Rhinoplasty Explained with Dr. Michael Niccole

In an interview with CareCredit, board-certified plastic and otolaryngology surgeon Dr. Michael Niccole discusses the benefits of rhinoplasty, along with what a patient should look for in a surgeon. Read edited excerpts from his interview and watch the video below.*

What Is Rhinoplasty? What Can the Procedure Treat or Correct?

There are actually two types of rhinoplasty surgeries (sometimes referred to as nose jobs.) One is strictly a cosmetic procedure and the other is a Nasal Septal Reconstruction (NSR) for patients with breathing or sinus problems.

With rhinoplasty, you have to look at the face and ask: How far are the eyes? How large are the cheeks? How big are the lips? How long is the face? It's more creative. I have to sculpt that nose to make sure it matches the face.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

Someone is a good candidate for a nose job or any type of cosmetic surgery if they have realistic expectations.

A good candidate isn't the patient who says, "I know I can have a new girlfriend or I'll be able to become president of my class if I have a rhinoplasty." The right patient is somebody who likes themselves but just wants a little better self-image.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty: What to Look for in a Surgeon

A rhinoplasty can be a difficult and delicate operation, so it's important to do your research when looking for a surgeon. I recommend seeking a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or a board-certified ENT surgeon.

Watch out for those ads that say "Hey, I can do your nose. I'm board-certified." That should ring a bell. Board-certified in what?

Research the surgeon's training, and don't be afraid to ask pointed questions. It's a good idea to find a surgeon who's done a couple of rhinoplasties a week for the last five or 10 years. Ask for photos of rhinoplasties the surgeon has personally done.

You'll also want to see animations of what you would look like after surgery. Nose sculpturing can vary based on the shape of your face, so you want accurate expectations.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with rhinoplasty.

The immediate risk is that you could have some bleeding and be required to go back to surgery, but that is pretty rare. I can't remember going back to take care of a bleeding problem in 10 years.

Another risk is not liking the results. That's why it's so important to communicate with your surgeon about what to expect.

How is a Rhinoplasty Performed?

While closed rhinoplasties used to be common, today open rhinoplasties are done the majority of the time. You make a little incision at the base of the columella and then flip the skin up. The surgeon can see exactly what he's doing and can sculpt the tip a lot better.

The surgery involves filing the top of the nose, fracturing and narrowing the nose, and making the tip more delicate by suturing the domes.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

The price of a rhinoplasty varies based on the experience of the surgeon and the geographic area. The average cost in Orange County, California, runs around $7,000, while in Alabama it might be closer to $5,000. In Beverly Hills, meanwhile, it could cost around $15,000.

Sometimes insurance will help cover the cost if the surgery is related to trauma or personal injury. But insurance generally doesn't cover cosmetic surgery.

What Should the Patient Expect After the Procedure?

Recovery takes time, even if cosmetic rhinoplasties aren't very painful. Surgeries done for breathing problems can have a little more discomfort. Most patients can't go to the gym for about a month afterward. You're going to have a little cast on for probably about seven days, maybe a little packing in your nose for one to two days.

You'll need to return to the surgeon later to get some sutures removed.

In all, it takes about six months for the swelling to go down so you can see the finished results. But when the cast first comes off after about a week, you'll have a good idea of what to expect before your nose begins to swell again. That's when you can let your surgeon know if you have any concerns about the results.

CareCredit Financing for Rhinoplasty

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for a 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.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Michael Niccole

Dr. Michael Niccole is a board-certified plastic and otolaryngology surgeon. Dr. Niccole is the founder and medical director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery and Medspa in Newport Beach, California.

Selected by the Consumers Research Council of America as one of the top plastic surgeons, Dr. Niccole is also very dedicated to giving back. For over 30 years, his Magic Mirror Foundation has provided no-cost cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to thousands of patients in need.

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news, and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney, and writer.