Rhinoplasty

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.

If your surgery also corrects a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, the functional portion may be covered by your health insurance. The cosmetic portion is not. We will review both with you before surgery so you know what to expect, and anesthesia is billed separately where a procedure is medically necessary. The Rhinoplasty cost section above sets out the cosmetic figure and what it includes.