Quick Facts About Rhinoplasty Procedures

Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Potential Benefits: A more proportionate, functional, and/or aesthetically pleasing nose
Procedure Length: Approximately two hours
Recovery: Patients typically heal for at least a week before returning to work
Cost: Approximately $6,200

What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty Benefits
Rhinoplasty Candidates
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Asian & Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Rhinoplasty Results
Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Rhinoplasty Cost
Additional Rhinoplasty FAQs

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure that reshapes the nose. This procedure can allow patients to achieve their ideal facial aesthetic by altering the shape, size, or positioning of the nose, and can contribute to a more flattering and proportionate appearance. Additionally, the surgery can address certain functional (i.e. breathing) problems, such as a deviated septum.

Our Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Joseph DiBello, MD,is experienced in rhinoplasty and highly skilled in customizing the procedure to suit the unique needs and goals of each patient. In order to achieve the consistently outstanding results he is known for, Dr. DiBello listens closely to your motivations for surgery and works closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan aimed at achieving the look you desire.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

When performed by a qualified surgeon, rhinoplasty can:

Provide balance and aesthetic quality to the entire facial appearance
Reduce or increase the size of the nose
Remove an unwanted “hump” or “bump”
Change the shape of the tip or the bridge
Narrow the width of the nostrils
Improve the angle between the nose and the upper lip
Correct breathing problems caused by irregularities of the internal structures of the nose

For optimal facial rejuvenation results, patients frequently choose to combine rhinoplasty with another procedure, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Dr. DiBello will help you create a customized treatment plan during your first meeting.

Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Individuals with fully mature noses who are in good health are typically good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery. Additionally, it is important that candidates demonstrate realistic expectations about the results that can and cannot be achieved with rhinoplasty.

During a consultation with Dr. DiBello, you will have the opportunity to discuss the concerns you have about the appearance of your nose, and the goals you would like to achieve through surgery. Dr. DiBello will perform a comprehensive examination of your nose, review your medical history, and determine the most suitable way(s) to achieve the look you desire. He will take into consideration the overall appearance of your face and facial proportions when developing your customized surgical plan. The goal is always to create a nose that harmonizes with your facial features to create a natural-looking result.

Open Rhinoplasty vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Nasal reshaping is generally done through incisions made on the inside of the nose, which is referred to as the “closed” rhinoplasty technique. In some instances, however, an “open” technique may be necessary, which requires an incision on the underside of your nose between the nostrils. With the open rhinoplasty technique, Dr. DiBello is able to lift the skin that covers the nasal bone and cartilage structures so he can achieve specific reshaping goals with improved visibility. Dr. DiBello will discuss the approach that is best-suited for your needs during your consultation.

What Happens During the Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Since the procedure is highly customized, the details and techniques used during your surgery will vary based on your anatomical needs and the desired outcome. Dr. DiBello may employ the following approaches during your surgery to accomplish specific treatment goals:

By removing a small wedge of skin at the bottom of the nostrils, the base of your nose can be narrowed while reducing the size of the nostrils.
Your nose can be reduced or built up by altering the internal supporting structures through the removal or addition of cartilage, or by using dermal fillers. This “tenting” will allow the skin and soft tissues to assume their new shape.
Your breathing problems can be caused by irregularities in the nasal passages and adjustments to these can be made to improve the function of your airway.

The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes between two to three hours, though treatment time can be longer if the surgery is exceptionally complex.

Click below to see the rhinoplasty procedure animated!

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What Is Asian and Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a uniquely designed nose surgery procedure for patients who are of Asian or ethnic descent. “Ethnic rhinoplasty” is actually used as an umbrella term for a nose surgery procedure customized to correct any structural and/or cosmetic concerns, while taking into account a patient’s specific ethnicity and ancestral features. This particular procedure can also be referred to as African-American rhinoplasty, Middle Eastern rhinoplasty, Asian rhinoplasty, Hispanic rhinoplasty, or another term based on the individual patient’s heritage. Dr. DiBello essentially uses the same standard rhinoplasty techniques; however, his surgical approach will be particularly sensitive to the cosmetic goals of the patient without affecting features that are unique to their ethnicity. Ethnic rhinoplasty can provide many benefits, including:

Improved facial symmetry
More defined nasal bridge
Reshaped and contoured nasal tip
Corrected structural imperfections
Maintained ethnic characteristics

Dr. DiBello’s overall goal is to deliver outcomes that are cosmetically pleasing, while still preserving the unique ethnic features of the patient’s nose. If you are considering this procedure, he will discuss with you what your desired look is and the different approaches available to meet your needs.

Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Possible?

A “liquid rhinoplasty”, or non-surgical rhinoplasty, is a non-invasive approach to reshaping the nose. This treatment method uses dermal fillers (such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane®) to improve nasal contours and enhance facial balance and symmetry. Liquid rhinoplasty does not require surgical incisions or an extensive recovery period. Results can be seen immediately; however, the outcomes are not permanent. We usually recommend touch-up injections to maintain the effects of liquid rhinoplasty. This non-surgical approach may not be the best option for everyone since it does come with some cosmetic limitations. Liquid rhinoplasty will not be able to make the nose smaller, remove a nasal hump, refine the nose tip, or reduce the size of the nostrils. Patients with minimal concerns, such as asymmetry or mild dorsal hump, are usually better candidates for dermal fillers.

