F.A.Q.

What are some of the aesthetic reasons patients consider having a rhinoplasty?

Typically, patients consider rhinoplasty because they are dissatisfied with their facial appearance. They may want to change the shape of the nose, have a bump or depression removed, narrow or widen the nostrils or bridge, or alter a bulbous, hooked or drooping tip.

Are there medical reasons for having a rhinoplasty?

While most people think of rhinoplasty procedures as being performed for cosmetic purposes, there are also many sound medical reasons for this surgery. These include birth defects (such as a cleft lip or palate), a deviated septum, chronic sinus problems, and obstructed breathing (such as sleep apnea). Sometimes, patients seek rhinoplasty because their nose has been damaged due to a traumatic event or a serious illness, such as a brain tumor.

How much does a typical rhinoplasty cost?

There are variations in the cost of a rhinoplasty procedure, depending on precisely what has to be done. In most cases, insurance only covers rhinoplasty procedures when there has been recent trauma to the nose or when the surgery is necessary to improve breathing function. In the latter case, only the portion of the surgery that is medically essential will be covered.

Is there more than one type of rhinoplasty procedure?

Yes, there are two basic types of rhinoplasty procedures: open and closed.

What is the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty procedure?

During an open rhinoplasty, an external incision is made in the columella (the area between the nostrils), whereas during a closed rhinoplasty all incisions are made through the nostrils, inside the nose.

Are there advantages to a closed procedure?

Yes, there are many advantages to having a closed procedure, including: no visible scarring, less pain, less bruising, less postoperative swelling, and a shorter recovery period. Dr. Tobias performs only closed surgeries.

How long does the surgical procedure take?

A rhinoplasty usually takes about 2 hours, but may run up to an hour longer in certain complicated cases.

What exactly does the procedure involve?

The procedure requires anesthesia. Dr. Tobias’s patients are always under general anesthesia administered by an outstanding anesthesiologist to make the surgery as safe as it can possibly be. Once the hidden incisions are made inside the nose, the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage is gently raised to allow the surgeon access in order to reshape the nose in the desired manner. Depending on the individual case, tissue may be removed or added before skin is redraped over the nose.

Are there any preparations necessary before a rhinoplasty?

There are very few preparations necessary for a rhinoplasty procedure. In most cases, we just want to make sure that the patient is in good health. Patients are instructed to stop smoking and to avoid taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medications or herbal supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. In some cases, they may have to temporarily adjust their current medication regimen.

How is Dr. Tobias particularly well-qualified to perform this surgery?

Dr. Tobias, in addition to his extraordinary credentials, has been exclusively focused on rhinoplasty for 35 years and has performed over 7,000 nose surgeries. He is renowned as one of the leading rhinoplasty surgeons in the United States and one of the very few plastic surgeons who works exclusively on the nose.

Why do some patients have surgery later in life?

In many cases, young patients, though eager to have rhinoplasty, come from homes where there is not enough money for such as procedure. For these patients, becoming a wage-earning adult provides the perk of self-fulfillment in terms of an altered appearance. Also, at times of major life changes, such as divorce, remarriage, a change of career, patients may feel privileged to start anew with an improved facial look. For some older patients, breathing problems or accidents may bring them to Dr. Tobias to improve their quality of life.

Can I see what I will look like before undergoing the procedure?

While many plastic surgeons use digital imaging techniques to give their patients an idea of what they will look like after a rhinoplasty, Dr. Tobias does not. He prefers to discuss the possible changes in consultation rather than to set up a fantasy picture for his patients. This goes along with his philosophy of how important it is to have the nose “fit” the face in a natural way. Intent on preserving individuality, and, if desired, ethnicity, he wants his patients to go into surgery feeling confident that they will come out looking like a vastly improved version of themselves, rather than a robotic caricature of some computer concept of beauty.

I do not want to relinquish my ethnic appearance. Will my ethnicity still be apparent after surgery?

Dr. Tobias works on patients of all ethnic and racial backgrounds and is highly adept at improving the proportions and symmetry of the nose, and altering its imperfections, without taking away any individual or ethnic attributes that the patient wants to retain.

Can Dr. Tobias help me if I have had a previous unsuccessful rhinoplasty procedure?

Absolutely! Dr. Tobias is a master craftsman not only in performing original surgeries, but in correcting surgeries that have been performed by other surgeons and produced unfortunate results. A significant percentage of patients come to Dr. Tobias to have prior surgeries repaired. Typically, a patient has to wait for approximately a year after the first rhinoplasty before the revision surgeon can be performed.