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The nose is such a distinctive part of our face. As we get older, we either appreciate it for what it is or we wish it looked different somehow. For those of us in the latter category, one option is to change the look of the nose and face through facial plastic surgery, or reconstruction of the nose. With rhinoplasty surgery, the object is to reshape the nose to better fit in with the proportions of the rest of the face. This may include altering the nose by size, angle, curves, or proportion. Oftentimes, this procedure addresses the nostril and the nasal tip.
Dr. Kyle Choe, a facial plastic surgeon in Virginia Beach, approaches rhinoplasty as both a science and an art. With a background in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and training in Ear, Nose & Throat procedures, he understands not only how to enhance appearance, but also how to preserve or improve function. In many cases, he performs septoplasty alongside rhinoplasty to help patients breathe more comfortably. His approach is guided by a deep understanding of facial balance—an expertise reflected in his published research on nasal structure and facial proportions, including studies in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery examining nasal morphology and facial aesthetics.1
Some common complaints that are addressed during surgery include a bump on the nose, a large or bulbous tip, a crooked nose, a droopy tip, and wide or flaring nostrils.
A Personalized Approach to Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty may be considered when a patient wants to soften a bridge bump, refine a wide or bulbous tip, improve a drooping tip, straighten a crooked nose, narrow the nostrils, or restore shape after an injury. It may also be combined with septoplasty when a deviated septum or internal obstruction affects breathing. In selected cases, improving the relationship between the nose and chin can create better facial balance, which is why Dr. Choe may also discuss chin augmentation when appropriate.
Every treatment plan is different. Some patients need subtle cartilage reshaping, while others may benefit from structural support, bridge refinement, tip work, or changes to the nostrils. The recommendation depends on your anatomy and what can be changed safely without compromising nasal strength or function. For patients who want a temporary or limited correction, non-surgical rhinoplasty may be discussed, although injectable treatment cannot reduce the size of the nose or correct every concern.
Candidates for Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a type of facial plastic surgery procedure in which the cosmetic appearance of the nose is changed. Candidates for nose surgery include healthy individuals who are looking to improve a dorsal hump, large tip or nose, crooked nose, broken nose, droopy tip, or wide nose. Dr. Choe often performs septoplasty at the same time as nose surgery to improve breathing. In addition, this procedure is sometimes paired with chin augmentation to improve facial balance. Dr. Choe will perform an examination and ask you about your medical history to help determine your candidacy for rhinoplasty during your consultation.
About Rhinoplasty
Dr. Kyle Choe performs nasal surgery at The Choe Center’s AAAHC-accredited in-office surgery center located in Virginia Beach, VA. IV sedation is used and surgical times average three to five hours. The incisions are commonly located on the columella (the column of skin between the nostrils) and inside of the nose. Once the incisions have been made, the skin overlying the nasal cartilage and bone is lifted and a bump, if present, is rasped and cartilage work is performed through conservative removal, reshaping, or addition as needed. If necessary, Dr. Choe will perform a septoplasty at the same time to improve breathing.
Video Key Takeaways
Procedure Name: Rhinoplasty (Closed & Open Techniques) Indication: Improve nasal appearance, correct breathing concerns, reshape the nose after injury or congenital issues Anesthesia: General anesthesia Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 4.5 hours, depending on complexity Surgical Technique: Closed rhinoplasty for minor refinements; open rhinoplasty for tip reshaping, grafting, septoplasty, and osteotomies Postoperative Follow-Up: Nasal packing removed around days 3–4 (if used); cast removed at approximately 1 week; several follow-up visits during healing Patient Discharge: Same day with postoperative monitoring and detailed recovery instructions Recovery Timeline: Most patients return to work within about one week using light makeup; bruising generally resolves within 7–10 days; normal activities gradually resume over the following weeks Suitability Criteria: Surgical approach is customized based on the patient’s anatomy, aesthetic goals, and functional needs
Video Summary
This video features Dr. Kyle Choe discussing what patients can expect before, during, and after rhinoplasty surgery. He explains that rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure, with surgical time ranging from approximately 45 minutes for a straightforward closed rhinoplasty to four and a half hours for more advanced open rhinoplasty procedures involving tip reconstruction, cartilage grafting, osteotomies, or septal correction. Every surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcome.
Dr. Choe also reviews the recovery process, including postoperative monitoring, removal of nasal packing (when necessary) within the first few days, and cast removal about one week after surgery. While bruising and swelling vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, most patients are able to return to work within a week using light makeup to conceal any remaining bruising, with a gradual return to normal activities over the following weeks.
The video also addresses the financial and medical aspects of rhinoplasty. Dr. Kyle Choe explains that surgical costs vary based on the complexity of the procedure and typically include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, and postoperative visits. He also discusses the uncommon but important risks associated with rhinoplasty, including bleeding, nasal obstruction, septal perforation, and changes in the sense of smell. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative education and postoperative care to help minimize complications and achieve the safest, most predictable results.
This procedure offers several distinct advantages:
Surgery brings your nose in proportion to the rest of your face.
In some instances, it can help you breathe better.
Surgery improves your profile and your self-esteem.
Because this procedure is a permanent alteration of the nose, it can take up to one year or more for a surgeon to be able to gauge the success of the procedure. As time passes following the surgery, the cartilage in the nose will reshape itself. This will cause movement in the nasal tissues and result in an altered appearance. The patient must be prepared for the noticeable change in appearance that surgery will often cause.
Just as with any surgery, rhinoplasty does carry some risks. These include infection and bleeding. Reaction to medication may occur, as well as adverse reactions to anesthesia. Some of the more unique risks of this procedure include burst blood vessels. These can cause redness on the nose, as well as minor scarring under the nose. Hematomas can occur, which require a second surgery to remove. Septal perforation, which is a small hole located in the septum, is another risk unique to this procedure. Should this occur, it can cause a whistling sound to occur during singing or speaking.
