Rhinoplasty with Dr. Henry Sandel
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging cosmetic surgeries to master. Dr. Sandel is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and in otolaryngology — a recognized expert and specialist in the procedure.
At a glance
Surgeon
Dr. Henry Sandel
Procedure time
1½–2 hours
Anesthesia
General (light)
Setting
West Annapolis Surgery Center
Splint worn
About a week
Back to work
About a week
Strenuous activity
2–3 weeks
Fully healed
3–12 months
Form and function, in one procedure
Sometimes referred to as a nose job or nose reshaping, cosmetic rhinoplasty can reduce the size of a nose that is too large for the face, straighten a crooked nose, or change the size and shape of the bridge or tip — making the nose look smaller, softer, more symmetrical, and in better proportion with your face.
Rhinoplasty can also resolve breathing problems caused by a deviated septum or a collapsed nasal valve. A skilled surgeon can correct these issues at the same time as cosmetic nose surgery, for an overall improvement to both breathing function and facial appearance. Insurance companies sometimes cover surgeries performed to correct breathing problems.
You might consider rhinoplasty if your nose
Is too large, too small, too wide or too narrow in relation to your other facial features
Has a noticeable hump
Is depressed at the bridge, where it meets the eyebrows
Has a nasal tip that is bulbous, upturned, drooping or hooked
Is crooked or asymmetrical
Causes you breathing problems
It is essential to note how the appearance of your nose relates to your other facial features. A small chin, for example, can make a perfectly proportional nose appear too large. In your consultation, Dr. Sandel will evaluate the combination of your facial features and recommend an approach to bring them into better harmony, using photographic simulation from multiple angles to show you what your face will look like with the changes he recommends.
VECTRA 3D imaging
See your new nose before surgery.
At your consultation, Dr. Sandel takes a three-dimensional photograph of your face and, using Vectra simulation software, applies the proposed changes to your own image — so you can view the plan from every angle, compare options side by side, and refine it together before anything is scheduled. Precise measurements from your own anatomy then guide the operation itself.
Learn about Vectra 3D imaging →Rhinoplasty before and after, three-quarter view — an actual patient of Dr. Sandel.
Rhinoplasty before and after, profile view — an actual patient of Dr. Sandel.
An additional patient case.
Rhinoplasty before and after — an actual patient of Dr. Sandel.
Related procedures
Surgical approaches
Open or closed, tailored to your anatomy.
Open or external rhinoplasty
Offers enhanced precision for complex structural changes or significant refinement. A small incision across the skin between the nostrils provides better visibility and access to nasal structures.
Endonasal or closed rhinoplasty
Uses internal incisions only, enabling simpler adjustments with minimal scarring. Dr. Sandel will tailor his approach to your anatomy and goals.
On surgery day
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed at our surgical center under general (light) anesthesia, monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Sandel makes an incision, either inside the nose or between the nostrils, to expose the bone and cartilage support system, then reshapes the nose by removing, adding to, or rearranging the structure.
Having completed the reshaping, he re-drapes the tissues over the new framework and closes the incisions, and may use a splint to support the newly shaped nose. You go home the same day once you have awoken from anesthesia, with someone to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Recovery
For about a week you will wear a splint to hold your nose in its new shape, and can expect some minor swelling and bruising. Most patients return to work and light activities after about a week, once the splint is removed, though returning sooner is possible. More strenuous activity resumes gradually starting at about two weeks.
Swelling decreases slowly and may come and go. By two weeks it is typically not noticeable to others. Your nose should be fully healed in about one to three months.
Recovery
The nose heals in stages, and the last one is long.
The first fortnight is straightforward and predictable. The tip is the part that takes its time, and being told that honestly beforehand makes the wait easier.
This is the guidance we give every patient, alongside the general instructions that follow any surgery. Your own sheet and Dr. Sandel’s instructions govern your case. Call the office on (410) 266-7120 with any question about your healing.
