Introduction
Combined nasal base and nasal bridge plastic surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a highly sought - after cosmetic and functional procedure. The nose is a central and defining feature of the face, and its appearance and functionality can greatly impact a person's self - confidence and overall well - being. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several hospitals that stand out for their expertise in this area. This article will explore the top five hospitals for combined nasal base and nasal bridge plastic surgery in New York City.
1. Mount Sinai Hospital
Overview
Mount Sinai Hospital is a renowned medical institution in New York City. Its division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has a strong reputation for performing rhinoplasty procedures with high levels of precision and artistry.
Surgeon Expertise
The facial plastic surgeons at Mount Sinai are double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). This dual certification means they have in - depth knowledge of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the nose. They understand the importance of not only creating a more attractive nose but also ensuring it functions properly as part of the respiratory system. For example, they can address issues like deviated septum during a rhinoplasty procedure, which can improve nasal breathing for patients with chronic sinus problems or anatomical issues.
Types of Rhinoplasty
- Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty: In this approach, all incisions are made inside the nose. The advantage is the lack of an external scar and a relatively shorter operation time. It is a suitable option for patients with less complex nasal issues or those who prefer a more minimally invasive approach.
- 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 enables more complex alterations and grafting. It is often used for cases that require significant reshaping or correction of nasal deformities.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Patients at Mount Sinai have access to a wide range of specialists. 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. They can even perform combined surgeries when appropriate, providing comprehensive care to patients.
Cost and Insurance
Insurance may cover surgery performed to improve breathing (e.g., for a deviated septum), but it does not cover cosmetic - only rhinoplasty. The hospital provides patients with expected costs prior to any intervention, ensuring transparency in the financial aspect of the procedure.
2. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Expert Surgeon
Dr. David Cangello is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City and is widely recognized as a leader in rhinoplasty and a pioneer of preservation rhinoplasty. His innovative approach to nasal bridge surgery sets his practice apart from others.
Preservation Rhinoplasty
Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern approach that preserves as much of the original nasal structure as possible. This technique has several advantages over traditional methods. First, the dorsum is completely preserved, eliminating the need for cartilage grafts and reducing the possibility of dorsum irregularities and the need for revision rhinoplasty. Second, the dissection takes place in a different plane, leaving the perichondrium and periosteum intact. This preserves the veins, arteries, and lymphatics, almost eliminating bruising and swelling and minimizing the patient's social downtime. Finally, the tip plasty approach in preservation rhinoplasty emphasizes a more natural look, avoiding some of the tell - tale signs of rhinoplasty.
Specific Nasal Bridge Procedures
- Narrowing the Nasal Bridge: When planning to narrow an overly wide nose, several factors are considered, such as the width of the nasal base, the natural shape and desired aesthetic of the nasal tip, the proportions of the nose in relation to ethnicity and facial features, and the thickness and elasticity of the skin. This comprehensive approach ensures a harmonious and natural - looking result.
- Correcting a Dorsal Bump: Removing a hump on the nose bridge is more complex than it may seem. Dr. Cangello plans a series of maneuvers beyond hump removal, including osteotomies to bring the nose width in proportion, considering the integrity of the middle vault and the need for spreader grafts, and revising the position and shape of the nose tip to achieve a proportionate and natural - looking result.
- Correcting a Saddle Nose Deformity: Saddle nose deformities can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, failed rhinoplasty, cocaine abuse, or certain medical conditions. Dr. Cangello carefully assesses the degree and cause of the deformity and may use grafts, such as septal cartilage, costal cartilage, or synthetic biocompatible materials, to restore or augment the nasal bridge.
- Improving Breathing Function: While the primary objective of nasal bridge surgery may be aesthetic, Dr. Cangello also focuses on preserving or improving breathing function. He may incorporate septoplasty to correct a deviated septum and improve nasal airflow as part of the initial surgical plan.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Surgeon Qualifications
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified plastic surgeon with Ivy League education from the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over two decades of experience in rhinoplasty surgery. His mature aesthetic judgment and keen eye for natural beauty make him a popular choice for patients seeking rhinoplasty in New York City.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Dr. Weintraub performs both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems, such as nasoseptal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, and middle - vault collapse. This type of surgery is often insurance - reimbursable. Cosmetic rhinoplasty corrects aesthetic problems, such as a hump or bump on the nose, a bulbous tip, or an overly wide or flat bridge. He can perform rhinoplasty using either the closed or open approach, depending on the complexity of the case. A primary “virgin” rhinoplasty can often be done using the closed approach, while secondary or tertiary rhinoplasties may require the open approach for more sophisticated grafting and manipulation.
Patient - Centered Approach
Dr. Weintraub believes in a patient - centered approach. He listens to his patients' concerns and desires during the consultation and develops an individualized treatment plan. He also emphasizes the importance of having realistic expectations. His office environment is comforting and inviting, and he and his staff take great pride in providing comprehensive care throughout the entire process, from pre - op to post - op.
