Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in Syracuse & Rochester, NY
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Contact UsWhat is Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty refers to nose surgery where the goal is to enhance the appearance of the nose. The aesthetic goal of rhinoplasty should be to achieve refined features of the nose that will harmonize the rest of your face.
Why is Rhinoplasty Considered One of the Most Challenging Facial Plastic Surgeries?
The nose consists of skin, soft tissue including muscles and ligaments, cartilage, and bone. Each of these components require a unique approach of planning, execution of technique, and prolonged postoperative care and patience to achieve the desired outcome.
The external appearance of the nose consists of a complex interplay of three-dimensional features of contour, curvature, skin texture, skin-soft tissue thickness, and shadow and reflection of lights in various angles and circumstances. There are also characteristic ethnic features of nasal structure that influence the ideals of the external appearance of the nose and what can be achieved. At the same time, we must consider the functionality of the nose as the entry to our respiratory system, breathing, smelling, and psychological sense of well-being. Of course, the nose also goes through changes as one ages, and we want to make sure that the nose after rhinoplasty will withstand the test of time.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CONSULTATION DAY
We will ask you to specify what features of the nose you would like to improve. Dr. Kim will carefully examine both the inside and outside of the nose. He will then explain the underlying structural causes for the appearance of your nose, and how he will correct those problems from the surgeon’s perspective.
Key features of the nose that are unique to each patient: skin and soft tissue envelope; shape, symmetry, and strength of the tip cartilage (lower 1/3); width and height of nasal bone including the hump and location of keystone area (upper 1/3); the middle vault area comprising of internal nasal valve (middle 1/3); and the inside of the nose including the septum and turbinates.
We will discuss what approach of rhinoplasty is recommended: open rhinoplasty with external incision, or endonasal rhinoplasty with internal incision; and what technique will be expected based on the physical exam and goal of the surgery.
Traditionally, cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on reductive technique – shaving or cutting the tip cartilage to refine or reshape the tip of the nose. Through the experience of past plastic surgeons we now know that the traditional reductive rhinoplasty can sometimes result in unpredictable and undesirable long term outcomes.
Modern principles in cosmetic rhinoplasty consist of reinforcing the supportive structure of the nasal tip. Every change made to the nasal tip will destabilize the tip support mechanism to some degree, and therefore must be countered with a reinforcing supportive maneuver. Furthermore, preservation rhinoplasty philosophy preaches minimizing removal of tissue to reduce disturbance of integrity of each nasal structure and contracture resulting in delayed adverse outcome.
Shape and strength of the nasal cartilage, thickness of the skin and soft tissue will dictate which techniques – suture technique, reshaping of the cartilage, or addition of cartilage grafts – are necessary to achieve the desired outcome which will stand the test of time. This approach will also help prevent unforeseen complications of rhinoplasty – functional problems of the nose.
Finally, we will take photos of the patient and digitally morphed photos will be provided to simulate the desired outcome from rhinoplasty. While this is an imperfect simulation, it is a helpful tool for the patient and the surgeon.
RECOVERY FROM RHINOPLASTY
There is an on-call physician during off-hours, and surgical patients will also have access to the surgeon’s personal cell phone for any specific surgery-related questions/concerns.
Week 1: Patients should expect some swelling and bruising. Patients may experience some discomfort during the first 2-3 days after the surgery. There will be some numbness at the time of the nose which will resolve over time. While some bruising under the eyes is possible, many patients may not have significant bruising under the eyes. Most patients plan to take 1 week off from school or work. External splint and sutures will be removed on day 7 after the surgery. In rare cases when necessary, Dr. Kim may also use an internal nasal splint which will be removed at day 7.
Week 2: No exercise for two weeks after the surgery, and no glasses or contact sports for 6 weeks. Patients should continue to apply ointment at the external incision site for 2 weeks, then start using a silicone sheet for 1 month. Continue with saline spray to keep the inside of the nose moist as often as possible.
Week 4+: Some patients with a thick skin-soft tissue envelope and post op edema may need a steroid injection as determined by Dr. Kim during post op visits. During this time, cartilage will feel very hard and sometimes it may feel like the nose is pulling to one side. This is not usual as the different structures of the nose may contract/pull toward different directions (like a 4-way tug-of-war), and massage or exercise may be helpful to redirect and mold as the nose heals.
6 months - 1 year: Swelling will continue to improve, cartilage will continue to soften as the nose begins to look and feel more organic and natural. Typically we expect the final outcome will take 1 year from surgery, it is not uncommon for the nose to take more time after the surgery.
