Miami Rhinoplasty Specialist
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the longest-tenured procedures in cosmetic facial surgery (the first recorded one was performed in 1887!). Rhinoplasty can help if your nose is out of proportion with the rest of your face, you hate that bump on the bridge, or your nostrils flare more than you’d like.
You don’t have to live with a nose you don’t love. Nose surgery with Dr. Robert H. Hunsaker, a top Miami plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, can change the way you see yourself.
Am I A Candidate For Nose Surgery?
Patients who are interested in a nose job must have finished their facial growth. For girls, who mature a little faster than boys, this will be at age 14 or 15 at the earliest. For boys, the minimum age is 15. Dr. Hunsaker feels it’s important for his patients to want nose surgery for their own personal reasons, not for a partner or other person. It’s important to be realistic about what this surgery can and cannot do.
When it comes to nose surgery, the reasons fall into three categories appearance, injury, and function. Patients that have suffered an injury could have a crooked or misshapen nose. Additionally, patients could have trouble breathing as a result of injury or congenital disorder. A nose job for appearance or aesthetic reasons can correct:
- Bump or depressions on the bridge of the nose
- Enlarged or bulbous tip
- Drooping tip
- The nose is out of proportion with the rest of the face
- Excessively flared nostrils
- Crooked or off-center nose
What Our Patients Have To Say
"Amazing doctor! He listens to your every concern, answers every question and meets every expectation!! His staff is friendly, helpful and attentive unlike other places. I would recommend him over and over again. I wouldn't go any place else, I am very satisfied with my results. Absolutely love his work!!!"
Benefits Of Rhinoplasty Surgery
The benefits of rhinoplasty are hard to quantify, as this is a very personal procedure. What’s the value of looking in the mirror every morning and liking the nose you see? If you’ve always thought people meeting you fixated upon your outsized nose, what’s the value of ending those anxieties forever? Or, if your breathing passages have always been too narrow, nose surgery can change your sleep, ability to give 100% in exercise or sports, and who knows what else. It’s hard to place a value on such things, but these are the true benefits of rhinoplasty.
Before & After Rhinoplasty
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Dr. Hunsaker performs nose surgery using either the open or closed method. During your consultation, he will discuss your options with you and you will decide together the best method for you. Generally, the open method allows for more dramatic changes, but it does create a small scar. Rhinoplasty can be done with the patient under IV or general sedation and the surgery usually lasts from one to two hours.
Open Rhinoplasty
In open rhinoplasty, Dr. Hunsaker makes a small incision across the columella, the small strip of skin between the nostrils. Then, he lifts the skin and soft tissues up and back from the tip of the nose to expose the bone and cartilage. Whether building up or reducing the bridge, the open method provides excellent access. Once the changes are made, the skin and tissue are re-draped over the new underlying structure. This method leaves a small scar on the columella, but it is innocuous and becomes almost invisible over time.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Dr. Hunsaker uses the closed method where possible, as all of the incisions are made within the nose, eliminating any outer scarring. The closed method is effective when the size of the overall nose is being changed and to address breathing problems. Once the incisions are made, the soft tissues are separated from the bone and cartilage. When the nose is being made thinner or smaller, the nasal bones will be fractured to allow reduction. If increasing the size, Dr. Hunsaker can use cartilage or bone from the patient’s septum, ears, ribs, or a synthetic material.
Is Rhinoplasty Safe?
Generally, nasal surgery is considered exceedingly safe for healthy patients. Serious complications such as allergic reaction, infection, or excessive bleeding are rare. If one were to occur, it could be treated effectively and conservatively. However, the most common risks of rhinoplasty are far less concerning and usually limited to cosmetic appearance. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon works in a way that decreases the risk of unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. However, this remains a risk, particularly for secondary rhinoplasties, also called revision rhinoplasty. In such instances, even the most meticulous surgical effort may not be sufficient to completely overcome warped cartilage, skin contracture, or scar formation from previous surgery or injury. To increase the chances of a satisfactory outcome, a careful pre-operative history and examination are performed alongside a thorough discussion of expectations. Usually, with favorable findings and realistic expectations, patients are happy with the results of their rhinoplasty.
Nose Surgery Recovery
After your surgery, Dr. Hunsaker will have your nose splinted to support and protect it. There will also be packing in your nostrils to absorb fluids and provide support. There may be significant swelling and your eyes will likely blacken due to the tissue trauma. Dr. Hunsaker will prescribe pain medication, which will also help manage the swelling. Over the first few days, you’ll need to keep your head elevated, even when sleeping.
After around one week, your splint will be removed, but your nose and areas around your eyes will still be swollen. This will begin to improve in 10-14 days, but there will be times of swelling for a few weeks, particularly later in the day and at night. Patients can wear contact lenses immediately, but if you wear eyeglasses, they will need to be taped to your forehead or propped up on your cheeks for up to seven weeks. Obviously, you’ll have to avoid any activity that can bump your nose for six weeks, especially overly strenuous exercise.
How Long Before I Am Healed From My Rhinoplasty?