Surgical Standards
Dr. Weintraub insists on the highest standards of safety in his operating room. He prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure, and his operating room is equipped with state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. He performs every intraoperative maneuver with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand.
4. Rapaport Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Experience
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rapaport has over 25 years of experience in rhinoplasty. His long - standing experience in the field allows him to provide optimal results for his patients, tailoring each procedure to their unique needs.
Rhinoplasty Techniques
Dr. Rapaport offers a variety of rhinoplasty techniques, including:
- Full Rhinoplasty vs. Tipplasty: Full rhinoplasty typically involves working on both the nasal bridge and the tip of the nose, while tipplasty focuses only on the tip.
- Cosmetic vs. Functional Rhinoplasty: Some patients undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, such as reducing the size of an overly large nose or removing a bump, while others need it to improve function and breathing after an injury.
- Reduction Rhinoplasty vs. Augmentation Rhinoplasty: Reduction rhinoplasty reduces the overall size of the nose, while augmentation rhinoplasty increases or enhances the nose size using the patient's own tissues or other materials.
- Primary vs. Revision Rhinoplasty: Primary rhinoplasty is for first - time surgeries, and revision rhinoplasty is for patients who have had a previous rhinoplasty and need further correction.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Dr. Rapaport individualizes his approach depending on the patient's anatomy, complexity, and goals. Open rhinoplasty provides a full view of the nasal tip cartilage for more precise suturing and manipulation but may result in increased swelling, a prolonged healing period, and a small columellar scar. Closed rhinoplasty offers faster healing, less pronounced swelling, and no visible scar but has limitations in access and visibility for complex cases.
Recovery and Results
After a full rhinoplasty, patients generally return home and rest for the first day. They wear a splint for approximately four days and can return to work in five to seven days. Swelling, bruising, and a stuffy nose feeling are common, and patients should avoid strenuous activity for about one month and contact sports for at least three months. Final results are visible in approximately one year and are permanent.
5. Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Hospital Reputation
Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - renowned medical center. Its plastic and reconstructive surgery division has a long - standing reputation for excellence in providing high - quality care for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Surgeon Team
The clinical staff of plastic surgeons at Columbia is proficient in multiple areas of specialization. They include experts like Dr. Christine Rohde, an experienced clinician, researcher, and teacher who specializes in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and breast reconstruction; Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with numerous scientific publications and a spot on lists of top doctors; and others with diverse areas of expertise related to rhinoplasty and other plastic surgery procedures.
Rhinoplasty Services
Columbia offers both cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of the nose, such as changing the size and shape of the nose, modifying the bridge, or refining the tip. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is used to repair the nose after an injury, correct deformities, or improve breathing function. The surgeons take a comprehensive approach, considering the patient's overall facial harmony and the individual characteristics of the nose.
Research and Education
The plastic surgery research laboratory at Columbia is actively involved in research studies related to stem cells, tissue engineering, and the study of bone substitutes. The program also has a responsibility to educate the next generation of plastic surgeons and keep peers up - to - date on the latest best practices, ensuring that patients receive the most advanced and evidence - based care.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Special Techniques | Multidisciplinary Care | Recovery and Results | Cost and Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sinai Hospital | Double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology | Closed and open rhinoplasty | Collaboration with rhinology and head - neck institute | Most swelling subsides in two weeks, full results in up to a year | Insurance may cover functional surgery |
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Board - certified, pioneer of preservation rhinoplasty | Preservation rhinoplasty | Not specified, but individualized approach | Reduced bruising and swelling, faster social recovery | Not specified, consultation needed |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | Board - certified, Ivy League educated, national spokesperson | Closed and open rhinoplasty, complex revision cases | Not specified, patient - centered approach | Results take up to a year, focus on high - quality post - op care | Individualized quote after consultation |
| Rapaport Plastic Surgery | Board - certified with 25+ years of experience | Multiple rhinoplasty techniques, individualized approach | Not specified | Visible changes after splint removal, full results in a year | Not specified, consultation needed |
| Columbia University's Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | Multiple specialists with diverse expertise | Standard and advanced rhinoplasty techniques | Comprehensive care with access to multiple departments | Not detailed, but focus on long - term results | Not specified, consultation needed |
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the best hospitals for combined nasal base and nasal bridge plastic surgery. Mount Sinai Hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach with highly skilled double - board certified surgeons. Cangello Plastic Surgery stands out for its innovative preservation rhinoplasty technique. Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice provides a patient - centered experience with a focus on safety and high - quality results. Rapaport Plastic Surgery offers a variety of rhinoplasty techniques tailored to each patient. Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery division combines top - notch surgeon expertise with extensive research and educational resources.
If you are considering combined nasal base and nasal bridge plastic surgery, it is essential to do your research, schedule consultations with these hospitals or surgeons, and discuss your goals and concerns. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the best possible results and enhance your facial harmony and self - confidence. Take the next step today and explore the possibilities of rhinoplasty with one of these top hospitals in New York City.
