Introduction
The nose is not only a central and defining feature on the face but also a vital organ for smell and part of the respiratory system. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a "nose job," has gained immense popularity as a plastic surgery procedure. In New York City, there are several renowned plastic surgery hospitals and clinics offering rhinoplasty, including supra - anatomical rhinoplasty, a specialized form of the procedure.
Understanding Rhinoplasty
Definition and Popularity
Rhinoplasty is the surgical manipulation of the bone, cartilage, skin, and soft tissue of the nose to enhance its physical appearance and sometimes improve its function. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 213,000 people receive a nose job each year in the United States. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed, with patients seeking it for various reasons such as correcting aesthetic flaws or improving breathing problems.
Types of Rhinoplasty
- Primary Rhinoplasty: This surgery is performed for the first time to address cosmetic concerns and/or nasal breathing. It aims to change the size, shape, or structure of the nose for the first time in a patient's life.
- Revision Rhinoplasty: This procedure is carried out to correct concerns or deformities resulting from prior nose surgeries. It is often more complex than primary rhinoplasty as it may involve dealing with scar tissue and previous surgical changes to the nasal anatomy.
- Open Rhinoplasty: In this approach, a small incision is added at the base of the nose (on the columella) to increase the surgical field of vision. This allows for better visualization of the nasal anatomy and enables more complex alterations and grafting to be performed. However, it may leave a small scar on the underside of the nose, which can usually be well - hidden within the nasal contours.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: During this closed surgical approach, all of the incisions are made inside the nose. The advantage of this method is the lack of an external scar and the relatively shorter duration of the operation. It is typically used for patients who require minor alterations to their nasal structures.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. Aesthetically, it can change the size and shape of the nose, modify the bridge, adjust the size of the nostril openings, balance the facial features, and correct a bulbous or drooping tip. Functionally, it can improve nasal breathing for patients with chronic sinus problems or anatomical issues such as a deviated septum and reconstruct previously injured or disfigured noses from accidents or nasal disease.
Plastic Surgery Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Rhinoplasty
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is well - known for its rhinoplasty procedures. The facial plastic surgeons here are double - board - certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Their vast expertise in nasal function and nasal and facial aesthetics ensures that patients not only get a better - looking nose but also improved breathing. The surgeons perform both closed/endonasal and open/external rhinoplasty, and they work closely with patients to determine the most appropriate surgical option based on their unique anatomy and goals.
Whether it's an elective cosmetic rhinoplasty or a surgery to improve breathing or repair the nasal structure after an injury, Mount Sinai's team aims to create natural, long - lasting results. They also have a multidisciplinary approach, providing access to a wide range of specialists for patients with specific concerns related to nasal breathing, allergies, sinus disease, or deformities after cancer treatments. In some cases, they can even perform combined surgeries.
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience. He is Ivy League educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center and is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He performs rhinoplasty surgery at his New York City office.
Dr. Weintraub specializes in both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems such as nasoseptal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and middle - vault collapse, which are often insurance - reimbursable. Cosmetic rhinoplasty corrects aesthetic issues like a hump on the nose, a bulbous tip, a too - wide or too - flat bridge, or abnormal nostril size. He uses both closed and open approaches, with the closed approach often used for primary rhinoplasties and the open approach for more complex secondary or tertiary rhinoplasties.
His approach to surgery emphasizes safety, with patients placed in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He also insists on the highest sterile conditions in his operating room, using board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Dr. Weintraub's patients come from all over the world, especially those seeking revision rhinoplasty to correct the results of prior surgeries.
New York Group for Plastic Surgery
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery (NY GPS) offers the best rhinoplasty in New York City. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a surgeon at NY GPS, has extensive training under globally acclaimed medical leaders. 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 at NYU as well.
Rhinoplasty at NY GPS can effectively correct a wide range of issues, including nose size in relation to facial proportions, nasal asymmetry, bridge width, nostril size and shape, nasal tip appearance, visible bumps on the bridge, nasal disfigurement due to injury, and functional defects such as a deviated septum. The surgeons at NY GPS are also experienced in combining rhinoplasty with other facial cosmetic procedures like facelifts, brow lifts, ear shaping, and eyelid surgery for an overall facial improvement with a single recovery period.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at their on - site surgical facility. The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty is determined based on the patient's concerns and the complexity of the desired adjustments. Patients at NY GPS are provided with detailed pre - operative and post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible aesthetic results.
Rowe Plastic Surgery
The team at Rowe Plastic Surgery strives to create a natural - appearing nose without the "cookie - cutter" look. They discuss each patient's anatomy and desires and then agree on a plan for the nasal shape. The plastic surgeons here perform the surgery via either the endonasal (closed) approach, leaving no visible scar, or the external (open) approach, leaving a small incision in the skin between the nostrils, depending on the patient's anatomy and surgical desires.
They specialize in revision and difficult rhinoplasties, using their extensive knowledge of nasal cosmetics to take on challenging cases. If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeons may also perform surgery on the septum to improve breathing. Rhinoplasty surgery at Rowe Plastic Surgery is usually an outpatient procedure performed under either local or general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours. Patients are usually able to return to their normal lifestyle in 2 - 3 days and start seeing the results of the surgery almost immediately.
Gotham Plastic Surgery
Dr. Miller at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City performs functional rhinoplasty on an outpatient basis at the JCAHO accredited office - based surgery facility. The surgery can improve the appearance of the nose by reshaping, reducing, or augmenting it, removing a hump, narrowing the nostril width, or changing the angle between the nose and mouth. It can also correct injuries, birth defects, and certain breathing problems.