The first 48 hours
Cold compresses to the cheeks and under the eyes, never directly on the nose, and your head elevated to about thirty degrees. Expect drainage for roughly four hours; change the drip pad under your nose as needed and do not tape it tight.
The morning after
The cotton in your nose comes out.
The first week
Do not blow your nose, and if you have to sneeze, do it with your mouth wide open. Saline spray as directed keeps the passages moist. Keep glasses off the bridge until we clear it. Bruising under the eyes becomes more noticeable before it fades.
Congestion
Stuffiness for several weeks. It is a normal part of healing and not a sign the airway has failed to improve.
Weeks to months
Swelling settles, with numbness of the tip easing gradually.
Up to a year
The final shape of the tip. Most of the change is visible early, but the last refinement is slow and worth waiting for.
When to call
Severe pain that the medication does not relieve, or a fever.
Questions patients ask.
You can safely undergo rhinoplasty once your facial bones and cartilage have stopped growing. This usually occurs at about age 15 for females and 16 for males, but can vary. A good guideline is your rate of growth as measured by height and shoe size. If both are increasing every six months, your skeletal structure is still growing. If growth has slowed and you are within an inch or two of your projected adult height, your nose has probably matured enough.
Your policy may pay for medically necessary parts of the procedure. Insurance does not cover surgery to change the cosmetic appearance of the nose. Dr. Sandel is an out-of-network provider. If your insurance company offers you out-of-network benefits, and you have a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or a broken nose — any of which with breathing issues not improved by medical treatments — then you could be reimbursed for that portion of the procedure. We will give you the medical notes, procedure codes, and diagnostic codes to help with this process. Because Dr. Sandel can often improve both form and function in the same procedure, an insurance benefit can greatly reduce the overall cost.
Dr. Sandel is double board-certified in advanced facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). His background in ear, nose, and throat surgery makes him exceptionally well qualified to perform rhinoplasty to improve both function and aesthetics. He has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures and has written book chapters and journal articles related to the procedure.
Yes. Dr. Sandel specializes in cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, addressing external structure while correcting internal issues such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or chronic congestion. These improvements can relieve breathing difficulties while enhancing nasal aesthetics in a single, well-planned procedure.
Open rhinoplasty offers enhanced precision for complex structural changes or significant refinement, using a small incision across the skin between the nostrils for better visibility and access. Closed rhinoplasty uses internal incisions only, enabling simpler adjustments with minimal scarring. Dr. Sandel will tailor his approach to your anatomy and goals.
The duration varies depending on complexity. A straightforward cosmetic rhinoplasty may take one to two hours, while combined aesthetic and functional procedures may last two to four hours. Dr. Sandel will provide a personalized time estimate during your consultation.
You will need a quiet, comfortable place to rest. Prepare by arranging extra pillows to keep your head elevated, stocking soft foods and ice packs, and ensuring easy access to water and other essentials. Clear your household of tripping hazards, and wear loose, comfortable shirts you can put on without dragging them over your head.
Light activities like walking can typically resume around one week after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise, contact sports, or activities that elevate your blood pressure for six to eight weeks. Since glasses rest on the nasal bridge, you may need to switch to contact lenses during the first month to protect healing tissues.
Initial swelling, bruising, and minor asymmetries are normal and expected. Your nasal tip may appear slightly oversized or bulbous, and swelling may obscure your bridge contours. These changes gradually improve over the following weeks and months as your nose settles into its new shape, monitored at scheduled follow-up visits.
Cost depends on variables such as the scope of the procedure and the time it takes to perform. It is best to visit Dr. Sandel for a one-on-one consultation, where you will receive a detailed cost breakdown of your custom procedure plan. Financing options are available.
Trust your nose to a specialist.
Dr. Sandel has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures and has written book chapters and journal articles on the subject. He receives referrals from fellow plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons whose patients require specialized care.