Rhinoplasty Overview

What is a Rhinoplasty?

The key purpose of a rhinoplasty is to craft a nose that fits seamlessly with a patient’s face. A nose that is too large, crooked, bent, rounded, or bulbous, can detract from an otherwise attractive person. Rhinoplasty, or “nose job” surgery, is not always performed for aesthetic reasons. Breathing problems due to a  deviated septum or other problems can also be corrected with this procedure.

Many patients request both aesthetic and functional changes when undergoing a rhinoplasty. If your nose is not right for your face or you have problems breathing, a rhinoplasty might be right for you. Septal deviation, external or internal nasal valve obstruction or collapse, and large nasal turbinates (turbinate hypertrophy) are three examples of problems that can interfere with breathing that your doctor will address during your rhinoplasty in Boston.

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Why Choose The Spiegel Center For Rhinoplasty?

The Spiegel Center is a top choice for rhinoplasty, led by globally acclaimed experts Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Tower, both board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. With over 100 scientific publications and more than 1,200 primary and advanced procedures performed annually, Dr. Spiegel has pioneered innovative techniques and recovery protocols, earning prestigious awards and shaping modern facial aesthetics. As a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, he trains the next generation of surgeons while delivering personalized, natural-looking results. Patients worldwide trust The Spiegel Center for their exceptional care, expertise, and transformative outcomes.

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Who is a Candidate For Rhinoplasty?

Candidates for rhinoplasty typically include individuals:

  • Who are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or proportion of their nose, especially those who have issues such as a prominent hump, asymmetry, or wide nostrils.
  • Who have functional concerns, such as breathing problems resulting from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or trauma-related deformities.
  • Who are in their mid to late teens or older, ensuring the nose has fully grown, and who have the emotional readiness to understand the procedure.
  • Who are in good overall health and either don't smoke or are willing to quit around the time of the surgery.
  • Having clear and achievable expectations from the surgery and an awareness of potential risks is crucial.

The Different Types of Rhinoplasty

There are different types of rhinoplasties, each designed to address a specific issue.

Rhinoplasty 

Also called a nose job. Alters the size and shape of the nose to enhance its overall appearance. Our surgeons perform both open (stitches between the nostrils) and closed (stitches inside the nose) rhinoplasties.

Septoplasty

Surgery to improve how a patient breathes through their nose. Septoplasty can be performed to address a deformity or correct damage to the septum caused by trauma. Many patients with deviated septums undergo septoplasties.

Revision Surgery

A revision rhinoplasty is a procedure dedicated to correcting problems from an initial rhinoplasty. Some patients are unhappy with the results of a prior nose job experience done elsewhere, or have other issues that need surgical correction.

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How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

At The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts, rhinoplasties are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons and facial specialists. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. During nose surgery in Boston, your surgeon may trim, remove, or reshape cartilage as well as shave or fracture nasal bones in order to make the desired changes. Surgery can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the correction needed.

Don’t Want Surgery? Consider A Liquid Nose Job

At The Spiegel Center, we offer an alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as a ‘liquid nose job,’ offers a way to subtly refine and enhance the appearance of the nose with expertly placed dermal filler injections. Non-surgical rhinoplasty can provide beautiful and natural-looking results and is a great option for those not yet ready to commit to surgery.

Recovering From Your Rhinoplasty

After the procedure, swelling and bruising are to be expected. Any pain can typically be managed with medication like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®). The majority of the swelling typically subsides after a few weeks, though most people feel happy with their appearance after ten days. A small amount of swelling can persist for several months up to a year, but should not be very noticeable. All Spiegel Center patients receive detailed post surgical instructions.

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The Spiegel Center: Well-known For Excellent Rhinoplasties

Our facial plastic surgeons strive to help each patient have the nose that best fits their face. There is no such thing as one nose-fits-all. Our surgeons are board-certified experts in rhinoplasty, including complex cases that require considerable skill. 

Our team has helped countless patients who have had multiple unsatisfactory rhinoplasties finally get the results they want. We're here to make your aesthetic dreams come true with best-in-class service and beautifully natural results.

Schedule A Consultation Today

During your dedicated consultation, your doctor will listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals, as well as answer any questions you may have about the procedure and recovery. Then they will conduct a thorough facial examination to determine if nose surgery in Boston can help you achieve the look you want. Patients visit from all over the globe for rhinoplasties performed by our excellent team of physicians at The Spiegel Center. Ready to learn more about rhinoplasty and get the nose you’ve always wanted?  Contact us today!

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Rhinoplasty FAQ

Does TSC have a special approach to rhinoplasty?

Where do you make your incisions?

How is a rhinoplasty performed?

What are the risks of rhinoplasty in patients with a deviated septum?

Can rhinoplasty correct breathing issues caused by sports injuries?

How soon after a broken nose can rhinoplasty be performed?

What kind of rhinoplasty procedures are there?

Does TSC have a special approach to rhinoplasty?

When it comes to rhinoplasty at TSC, it's never one size fits all. If you look at the results from many doctors, the shape is nice, but the nose is much larger than before surgery. These doctors routinely build onto the existing nose to get the ‘right’ form. It works, but for two things: (1) the nose tends to be unnaturally stiff because of the extra cartilage used, and (2) most people don't want a larger nose.  At TSC, we talk with each patient at length to understand what they like and don't like about their noses. From that, we devise a custom plan for each patient because what works for one may not be right for another. Over the last 20 years, we've developed signature methods to craft a smaller, more attractive, and perfectly functioning nose predictably and safely. Our satisfaction rate is among the highest anywhere, and our revision rate is among the lowest.

Where do you make your incisions?

Our surgeons can also use a specialized method for a unique 'fully inside-the-nose' approach that utilizes the fewest possible incisions and stitches for the quickest possible recovery. Our doctors lecture, write, and teach other doctors about these advanced techniques.

How is a rhinoplasty performed?

Rhinoplasty at The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts, is typically performed in the comfortable private suites of Newton Surgery using a light general anesthetic, sedation, and sometimes just under local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes about 1 hour and the patient leaves with a small cast on the nose. We almost never use nasal packing, so there is nothing uncomfortable to remove a week later.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty in patients with a deviated septum?

Patients with a deviated septum undergoing rhinoplasty may have additional complexities. We address both aesthetic and functional issues by reshaping the nose and correcting the septum, enhancing breathing and symmetry.

Can rhinoplasty correct breathing issues caused by sports injuries?

Yes, rhinoplasty can correct structural deformities of the nose resulting from sports injuries. This includes straightening the nasal passages and reconstructing damaged areas to improve both appearance and function.

How soon after a broken nose can rhinoplasty be performed?

It's generally advised to wait until the initial swelling goes down and the bones begin to heal, which is usually about 6 weeks. This waiting period allows for more precise corrections during surgery.

What kind of rhinoplasty procedures are there?

Rhinoplasties are divided into the below categories, and the physicians at TSC have extensive experience with each:

  • Open rhinoplasty - With a small incision on the bottom of the nose
  • Closed rhinoplasty - Performed through the inside of the nose exclusively
  • Revision rhinoplasty - Corrects poor primary rhinoplasties performed by other physicians
  • Functional rhinoplasty - Focuses on improving breathing
  • Reconstructive rhinoplasty - To fix noses after an injury, disease, resection, or other surgeries
  • Non-surgical rhinoplasty - Contour nose with the careful use of dermal fillers

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