Most incisions are made on the inside of the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty), but in some cases, a small, well - hidden incision is made on the underside of the nose (open rhinoplasty). After the surgery, a cast is applied to the nose and removed after approximately one week. Nasal packing may be used to control bleeding and is removed on the morning after surgery. Sutures are removed in several days. Most patients experience little pain during recovery, and swelling and bruising fade over several weeks.
Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC - Dr. Elie Levine
Dr. Elie Levine is an experienced plastic surgeon in New York City. He graduated from Columbia College with a 4.0 and earned his MD from the Yale School of Medicine, finishing in the top 10% of his class. He continued his training at the Mount Sinai Medical Center and completed an advanced aesthetic fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.
Dr. Levine is experienced in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques. He performs rhinoplasty in an accredited in - office surgical facility, and the surgery takes approximately 2 - 3 hours under twilight or general anesthesia. He also offers revision rhinoplasty for patients unhappy with the results of previous nose surgeries. The recovery process at his practice is well - managed, with specific instructions for each stage of recovery, from using cool compresses on the first day to the removal of external stitches and the gradual reduction of swelling over time.
His patients have reported excellent results, with natural - looking noses that are in balance with the rest of their faces. He uses advanced 3D imaging systems to help patients visualize the possible results, and his post - operative care is extensive, following patients until they are fully healed.
Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker is a board - certified NYC plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in the art and science of nose surgery. His rhinoplasty procedures are customized to each patient's unique anatomical features and desires, aiming for natural and beautiful results that enhance facial harmony.
During the consultation, Dr. Kolker performs a comprehensive nasal and facial examination and discusses the best options based on the patient's goals. He can address various structural issues such as dorsal humps, nasal width, asymmetry, prominent or drooping nasal tips, post - traumatic deformities, and nasal airway problems. He uses both open and closed rhinoplasty approaches, with the choice depending on the required structural modifications.
The recovery process at Dr. Kolker's practice is carefully monitored, with specific instructions for each stage, from minimizing bruising and swelling in the first 48 hours to gradually resuming activities as the swelling subsides. He also offers rhinoplasty alternatives such as injectable hyaluronic acid fillers for selected individuals and can combine rhinoplasty with other facial procedures for a more balanced facial appearance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital for Rhinoplasty
Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met the high standards set by the relevant professional organizations and has the necessary training and skills. Experience is also a key factor, especially in complex rhinoplasty cases. Surgeons with years of experience are more likely to have encountered a wide range of nasal anatomies and can handle various challenges during the surgery.
Reputation and Patient Reviews
Research the hospital's and surgeon's reputation. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, the results of the surgeries, and the overall patient experience. Look for reviews on multiple platforms, such as the hospital's website, independent review sites, and social media. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indication of a reliable practice.
Facility and Safety Standards
The surgical facility should meet high safety standards. Accredited facilities have undergone rigorous inspections to ensure that they have the necessary equipment, staffing, and protocols in place to provide safe surgical care. Ask about the type of anesthesia used, the presence of board - certified anesthesiologists, and the monitoring equipment available during the surgery.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Cost is an important consideration for many patients. The cost of rhinoplasty can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, the type of anesthesia, and the location of the facility. It's essential to get a clear understanding of all the costs involved, including pre - operative appointments, operating fees, and post - operative care. Insurance may cover rhinoplasty performed to correct breathing problems, but cosmetic rhinoplasty is usually not covered. Discuss insurance options and payment plans with the hospital or surgeon.
The Rhinoplasty Process
Consultation
The first step in the rhinoplasty process is the consultation. During this appointment, the patient will meet with the surgeon to discuss their concerns, goals, and expectations. The surgeon will perform a physical examination of the nose, including assessing the internal and external structures. They may also take photographs and use imaging software to help the patient visualize the possible results. The surgeon will explain the different surgical options available, the risks and benefits of each, and answer any questions the patient may have.
Pre - operative Preparation
Once the patient decides to proceed with rhinoplasty, they will need to make some preparations. This may include getting medical clearance from their family physician, following specific instructions regarding medications (such as avoiding certain blood - thinning medications), and preparing their home for the recovery period. The patient may also be given prescriptions for medications to be taken after the surgery, such as antibiotics and pain medication.
Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. The duration of the surgery can range from one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgeon will make the incisions according to the chosen approach (open or closed) and then reshape the bone and cartilage of the nose. They may also use grafts to support and contour the final result. After the surgery, the nose is usually splinted to hold the new shape in place.
Post - operative Recovery
Recovery from rhinoplasty takes time. Immediately after the surgery, the patient will need someone to drive them home and stay with them for the first 24 to 48 hours. There will be some swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes, which will gradually subside over the next few weeks. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for the nose, such as keeping it clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and following a specific diet to minimize swelling. The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the healing process and remove the splint and stitches at the appropriate time.
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the best plastic surgery hospitals and clinics for rhinoplasty, including supra - anatomical rhinoplasty. These institutions offer a wide range of options, with highly qualified surgeons who are experts in both aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty. Whether you are looking to correct a cosmetic flaw or improve your breathing, it is important to choose a hospital and surgeon that meets your specific needs and provides high - quality care.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, take the time to research your options, schedule consultations with multiple surgeons, and ask plenty of questions. By making an informed decision, you can increase your chances of achieving the results you desire and having a positive surgical experience. We encourage you to share this article with others who may be interested in rhinoplasty and to explore the websites of the hospitals and clinics mentioned to learn more about their services.
