of the most commonly performed facial surgeries. In addition to the procedure being performed for aesthetic improvement, it may also be performed to improve breathing problems caused by functional nasal issues and sinus disease.
As it is commonly felt to be among the most complex facial plastic surgical procedures, the rhinoplasty surgeon must be expertly trained and experienced. Dr. Rachel, based in Chicago is a uniquely qualified surgeon who is quadruple board-certified in facial plastic surgery, otolaryngology head and neck surgery, and Cosmetic Surgery. This gives him the ideal expertise to reshape the nose aesthetically while also maintaining its important functionality.
Rhinoplasty Related Procedures
Changes to the outside appearance of the nose are often performed in conjunction with functional nasal surgery to improve breathing and symptoms of sinusitis:
Other procedures that are often combined with rhinoplasty:
What Is a Closed Rhinoplasty?
A closed rhinoplasty makes minor to moderate adjustments to the nose without requiring external incisions. This approach is commonly employed in patients who have a limited deformity of the tip and are interested in changes to the dorsum of the nose. The nose of the ideal candidate would be symmetrical, with the bulk of the reshaping taking place either on the bump or the tip. The incisions for a closed rhinoplasty are made within the nostrils so that they will be hidden from you and everyone else.
What Is an Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is sometimes required for patients who need more detailed or extensive correction to the nasal tip and dorsum with the possible need for osteotomies and cartilage grafts. Both cosmetic and functional structural defects of the nose can be addressed with the open rhinoplasty method.
An open rhinoplasty requires a small external incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) so that the skin can be lifted to reveal the full internal structure of the nose. While this technique requires an external incision, the incision will usually heal well and become inconspicuous.
What Happens During a Consultation?
Bring a list of questions to your rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Rachel, and be prepared to discuss the cosmetic and/or functional benefits you hope to achieve. The consultation is the time to talk about your health, any medications you may be allergic to, and any procedures or treatments you’ve had in the past.
During this consultation in our Chicago office, you should tell Dr. Rachel about any medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs you are currently taking. Dr. Rachel will evaluate not only your overall health but also any pre-existing medical conditions in order to determine whether the procedure is safe for you.
Dr. Rachel will talk in detail about the expected results, as well as any risks. He will discuss the many technique options for reshaping your nose, examining and measuring your face, taking photographs, and then creating a surgical plan.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty
There will be swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes following your surgery in Chicago. While a majority of swelling will subside over the next few weeks, some mild internal swelling can remain for up to a year. Pain should be minimal and can be managed with medication. Post-operative instructions will be provided.
I got a septoplasty from Dr. Rachel and he was amazing! He was so helpful throughout the whole process and the procedure was so easy! I’ve had an awesome recovery with manageable pain and swelling. There was a day about a month after surgery that I ran a high fever and after testing negative for COVID, Dr. Rachel had me come in, despite his office being closed for the day. He cares about his patients and is truly great! His receptionist team and nurses are so incredibly helpful and nice.
Rhinoplasty Cost and Payment Options
Each of these procedures is customized based on the unique needs of the patient. There are a variety of factors that go into determining the cost of your surgery in Chicago. During your consultation at Metropolitan MD, our team can go over the expected price of your rhinoplasty and the payment options available to you.
Get Started Today
If you are looking for a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty in Chicago, contact Metropolitan MD today to schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. John D. Rachel, a Quadruple Board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Rhinoplasty FAQ’S
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Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The best candidates for this surgery are healthy teens and adults who are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their noses but have realistic expectations for what the surgery can accomplish (i.e., they are not expecting perfection).
Individuals who do not smoke or are willing to quit are ideal candidates for this procedure. Smoking can negatively affect the recovery and healing process, and it can also increase the chance of surgical complications.
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How Old Do I Need to Be for a Rhinoplasty?
This surgery should only be performed once all facial growth is completed. This typically occurs at 16 or 17 years of age but may vary from person to person. Teenagers who are interested in undergoing this surgery should have the consent of a parent or guardian and should be mature and emotionally adjusted enough to handle this type of physical change.
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Is Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Because rhinoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure, insurance doesn’t cover it. However, insurance companies may cover partial costs of a surgery performed to correct breathing and/or sinus abnormalities. MetropolitanMD understands that the choice to undergo rhinoplasty can become a financial burden. This is why we offer financial options through Care Credit. Our staff is happy to discuss your financing options with you during your consultation.
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What Does a Rhinoplasty Cost?
A myriad of factors can affect the total cost of rhinoplasty, including surgeon fees, location, surgical facility fees, anesthesia fees, medical tests, and prescriptions. Choosing a surgeon should be based on quality, training, and experience—not cost. There is no denying the refined, natural results that come from having your rhinoplasty performed by an experienced quadruple board-certified Chicago, IL surgeon. A cost estimate can be provided after your in-person consultation with Dr. Rachel.
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What Aspects of The Nose Can Be Improved with Rhinoplasty?
The shape and size of almost any characteristic of the nose can be improved with rhinoplasty, including the tip, nostrils, bridge, angle between the nose and upper lip, and the overall projection of the nose. A deviated septum can also be straightened to clear the nasal passage and improve breathing (known as septoplasty).
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What Is the Recovery After Rhinoplasty?
You will experience bruising and swelling around your nose following your procedure. You may feel congested or have trouble breathing due to nasal swelling and dressing. Discomfort can be controlled using oral pain medication. You will need to rest with your head elevated for at least one week following your surgery. Most patients can return to work within two weeks of their surgery. You will be required to limit your physical activities for up to four weeks following rhinoplasty. The majority of your swelling should subside within six weeks, after which your final results will become more apparent. Final healing may take up to one year.
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How Much Pain is Involved with Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Anesthesia is used to prevent pain during and immediately after the procedure. It is common to develop some pain and discomfort in the hours and days following your surgery once the anesthesia exits your system and swelling develops. Prescribed oral medication can alleviate this discomfort. Alternatively, some patients decide to rely on over-the-counter pain medication, like TYLENOL®.
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Will I Have a Scar Following Rhinoplasty?
Modern rhinoplasty techniques make very few (if any) external incisions. Therefore, there will be minimal to no visible scarring after a rhinoplasty.
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What Happens If My Nose Does Not Heal Right?
It is very challenging to predict how a patient’s nose will heal following their rhinoplasty. Because of this, there is no way to guarantee that you will not experience a complication during the healing process. If your nose does heal incorrectly or if there was not adequate adjustment made to the nose, a revision rhinoplasty may be performed. Patients must wait up to one year before undergoing a revision rhinoplasty.