While the advantages of dermal fillers include less downtime, lower cost, and avoidance of a surgical procedure, treatment does have its risks. At this time, no dermal fillers are FDA approved for injection in the nasal area, and this use is considered “off label” due to the possibility of skin necrosis, scarring, and possible blindness if not injected properly. It is, however, a safe procedure when carried out by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the anatomy of the nasal area. Dr. DiBello personally performs all dermal filler injections at DiBello Plastic Surgery.

Individuals who desire more significant and lasting changes may require surgical rhinoplasty. We advise patients to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello to discuss if non-surgical rhinoplasty may be a good option for their unique needs and aesthetic goals.

What is Recovery After Rhinoplasty Like?

While Dr. DiBello utilizes techniques that can help prevent significant postoperative discomfort and reduce recovery time, it is common to experience temporary soreness, swelling, and bruising. Most patients improve greatly within the first week, and the majority are able to return to work approximately seven days after surgery. The methods Dr. DiBello uses are also aimed at minimizing visible scarring, and any incision lines on the outside of the nose generally fade over time, ultimately becoming barely visible. The final results of rhinoplasty should become progressively more apparent as swelling continues to diminish, which may take up to a year. In order to track your progress and healing, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. DiBello.

What Will My Rhinoplasty Results Look Like?

As mentioned previously on this site, our website is unique in that we do not present before/after photos; instead, we opt to show you inspirational images from nature, our beautiful and relaxing office, and of course, Dr. DiBello himself. We have chosen images from nature because we feel that each individual is truly unique and deserves the best, most natural and authentic result. We never talk about “giving you the perfect nose” because, after all, “perfect” is a word that means different things to different people. There is no photo or computer generated image we could show you that captures the best and most natural results we would accomplish for the individual you are, which is a result of Dr. DiBello’s immensely personable, personalized, and natural approach to cosmetic plastic surgery of the nose. That being said, you will have the opportunity to review Dr. DiBello’s extensive portfolio of before-and-after photos in the privacy of our office during your consultation with him at DiBello Plastic Surgery.

How Do I Select the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon for Me?

It is extremely important to choose the right plastic surgeon for any procedure, especially rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty is a very complex procedure so it is most beneficial to find a plastic surgeon that is board-certified and demonstrates a commitment to safety, advanced techniques, and comprehensive care. We advise patients to conduct thorough research on their surgeon. A few tips we usually tell our patients include:

Review the surgeon’s biography and credentials to verify their experience.
View the doctor’s before-and-after photos for rhinoplasty to give you an idea of the results they are capable of achieving.
Read online patient reviews and testimonials to give you a broad understanding of previous patients’ experiences.
Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident under their care.

Dr. DiBello is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who provides a patient-focused approach to treatment. He listens to how you are feeling and what your goals are, as well as answers your questions thoroughly. If you are interested in viewing images of his past rhinoplasty patients, Dr. DiBello can provide you with the opportunity to look at before-and-after photos in his office. Dr. DiBello truly strives to give the highest quality of care to his patients.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Cost?

The average price for rhinoplasty surgery at our Philadelphia practice is approximately $6,200. When looking into the varying costs of rhinoplasty surgery with different plastic surgeons, be aware that some estimates may only include the surgeon’s fee, and do not take any other variables into account. The average price we have included here is the actual overall cost, which includes:

Dr. DiBello’s fee
Hospital fees
Pre-admission testing
Anesthesia fees

To get a precise estimate of what your customized rhinoplasty surgical plan and care might cost, a personal consultation with Dr. DiBello is required. Following a comprehensive examination and assessment, Dr. DiBello can develop a personalized treatment tailored to your needs and goals, as well as provide a detailed price quote.

Additional Questions About Rhinoplasty

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Because rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, there should be little opportunity for significant discomfort during the procedure itself. With that in mind, patients will experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling following the surgery, but these effects should dissipate within a few weeks.

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

As rhinoplasty often involves the restructuring of the nose’s inner framework, results are generally permanent. Note that the effects may not be immediately noticeable and usually become more apparent as residual swelling fades. To best maintain the effects of your rhinoplasty, we advise you to closely follow your aftercare instructions and practice caution when playing sports or doing intense physical activity.

When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?

Any type of added pressure on the nasal bridge following rhinoplasty should be avoided for at least four to eight weeks after surgery, or until the nose is fully healed. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, goggles, and generally anything that will cause strain to the nasal bridge. Alternative solutions may include contact lenses to help with vision and hats for keeping the sun out of your eyes. In some cases, patients might be able to wear glasses during the first 7 to 10 days of recovery, but this requires clearance from Dr. DiBello.

Should I choose open or closed rhinoplasty?

The specifics of your rhinoplasty procedure will depend on your unique aesthetic goals and preferences. While Dr. DiBello typically prefers the “closed” rhinoplasty technique due to its tendency to produce less scarring, the “open” method can be the more ideal option for patients who need a more substantial reworking of their nose. This is because “open” rhinoplasty usually grants the surgeon more access to the nose’s innermost structure.

Is there a difference between male and female rhinoplasty?

Although a patient’s gender is largely irrelevant to the specifics of the surgery itself, males and females often desire different cosmetic effects when it comes to facial enhancement surgery, including rhinoplasty. In particular, females often desire a softer and more delicately-shaped nose with a slightly upturned tip, while males typically want a sharper and more defined look with a tip shaped at a 90-degree angle. Please note, however, that each patient will have their own individual aesthetic goals for rhinoplasty, and Dr. DiBello will strive to provide these effects.

For more information about rhinoplasty and other facial plastic surgery procedures we offer, we welcome you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.