Introduction
Nostril shape reshaping, a part of rhinoplasty, is a popular cosmetic and functional surgical procedure. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, several hospitals and clinics stand out for their expertise in this area. Rhinoplasty can enhance the appearance of the nose and improve its function, such as breathing. Here, we will introduce the top three selected institutions for nostril shape reshaping in the city, highlighting their features, surgeons, and the services they offer.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Overview
Mount Sinai is a renowned medical institution with a long - standing reputation for excellence in various medical fields, including facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. The division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai is staffed by highly skilled surgeons who are dedicated to providing high - quality rhinoplasty procedures.
Surgeons
The facial plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are double - board - certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Their vast expertise in nasal function, as well as nasal and facial aesthetics, means they can create results that not only look better but also improve the patient's ability to breathe. For example, they understand the complex anatomy of the nose and how different structures interact, allowing them to perform surgeries that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Mount Sinai offers a variety of rhinoplasty procedures:
- Primary Rhinoplasty: This is the first - time surgery to address cosmetic concerns and/or nasal breathing. For instance, a patient who has always been self - conscious about the size or shape of their nose may opt for primary rhinoplasty. The surgeons at Mount Sinai will work closely with the patient to understand their goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Revision Rhinoplasty: In cases where a previous nose surgery has not achieved the desired results, or there are concerns or deformities resulting from prior surgeries, revision rhinoplasty can be performed. The surgeons at Mount Sinai have the experience and skills to handle the challenges associated with revision surgeries, such as scar tissue and previous structural changes.
- Open and Closed Rhinoplasty:
- Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nose, resulting in no external scar and a relatively shorter operation time. This approach is suitable for patients who require minor alterations to their nasal structures. For example, if a patient wants to correct a small bump on the bridge of their nose, closed rhinoplasty may be the preferred option.
- Open (External) Rhinoplasty: A small incision is added at the base of the nose to increase the surgical field of vision. This allows for better visualization of the nasal anatomy and more complex alterations and grafting. If a patient has a more severe structural issue, such as a deviated septum or significant nasal asymmetry, open rhinoplasty may be more appropriate.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Patients at Mount Sinai have access to a wide range of specialists and subspecialists. For those with specific concerns related to nasal breathing, nasal allergies, sinus disease, or deformity after cancer treatments, the hospital's team works closely with experts in the division of rhinology and sinus surgery and the head and neck institute. In some cases, combined surgeries may be performed to address multiple issues simultaneously.
Adolescent Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a common procedure among teenagers and youth. However, if the surgery is for cosmetic reasons, girls should typically wait until around age 15 (after puberty) and boys until 17 or 18 years or older, when their nasal bone has reached its adult size. If the procedure is to correct a breathing problem or repair the bone after an injury, it can be performed before the patient is fully grown.
Before and After Surgery Care
Patients interested in rhinoplasty at Mount Sinai start with an extensive consultation to identify areas of concern and review their goals. The surgeons then develop an individualized treatment plan. The surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia or with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Prior to surgery, patients are given instructions regarding medications and how to prepare for recovery. After surgery, they are usually given a short course of antibiotics and mild pain medication, and most of the swelling subsides within the first two weeks, although it may take up to a year for all the swelling to fully fade.
Cost
Insurance may cover surgery performed to improve breathing (e.g., deviated septum), but it does not cover surgery that is done for cosmetic reasons. Mount Sinai provides patients with expected costs prior to any intervention.
2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
Overview
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery (NY GPS) has been satisfying patients in the Tarrytown and tri - state areas for over 27 years. They are known for providing high - quality rhinoplasty procedures and have a team of experienced surgeons.
Surgeon: Dr. Jordan Jacobs
Dr. Jordan Jacobs has undergone extensive training under the mentorship of globally acclaimed medical leaders and experts. He received his medical education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, completed his residency in reconstruction at NYU, and pursued fellowship training in craniofacial surgery, also at NYU. He was recently awarded top doctor as featured in New York Magazine. His dedication to refining his expertise and proficiency in the field makes him a sought - after surgeon for rhinoplasty.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
If patients are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty at NY GPS can be highly beneficial. It can correct various issues such as:
- Nose size in relation to facial proportions
- Nasal asymmetry
- Nose width at the bridge of the nose
- Size, position, or shape of the nostrils
- Nasal tip that appears bulbous, droopy, hooked, or upturned
- Visible bumps or depressions present on the bridge of the nose
- Nasal disfigurement due to injury or trauma
- Functional defects such as a deviated septum
Patient Selection
For teenage candidates, they must display heightened emotional maturity, and for girls, the skeletal structure of the nose is typically fully formed between the ages of 14 and 15, while for boys, it is between 16 and 17. It's important for patients of any age to understand that rhinoplasty can enhance their appearance but will not deliver perfection or give them the appearance of someone else.
Combining Procedures
Many patients at NY GPS choose to combine rhinoplasty with other facial cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, brow lifts, ear shaping, and eyelid surgery. This offers the added benefit of only a single recovery period. The expert team of surgeons is happy to discuss all the cosmetic options with patients during the initial consultation to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
What to Expect from the Procedure
Rhinoplasty surgery at NY GPS is performed on an outpatient basis at their on - site surgical facility. It typically takes about one to two hours. The surgeon will choose between open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty depending on the patient's concerns. Closed rhinoplasty eliminates visible external scarring and is usually used for minor alterations, while open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon better access to the bones and cartilage and is used for more extensive nose reshaping.
Recovery
Most patients can return to light activities, including work, after about one full week of healing. However, it is essential to wait for the surgeon's approval before resuming more strenuous activities, such as exercising, which is usually after about four to six weeks. The results of the rhinoplasty will begin to become apparent after about one to two weeks of recovery, but slight swelling may persist for several months to a full year depending on the extent and complexity of the surgery.
Cost
The cost of rhinoplasty at NY GPS is influenced by several factors:
- Insurance Coverage: Reconstructive surgeries to correct injuries or serious health issues may be partially covered by insurance, while cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered.
- Type of Surgery: Revision rhinoplasty is more complex and time - consuming, carrying a higher price tag compared to primary rhinoplasty. Septoplasty, which straightens the septum, tends to be the most affordable type.
- Anesthesia: Procedures performed under general anesthesia are generally more expensive than those done under local anesthesia with sedation.