Rhinoplasty is a highly customized procedure that can improve the appearance, proportion, and balance of the nose while preserving harmony with the rest of the face. At Funt Aesthetics, Dr. David K. Funt is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with extensive experience in facial anatomy and cosmetic surgery.
The nose can be reshaped in a variety of ways. Its size, width, symmetry, projection, bridge, tip, and nostril shape may all be adjusted depending on the patient’s goals. Subtle changes can make a noticeable difference because the nose sits at the center of the face. Rhinoplasty may also be used to address structural concerns that interfere with breathing.
What Can Rhinoplasty Improve?
Each rhinoplasty is planned around the patient’s facial structure and the specific features they would like to change. The goal is not to create a standard nose, but to develop a shape that looks natural and proportionate with the surrounding features.
Rhinoplasty may help:
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Improve overall facial balance
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Reduce or smooth a bump along the bridge
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Refine a bulbous, drooping, or prominent nasal tip
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Adjust nasal width or projection
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Improve crookedness or asymmetry
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Refine the shape or width of the nostrils
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Address certain structural problems that affect breathing
Changes to the nose should also be considered in relation to features such as the chin and jawline, since facial proportions influence how the nose is perceived.
Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty may be performed for cosmetic, functional, or both concerns. Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on the size, shape, and proportions of the nose. Functional rhinoplasty is intended to improve structural problems that interfere with nasal airflow.
A deviated septum is one possible source of breathing difficulty and may be corrected with septoplasty, sometimes at the same time as rhinoplasty. Other structural concerns can also affect airflow and require individualized evaluation.
When appearance and breathing concerns are treated together, the surgical plan must account for both facial balance and proper nasal function.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty may be performed using an open or closed technique. With open rhinoplasty, an incision is made between the nostrils at the base of the nose, giving the surgeon greater access to the underlying structures. Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions placed inside the nostrils.
In either approach, Dr. Funt can reshape cartilage and bone to create the desired contour. Cartilage grafting may also be used when additional structural support or volume is needed.
The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on the changes being made and the anatomy of the nose rather than one technique being appropriate for every patient.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty may be appropriate for patients who want to improve nasal proportions, asymmetry, tip shape, a prominent bridge, or certain breathing concerns.
Good candidates should generally be physically healthy, have completed facial growth, avoid smoking, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
During consultation, Dr. Funt evaluates the nose in relation to the entire face. Nasal structure, skin thickness, breathing, previous injuries or surgeries, and the patient’s goals all influence treatment planning.
Rhinoplasty Recovery and Results
Swelling and bruising are expected after rhinoplasty, particularly around the nose and eyes. A nasal splint may be used during the early healing period to protect and support the new structure. Many patients are able to return to work or school within about one to two weeks, depending on their recovery and daily activities.
The nose continues to refine long after the initial bruising and swelling resolve. Subtle swelling, particularly around the tip, can persist for months, and the final contour may take up to a year to fully develop.
Rhinoplasty creates long-lasting structural changes, although the nose and surrounding facial tissues will continue to change naturally with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discomfort after rhinoplasty is generally manageable with appropriate medication. Many patients notice congestion, pressure, swelling, and tenderness during the early recovery period rather than severe pain.
Keeping the head elevated and following postoperative instructions carefully can help make recovery more comfortable.
The structural changes made during rhinoplasty are designed to be long-lasting. Once swelling has fully resolved, the new nasal contour generally remains stable, although normal aging can gradually affect the surrounding tissues.
The cost of rhinoplasty varies according to the complexity of the procedure and the techniques required. Dr. Funt can provide a more specific estimate after examining the nose and developing a surgical plan.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered by medical insurance. Coverage may be available for certain medically necessary functional procedures, depending on the insurance plan and circumstances.
Rhinoplasty requires a high level of precision because small changes to bone and cartilage can affect both facial proportions and nasal function. The procedure must account for appearance, structural support, breathing, skin thickness, and how the nose will heal over time.
For this reason, careful planning and detailed knowledge of facial and nasal anatomy are especially important.
Why Choose Funt Aesthetics for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty requires precise knowledge of facial proportions, nasal anatomy, cartilage, bone, and the relationship between appearance and breathing. Dr. David K. Funt is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His extensive experience in facial surgery and anatomy has also led him to teach medical professionals and lecture nationally and internationally on facial anatomy and aesthetic techniques.
Dr. Funt has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for more than 25 years and has held academic appointments in plastic surgery. At Funt Aesthetics, each rhinoplasty is planned around the patient’s individual facial structure and goals, with careful attention to natural proportions, nasal support, and a result that fits the rest of the face.
Explore Rhinoplasty in Long Island & Nassau County, NY
Rhinoplasty can refine nasal shape, improve facial balance, and address certain structural concerns that affect breathing. Funt Aesthetics provides individualized rhinoplasty planning for patients throughout Long Island and Nassau County, NY. To discuss the changes you would like to make and determine whether rhinoplasty is right for you, call 516-295-0404 to schedule a consultation with Funt Aesthetics.
Rhinoplasty Patient Testimonials
What words could express my gratitude for all that you have done for me? Before I met you, I was told that I would have to resolve myself to figuring out a way to live with my “stomach.” I do believe in fate, and my meeting you is the perfect example of that. I’m so impressed with your knowledge and extremely kind mannerisms — a combination that doesn’t always occur. It’s obvious you care very much about people. Before the surgery, friends and family asked if I was nervous. I was able to honestly answer “no,” simply because I knew I was in superior hands.
It took me a long time to make this decision because I never found the right doctor until I met you. I’m so happy and much more confident with myself and I owe it all to you. You and your staff are so wonderful and made it so easy for me. I hope you continue changing people’s lives like you did mine! Thanks again
I greatly appreciated it when you helped me out in my accident a few weeks ago. It was very generous of you to take your time to come with me and stitch me up at the hospital, making it a less scary experience. It saved us all plenty of time there and it also helped me to keep my full head of hair. You really did a great job at both putting my stitches in at the hospital and taking them out at your office. Once again thank you for being such a great friend to me and a great doctor.