Photos
Rhinoplasty; Alar Reduction
View PhotosRhinoplasty; Deviated Septum
View PhotosRhinoplasty
View PhotosPatient with bulbous nasal tip, asymmetric columella
View PhotosPatient with nasal obstruction, septal deviation, wide nasal vault, dorsal hump
View PhotosNatural Face Clinic Reviews
Absolute best surgeon & facility! Rhinoplasty 1 month ago - I recently underwent a transformative experience under the care of Dr. Kim and his remarkable team. Dr. Kim’s expertise in plastic surgery is truly exceptional, evident in the natural and stunning results I achieved. From the initial consultation, where he patiently addressed my concerns and outlined realistic expectations, to the post-operative care, every aspect of the process was handled with the utmost professionalism.The entire team, from the welcoming front desk staff to the skilled nurses, demonstrated a genuine commitment to patient satisfaction. The clinic's modern facilities and attention to privacy added to the overall positive experience. Dr. Kim's artistry in enhancing natural beauty is matched by his dedication to ensuring patient comfort and understanding throughout the entire journey.Choosing Dr. Kim was an investment not only in my appearance but also in my confidence and well-being. I highly recommend Dr. Kim and his team for anyone considering plastic surgery – their expertise, personalized care, and results speak volumes about their commitment to excellence.I had several consults with a variety of surgeons but felt that my needs and expectations were not understood. My cousin then recommended Dr. Kim to me and after the consult I knew I found my doctor. Despite his facility being a five hour trip one way, I knew he was the one I could trust to perform my surgery. Attached are my before and after photos, in case my words weren’t convincing enough!
I hope my healed face looks good - Dr. Kim looked so young to be a surgeon that I was apprehensive at first. I had surgeries before and one surgeon had interns working with him, but not Dr. Kim. The other surgeon I used ended up causing damage to various areas of my legs and abdominals due to the intern being untrained and not knowing what the hell she was doing. I still have the scars on my legs and abs. Dr. Kim did the surgery himself and that is what I liked about him (as I paid for an experienced surgeon not an intern). He is double board certified. Apparently he went to very good schools and has had a great education. Dr. Kim is very soft spoken, and very handsome. He did a great job although I’m only two days out from a facelift, upper eye lid reduction, lips filled, under eye laser treatment. I’ve had at least five surgeons work on me and out of all the surgeons Dr. Kim is one of my favorites as he is very professional and I had a great experience! Thank you Dr. Kim! I hope my healed face looks good once it heals fully from bruising and swelling. I’m confident it will. I fully recommend Dr. Kim!
Dr. Kim is the only plastic surgeon that I’m completely comfortable with and trust. He performed a facelift that was so natural that people couldn’t believe I had the surgery.
Had MOHS surgery on the side of my nose and then plastic surgery by Dr. Kim two weeks ago. Healing well, don't think there will be any scar at all. Dr Kim and his staff were wonderful!
Dr. Kim & staff have been nothing but professional and polite since I was referred to them by my primary care. I had a septorhinoplasty performed 3 weeks ago on my badly crooked deviated septum to improve breathing, as well as to cosmetically improve the appearance of my nose. While I’m still in recovery and swollen, I am very pleased with the results thus far, and only expect the outcome to improve over the next year. It has been a great decision to choose Dr. Kim for me, and I know I will continue to get great results while under him and his staff's care.
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About UsCosmetic Rhinoplasty FAQs
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of nose reshaping surgery varies based on the technique used and how complex your procedure is. Before estimating costs, Dr. Kim will listen to your concerns and goals to help create your custom treatment plan. When this is done, he can go over costs for the facility, anesthesia, and more. For your best results, it's better to focus on selecting an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Kim, instead of the lowest cost. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Natural Face Clinic accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.
Can I combine nose surgery with other facial surgeries?
Some patients think about combining rhinoplasty with another procedure, like chin or cheek augmentation. Having multiple surgeries for a more dramatic result can be reviewed during your consultation with Dr. Kim. Once he understands your goals, He can help you choose what procedures will be in your custom plan. Nose reshaping surgery can often help your whole face look more balanced, so you should wait to see your results before getting another procedure.
Are there nonsurgical options to change my nose?
To smooth lumps and bumps on your nose, a wrinkle filler (like Restylane or Juvéderm) might be an option. An injectable filler can temporarily correct minor imperfections on your nose, which may help you decide to get a rhinoplasty. Nose surgery is better for larger changes, long-lasting results, and to adjust the internal structure of the nose for better function. During your consultation, Dr. Kim can let you know if you may be a candidate for nonsurgical nose reshaping.