Rhinoplasty
in Chicago

What is a

Rhinoplasty?

  • Rhinoplasty (or ‘nose job’) is a surgical procedure aimed to change the external structure of the nose. This can be done for patients who have breathing (or functional) issues due to collapse of the nasal valves or past nasal injury, or for patients who want to change the appearance of their nose. Often, breathing and cosmetic issues of the nose go hand in hand, and both can be addressed in one procedure.

  • Common reasons to seek out rhinoplasty include:

    • Removing a bump
    • Changing the size of the nose
    • Refining a bulbous tip
    • Changing the position of the tip
    • Straightening an asymmetric nose
    • Narrowing wide nostrils
    • Improving nasal breathing

The Consultation

  • During your visit, Dr. Shastri will start by asking what your goals are for your nose. Following a thorough analysis of your nasal anatomy, he will discuss the ways in which he may be able to help realize your goals while still preserving a natural appearance and maximizing nasal breathing. Image modification will be done in real time with your photographs to help make sure you are both on the same page about what a realistic outcome may look like. Dr. Shastri will take the time to make sure you feel heard and are confident in the surgical plan.
  • In some patients, addressing the chin, jawline, or neck may be considered to provide balance in facial proportions. Procedures such as chin augmentation, neck contouring, or facelifts may be performed safely along with a rhinoplasty. 

The Procedure

  • In most cases, the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure may take anywhere from 3-6 hours (and sometimes longer in complex or revision cases). Dr. Shastri will use well hidden incisions along the base and the inside of the nose to access the underlying bone and cartilage. He will reshape the nasal bones and cartilages according to the plan discussed during the consultation. The septum is corrected and straightened in 100% of cases; cartilage from the septum is used to structurally redefine the shape and strength of the nose. In cases where septal cartilage is absent or too twisted for use, Dr. Shastri may need to obtain more cartilage from an ear or rib to fully achieve the intended goals.
  • At the end of the procedure, the incisions are carefully closed and soft nasal splints are placed inside of the nose to keep the septum straight. Tape and an external cast are applied to the outside of the nose. These splints and external stitches are removed 1 week after surgery. Patients typically spend 1-2 hours in a recovery room after surgery, and can be taken home after.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

  • Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how much work is needed, but generally healing can be thought of in 3 phases
    • Phase 1: For the first week after surgery, there are thin/flexible plastic splints within the nose and a cast over the top of the nose. Swelling and bruising are expected, and patients are recommended to use nasal saline sprays regularly to keep the nasal passages clean. Patients are encouraged to take the first week for rest and recovery at home, and typically can return to work after the first week postoperative appointment.
    • Phase 2: Gradually, between weeks 2-6 after surgery, swelling and bruising improve; any residual bruising can be easily concealed with makeup during this time. Patients may start to resume exercise and heavy lifting by 3-4 weeks after surgery. By week 6, approximately 75-80% of swelling has resolved.
    • Phase 3: While after 6 weeks the majority of swelling from a rhinoplasty has improved, the nose continues to heal and settle for several months. Results are typically not considered final until 1 year out from surgery, but small/incremental changes may continue to be seen for up to 2-3 years after, depending on the thickness of the nasal skin.

See our results on Instagram!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • During a rhinoplasty, the nasal cartilages and bones are carefully sculpted and reoriented to provide a more balanced appearance and prevent collapse of the nasal airway. When appropriate, a small incision is made along the base of the nose to allow for access and visualization to the whole internal nasal structure. The scar from this heals beautifully and is typically unnoticeable after several weeks.
  • In revision cases, additional cartilage is usually necessary to help re-build and stabilize the nose for the best long-term results. This cartilage may need to come from a rib or an ear; these additional incisions are typically well hidden and there is no significant increase in recovery time.
  • Rhinoplasties are typically not considered to be very painful. Most patients are able to stop prescription pain medications and use just Tylenol after 2-3 days.
  • Patients undergoing rhinoplasty are recommended to take 1 week off of work or school after the procedure. Light work or activity, such as answering emails from home, can start 2-3 days after the procedure, but give yourself time to rest and recover.
  • Rhinoplasty is generally considered a safe surgery with a relatively quick recovery time and limited pain. Risks and complications are rare, but certainly are possible no matter how experienced a rhinoplasty surgeon may be. Risks include the following:
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Scarring
    • Asymmetry of the septum, tip, bridge, or nostrils
    • Need for revision surgery 

Costs of a rhinoplasty can vary depending on insurance coverage and complexity of the surgery. These costs will be discussed during a consultation.

  • Yes! If a patient has functional breathing issues related to a deviated septum and/or collapse of the external nose, and has had limited improvement with medications (such as nasal steroids), insurance is typically able to cover part of the anesthesia and facility fees for the procedure.
  • Patients who have undergone puberty are well suited for rhinoplasty. Patients who are younger are still undergoing growth of the facial and nasal structures, and we would not want to stunt that growth by performing a rhinoplasty too early.
  • Depending on goals, it may be necessary to restructure the nasal bones. The nose is not broken, but careful and controlled cuts are made to achieve desired results. Dr. Shastri frequently makes use of devices like a piezoelectric saw or drill, which allow for very precise cuts and decrease chances for bleeding or bruising.
  • With structural rhinoplasty, results are intended to be long-lasting. The shape of a nose after surgery changes and evolves over the first 1-3 years after surgery as swelling resolves, but these changes should be very minor and overall improved with time.

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2701 Patriot Blvd, Glenview IL, 60025

(847) 535-6545

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