Because of the swelling, you’ll have to be patient when anticipating your results. It can take up to one year to fully see your new nose, although this varies between patients. Patients can get frustrated at periods of swelling, but this is completely normal due to the tissue trauma involved with nose surgery. But when all is said and done, you’ll be pleased with your new nose and your results will last the rest of your life.
How Long Do Results From A Rhinoplasty Last?
Rhinoplasty permanently alters the shape, size, or other characteristics of the nose. Therefore, patients should approach this procedure with the utmost care. A board-certified plastic surgeon is familiar with the techniques and anatomical aspects of rhinoplasty that work together to create beautiful outcomes. Once the nose has been reshaped, it does not revert to its previous appearance.
Is Rhinoplasty Painful?
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed with general anesthesia. Patients are in a deep sleep state in which pain is not felt. After the procedure, patients do not describe their recovery as painful as much as they do uncomfortable. The bulk of discomfort is related to a feeling of congestion caused by swelling. This forces patients to mouth-breathe for a few days, which can feel out of the ordinary and somewhat frustrating.
What Are The Risks Of The Procedure?
Rhinoplasty is a very common aesthetic procedure, but it is surgery and carries with it the risks involved with any surgery. These include infection, excessive bleeding, anesthesia reactions, and poor healing. Specific to nose surgery are the risks of nasal septal perforation, difficulty breathing, skin discoloration, enduring swelling, and a lack of satisfaction with the appearance of your new nose. In general, however, nose surgery with Dr. Hunsaker is very safe, carries very low risk, and is ultimately satisfying in its final results.
Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty?
Most insurance companies will not cover the costs of rhinoplasty unless it is being done to correct a defect caused by injury or disease or a functional problem such as a deviated septum. Patients should check with their insurance provider before their consultation to discuss their situation.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty surgery can vary based on various aspects of a patient’s treatment plan. For example, the cost of open rhinoplasty may be different than that of closed rhinoplasty. A patient needing grafting to build up the bridge of the nose may have different costs than a patient wanting to refine a bulbous nose tip.
Our office offers patient financing to those who qualify.
Can I Pair Rhinoplasty With Other Facial Procedures?
Rhinoplasty is often combined with facial procedures like:
- Chin augmentation
- Facelift
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Neck liposuction
One of the main benefits of combining surgeries is reducing downtime and recovery periods. Instead of undergoing multiple separate procedures with individual healing times, patients can recover from everything simultaneously.
That said, combining surgeries requires careful planning. A meeting with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hunsaker is necessary to determine the best approach for your facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Will My Nose Continue to Change After Rhinoplasty?
Your nose will continue to change for months and even years after rhinoplasty. Most noticeable swelling subsides within the first few months. However, subtle changes can persist for up to a year or longer as residual swelling resolves and the tissues settle.
In the immediate postoperative period, swelling can make the nose appear larger or slightly asymmetrical. This is particularly common in the tip of the nose, where swelling tends to last longer. Over time, as the skin and cartilage adjust, the final nose shape becomes more evident.
Aging also affects the long-term appearance of the nose. Natural changes in skin elasticity and collagen levels can subtly affect nasal contours as you age.
How Soon After Rhinoplasty Can I Wear Glasses?
After rhinoplasty, most surgeons recommend avoiding wearing glasses for at least four to six weeks.
The pressure from glasses resting on the nasal bridge can interfere with healing and potentially affect the final shape of the nose. The bones and cartilage are still settling during this time. Any prolonged pressure could cause indentations or unwanted changes in the nasal structure.
If you need to wear glasses during the healing process, consider taping them to your forehead or using special nose guards to minimize direct pressure. Contact lenses are another alternative if you rely on corrective lenses for vision.
Will My Voice Change After Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can affect your voice. However, the changes are usually minor and more noticeable to professional singers or voice actors. The nasal passages play a role in sound resonance. Altering their structure can slightly modify how air moves through the nose, potentially leading to subtle shifts in vocal tone.
For most people, these changes are so slight that they are barely perceptible. However, if rhinoplasty significantly alters airflow, it may impact the nasal quality of the voice, making it sound more “open.” This is more common in individuals who undergo functional rhinoplasty to improve breathing.
Why Choose Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center?
Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Center, led by Dr. Robert H. Hunsaker, offers a premier experience in aesthetic procedures. With more than two decades in practice, Dr. Hunsaker is recognized for his precise surgical techniques, personalized patient care, and commitment to natural-looking results.
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hunsaker specializes exclusively in facial and body cosmetic procedures, ensuring refined skills and cutting-edge approaches. Patients choose Cosmetique for Dr. Hunsaker’s sound surgical judgment, attention to detail, and dedication to patient satisfaction. It’s a trusted destination for those seeking exceptional cosmetic enhancements in a safe, welcoming environment.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about Rhinoplasty or to make an appointment with Dr. Hunsaker, call us at 305.279.4700. You can also click here to send us an Appointment Request Form, and our talented staff will help you set up your consult. Our practice proudly serves Miami, FL, and surrounding areas!
