Rhinoplasty Explained with Dr. Arman Vartany

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of your nose by modifying or removing bone or cartilage.While a rhinoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure, it might also be combined with a septoplasty, a procedure that straightens a deviated septum (the cartilage and bone that separates the nostrils) to improve breathing.

Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:

• You're committed to altering the shape or appearance of your nose through surgery and have thoroughly considered your options
• Your surgeon feels the natural shape of your nose/nasal structure will respond well to surgery to provide you with the appearance you desire
• You require surgery to repair the functionality and/or appearance of your nose due to an injury or congenital defect

Rhinoplasty Rewards

With more than twenty years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Vartany feels that rhinoplasty is the one surgery that makes the biggest potential impact on a patient's appearance, enhancing the beauty of a person's eyes and smile once rhinoplasty has been performed.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of performing rhinoplasty, he says, is the difference it makes in people's lives, boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem. He sees these lasting changes as a lifelong benefit, improving their outlook on life and creating a lasting positive effect.

Find the Right Surgeon

Dr. Vartany says rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures a surgeon can master, so it's important to find a plastic surgeon who not only has the expertise but a significant amount of experience performing rhinoplasties specifically.

When searching for the right surgeon for you, be sure to schedule a consultation, and confirm the following:

• Experience and expertise — Dr. Vartany recommends using a surgeon who performs as many as 3 to 9 rhinoplasties per week or 150-200 per year.
• Board certification(s) — Your doctor should specifically be board-certified in plastic surgery.
• Before and After Photos — Dr. Vartany says your surgeon should be able to provide hundreds of before and after photos of rhinoplasties they've performed so you get an accurate sense of the results you're likely to see.
• You have realistic expectations — You and your surgeon should be on the same page with regard to what you want, and what your surgeon is realistically able to provide through rhinoplasty. Dr. Vartany reminds his patients that rhinoplasty will not give them a new nose but will enhance the nose you already have.

Rhinoplasty Risks

All surgeries carry risk, but Dr. Vartany points out that complications from anesthesia or post-surgical infections from rhinoplasty are rare. The biggest complication, he says, is an undesired cosmetic look. In these cases, a second surgery may be performed to further refine the patient's results.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two to two-and-a-half hours to complete. Surgery will be performed one of two ways, depending on what needs to be accomplished. Intral-nasal surgery involves incisions made on the inside of the nose; external surgery requires an incision on the outside of the nose, allowing the surgeon temporary access by moving aside the skin so they can shave bone, trim cartilage and refine the tip and bridge of the nose.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Dr. Vartany explains that while some patients may experience a minimal amount of pain post-surgery, most will see bruising under the eyes and significant swelling around the nose. Patients will normally wear a cast for one week, at which point bruising will begin to fade and the swelling will begin to calm down. Most patients can expect to take approximately 10 days off of work or school for post-surgical recovery. It's important to remember that some swelling may remain for as long as a 12 to 18 months post-surgery, which is why Dr. Vartany doesn't recommend follow-up surgeries before one year after surgery, since it could take that long before a patient can truly assess their final look.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

The cost of rhinoplasty can range from $10,000-$15,000 and may depend on factors including:

• Surgery consultation and preparation (blood work, pre-surgery testing)
• Anesthesia costs
• Facility/Hospital costs
• Medications
• Follow-up appointments

CareCredit Financing for a Rhinoplasty

Ready to help revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for Rhinoplasty and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance digital writer with more than 20 years experience writing about health and wellness, personal finance and real estate.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Armen Vartany is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. A member of the medical staff at St. Joseph's Medical Center, Dr. Vartany is also the founder and Medical Director of Vista Outpatient Surgery Center in Burbank, California.

Dr. Vartany received his medical training from Tufts University in Boston. After a five-year residence practicing general surgery, Dr. Vartany completed an additional residency specializing in plastic surgery.