Dr. Choe is incredible. He did my rhinoplasty and it’s only been a week but I’m SO Happy with my results!!!! Highly recommend him.
Anonymous
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Rhinoplasty Recovery
The rhinoplasty recovery process takes approximately three to four weeks before patients can expect a return to full activity. However, light activity can typically be resumed after one week. Stitches are removed after three days and the cast after one week. Depending on the type of work and the level of activity required, patients are generally able to return to work within one to three weeks. Exercise and more strenuous activity can be resumed after three to four weeks. Some degree of swelling and bruising can be expected, with the majority of noticeable swelling fading after two weeks.
Of course, the best way to recover quickly from nasal surgery is to be in as good of health as possible before the procedure is performed. The healthier a patient is, the easier their recovery will be from all types of surgery, including rhinoplasty. Following all of the instructions provided to you by your surgeon for pre and post-procedure is another great way to minimize your risk of complications and enjoy a fast recovery from your surgery.
Nose surgery is one of the more common cosmetic facial plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Choe. He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a background in Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery training. A significant number of his nasal surgery cases involve revision work for correcting the results of poorly performed “nose jobs” by other surgeons.
What Happens During a Rhinoplasty Consultation?
Your consultation is a detailed conversation and examination, not a one-size-fits-all sales appointment. We begin by asking what you notice about your nose, what you hope to change, and whether you have concerns about breathing, prior trauma, allergies, or previous nasal surgery. You will also review your health history, medications, smoking or nicotine use, and any conditions that may affect healing.
Dr. Choe evaluates the nose from multiple angles and considers how it relates to the forehead, cheeks, lips, and chin. He examines the bridge, tip, nostrils, septum, skin thickness, cartilage support, and internal nasal passages. Photographs may be taken for planning and documentation. When useful, you can review rhinoplasty before-and-after photos to see the range of concerns that can be addressed, while keeping in mind that each patient heals differently.
The consultation is also where realistic expectations are established. Dr. Choe explains which changes may complement your face, what limitations are created by your existing anatomy, and how surgery could affect both appearance and breathing. You will discuss incision options, anesthesia, recovery, risks, and the expected pace of results. Patients should leave with a clear understanding of the proposed plan and enough information to decide whether surgery feels right for them.
When Will I See My Rhinoplasty Results?
You will notice a change when the external splint is removed, but that early appearance is not the final result. Swelling is expected, especially around the nasal tip, and the nose may look wider, firmer, or slightly uneven during the first stages of healing. Bruising and the most visible swelling usually improve over the first couple of weeks, allowing many patients to feel comfortable returning to work or social activities according to their specific recovery plan.
The shape continues to refine gradually. The bridge often settles sooner than the tip because tip skin and soft tissue can hold swelling longer. Many patients see a clearer sense of the outcome within several months, but subtle changes may continue for a year or longer. Revision rhinoplasty can take even more time to settle because the tissues have been operated on previously and may contain additional scar tissue.
Patience is an important part of rhinoplasty. Comparing the nose from day to day can make normal changes feel more dramatic than in reality. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Choe to evaluate progress, answer questions, and identify whether healing is proceeding as expected. Individual results vary, and no surgeon can guarantee a specific result or a perfectly symmetrical nose.
Choosing the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon for You
Searches for the “best rhinoplasty surgeon” are common, but the right choice should be based on more than a ranking or marketing claim. Look for a surgeon with board certification relevant to facial plastic surgery, extensive experience with nasal anatomy, a clear understanding of breathing function, and a portfolio of results that appears natural and consistent. The surgeon should explain both possibilities and limitations, discuss risks openly, and make you feel heard rather than rushed.
Dr. Choe is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has authored and presented work related to nasal analysis, structural rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty. You can learn more about Dr. Kyle Choe’s training and facial surgery experience before deciding whether our practice is the right fit for your care.
Dr. Kyle Choe is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery on the face and neck. He’ll gladly answer any questions you have about rhinoplasty and guide you throughout the entire process from beginning to end. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your consultation today.
References:
1 Choe, KS, Sclafani, AP, Litner, JA, et al: The Korean-American Women’s Face: anthropometric measurements & quantitative analysis of facial aesthetics. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 6:244-252
No. During your surgery, you will be asleep and you will not hear, see or feel anything.
The time varies with each patient depending on the changes necessary. In addition, some patients choose to combine their nose surgery with other procedures, such as chin augmentation. In general, however, you can expect your surgery to take between three and five hours to complete
The majority of our patients use the word “discomfort” more than pain to describe their procedure. However, as with any cosmetic surgery procedure, or any surgery for that matter, there is always some discomfort but this is easily managed with oral pain medication.
Depending upon the nature of your work, you should be able to return to work within one to three weeks following your surgery. Work that is more physical in nature will require a longer recovery time.
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, there will be some swelling and bruising during your recovery. After nasal surgery, swelling and bruising should peak after one or two weeks, but residual swelling is common for up to one year. We try to minimize this by having you take Arnica (a naturopathic herb that helps prevent bruising) and by using cold packs and elevating the head.
When seeking a nose doctor, it’s important that you find an experienced, qualified facial plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Viewing the surgeon’s before and after photographs of previous patients can also help to give you an idea of their skill.
While this depends largely on the needs of the particular patient, at The Choe Center in Virginia Beach, VA, this procedure can vary from $5,000 to $15,000 (including anesthesia fees). However, the cost of a revision rhinoplasty can be greater, costing up to $25,000.
Potential risks or complications associated with nose surgery may include bleeding, infection, and asymmetry. You can minimize your risk of complications by selection a qualified and experienced nose doctor to perform your surgery.
