Although rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons is not paid by insurance, functional rhinoplasty that is medically necessary to improve your breathing may be covered. If you may be applying for reimbursement from your insurance, please tell Dr. Shumway in your consultation. We can help you submit any needed information and paperwork to your insurance to process your claim. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically considered elective, while functional rhinoplasty to improve nasal function and breathing may be reviewed differently by each insurer.

If you want to smooth lumps and bumps on your nose, a wrinkle filler (like Restylane or Juvéderm) might be an option. A filler can temporarily improve minor imperfections, which might help you decide to get a rhinoplasty. Nose surgery is better for larger changes, long-lasting results, and to adjust the internal structure for better function. At your consultation, Dr. Shumway can tell you more about nonsurgical nose reshaping. Dermal fillers are temporary, so patients who want a lasting change to a nasal hump, a crooked nose, or the nose shape may consider nose reshaping surgery instead.

Some patients think about combining rhinoplasty with another procedure, like cheek or chin augmentation. Having multiple surgeries for a dramatic result can be reviewed during your consultation with Dr. Shumway. Once he understands your goals, he can help you choose which procedures will be in your custom plan. Rhinoplasty can help your whole face appear more balanced so you should wait to see your results before getting another procedure. A nose job can create facial balance when it is planned alongside other features, and Dr. Shumway may discuss facial plastic surgery options and rhinoplasty procedures once your goals are clear.

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure designed to change the shape, size, or function of the nose. It can be performed for cosmetic reasons to enhance appearance or for medical reasons to improve breathing or correct structural defects like a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty surgery can also address the nasal septum, the nasal passages, and the nasal airway when breathing is affected, and it can refine the nasal tip and the overall nose shape.

People opt for rhinoplasty for various reasons:
• Cosmetic: To enhance facial harmony by reshaping the nose, making it proportionate to other features. Cosmetic rhinoplasty may also improve facial balance.

• Medical: To improve breathing issues, such as those caused by a deviated septum or other nasal obstructions.
• Reconstructive: After injury or trauma to the nose to restore its natural shape and function. This may include nasal reconstruction as part of reconstructive surgery, depending on the injury.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the base of the nose (open rhinoplasty). The skin is then lifted to expose the bone and cartilage, which are reshaped as needed. Afterward, the skin is re-draped, and the incisions are closed. Dr. Shumway will explain which anesthesia option is best for your nose job, and because the bone and cartilage are reshaped during surgery, cartilage grafts may be used when extra support is needed.

The recovery time varies from person to person. Generally, the initial healing period takes about 1-2 weeks, during which time swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose are common. Full recovery and the final results may take up to a year, as the nose continues to settle into its new shape. Because nose reshaping continues to settle for up to a year, patience is part of the process, and the nose tip may stay slightly swollen the longest.

While rhinoplasty is generally a safe procedure, like all surgeries, it carries some risks, including:
• Infection
• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulties
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic results (sometimes requiring revision surgery)
• Anesthesia risks
Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shumway can minimize these risks. A cosmetic surgeon who explains each risk clearly can help you feel prepared for rhinoplasty surgery.

Most patients report mild discomfort following rhinoplasty, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Swelling and bruising are common, but severe pain is rare. The level of discomfort usually decreases within a few days after surgery.

For most patients, a return to light activities can be done after 1-2 weeks, when the majority of swelling and bruising has subsided. However, it’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, for 4-6 weeks to allow the nose to fully heal.

Yes, rhinoplasty can address structural issues that impair breathing, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse. If breathing problems are the primary concern, functional rhinoplasty may be performed alongside cosmetic enhancements. Functional rhinoplasty surgery can improve breathing by straightening a deviated septum or supporting the nasal valve, and Dr. Shumway can combine it with cosmetic rhinoplasty so the nose looks and works better.

During your consultation, Dr. Shumway will assess the structure of your nose and face, discuss your goals, and explain the different types of rhinoplasty techniques. They may take photographs for planning purposes and offer a detailed explanation of the procedure, risks, and recovery. Dr. Shumway will also evaluate your breathing function, your nasal anatomy, and the desired shape you have in mind before recommending rhinoplasty surgery. 

While initial changes can be seen after the swelling goes down, the final results of rhinoplasty may take up to a year to fully appear. The shape and symmetry of your nose will continue to refine and settle over time.

Yes, rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as chin augmentation, facelifts, or eyelid surgery. Many people choose to combine procedures to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance. Some patients combine rhinoplasty with a facelift or neck surgery, though each rhinoplasty procedure is planned individually.

Ideal candidates are those in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and are dissatisfied with the appearance or function of their nose. It’s important that the nose has fully developed (usually after age 16 for women and 18 for men) before undergoing surgery. If you are thinking about a nose job, it helps to know that facial growth continues into the late teens, so Dr. Shumway considers both age and facial maturity when deciding whether rhinoplasty is appropriate.

The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the price ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. Insurance may cover the procedure if it is done for medical reasons, such as fixing a deviated septum. A nose job may cost more when open rhinoplasty, cartilage grafts, or revision rhinoplasty are needed, so a personalized quote from Dr. Shumway is the best way to understand your investment.

When choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon, ensure they are very experienced and specialize in the rhinoplasty procedure. Look for someone with experience specifically in rhinoplasty and review before-and-after photos of previous patients. A consultation is an essential opportunity to ask questions and assess the surgeon’s expertise. When comparing plastic surgeons, ask whether the surgeon is a facial plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon with extensive nose experience, and ask how many rhinoplasty procedures they perform each year.

In some cases, patients may choose to undergo revision rhinoplasty to refine or correct issues from the original surgery. While complications are rare, some individuals may require additional surgery to achieve their desired results. It’s important to follow post-operative care instructions and give your nose time to fully heal before considering any revisions. Secondary rhinoplasty is another term for revision surgery on a nose that has had a previous procedure, while a primary rhinoplasty is the first surgery. Dr. Shumway can explain whether a revision rhinoplasty is appropriate, and patients who have had previous surgeries on the nose may need a detailed evaluation of the remaining nasal structure.