Septoplasty vs. Rhinoplasty: Which Nose Surgery Is Right for You?
Deciding between septoplasty vs. rhinoplasty or a combination procedure can be challenging, especially if you're unsure…Read On
TLKM Plastic Surgery
737 North Michigan Avenue #1500
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 788-2560
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are top Chicago rhinoplasty specialists who have performed over 3,000 rhinoplasty procedures. Their patients can attest that small, precise changes to the nose can transform your entire face.
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Embodying an aspiration for a natural-looking improvement, the patient, a 17-year-old young woman, opted for rhinoplasty by Dr. Mustoe in Chicago. Exhibiting a dorsal hump, a somewhat bulbous tip, and a long nose, she sought Dr. Thomas Mustoe's expertise to enhance her facial symmetry and overall aesthetic appeal. The procedure comprised Rhin... Read More
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
This 23-year-old patient, a passionate women's soccer player, sought the expertise of Dr. Thomas Mustoe to correct a longstanding deviated septum and external deviation to her nose, both the results of previous sports-related injuries. A desire for a straight nose, septum, and improved overall profile were the driving forces behind the decisi... Read More
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
At the age of 25, this patient chose to seek relief from a lifelong battle with nasal obstruction and breathing problems. His left nostril was notably more obstructed, impacting his ability to sleep and causing perpetual discomfort regarding a sensation of insufficient air intake. Further driven by a desire for an aesthetically pleasing nasal... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape or refine the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno perform rhinoplasty with artistry and precision, tailoring each procedure to suit each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Chicago's
Premier Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Thomas Mustoe and Dr. Sammy Sinno are board-certified plastic surgeons renowned in Chicago and beyond for their unparalleled expertise, refined surgical techniques, and exceptional patient outcomes. Together, they set the gold standard in plastic surgery treatment and care, delivering:
- Safe, best-in-class protocols
- Minimal scarring and bruising
- Customized, natural-looking results
- Faster, more comfortable recovery
- Use of local anesthesia with sedation
- State-of-the-art Facility
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The best rhinoplasty candidates are in good physical health and want to improve the shape and structure of the nose. From a cosmetic standpoint, improvements may include one or more of the following:
- Narrowing a wide bridge
- Refining the shape of the tip
- Smoothing bumps or indentations
- Reshaping large, wide, or upturned nostrils
- Decreasing the overall size of the nose
Nose surgery is also performed to correct sinus or breathing problems, congenital irregularities, or damage caused by injury or prior surgeries. Often, nose surgery combines both cosmetic and functional benefits, so you can look and feel your best.
During the consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will thoroughly examine you, carefully listen to your aesthetic concerns, and educate you on the anatomical considerations for achieving your goals. They use 3D imaging to help you visualize what the postoperative result will look like.
Your Guide to Rhinoplasty
Download Our Complimentary e-Guide
Ready to start your journey to your best nose? Get all the information you need about rhinoplasty when you download our free e-Guide, Your Guide to Rhinoplasty. Inside, you will find answers to all your questions about nose surgery, from how to be sure it is right for you to what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use two main surgical techniques to access the interior anatomy of the nose during rhinoplasty:
- Closed rhinoplasty involves placing incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar.
- Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision on the underside of the nose (the columella) to lift the skin and reveal the nasal structure fully. This allows for greater precision and access to the internal nasal framework.
The chosen approach depends on your specific goals and the complexity of the corrections needed. Our surgeons typically prefer an open rhinoplasty approach for addressing nasal tip revisions and more significant aesthetic changes.
TLKM Plastic SurgeryWhat Is a Subtle Nose Job?
A subtle nose job focuses on refining the nose in a way that enhances your appearance, while still maintaining your natural look. Using meticulous surgical techniques, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno reshape the cartilage and bone with precision, minimizing the need for extensive grafting or significant structural alterations.
Rather than creating a dramatically different look, their approach enhances your existing features for a more harmonious, balanced appearance. The result is a refined, natural-looking nose that complements the rest of your face.
Key benefits of our subtle rhinoplasty approach include:
- Achieving facial harmony without an “overdone” look
- Improving your side profile with refined contours
- Boosting self-confidence with results that feel authentic
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s advanced surgical techniques deliver long-lasting, natural results that elevate your appearance without any tell-tale signs of having had surgery.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Roughly one-third of the rhinoplasty procedures performed at our practice are revision surgeries, designed to correct unsatisfactory results from previous procedures done elsewhere. In some cases, patients have undergone three or more prior surgeries before seeking our surgeons’ revision rhinoplasty expertise.
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno have extensive experience addressing the complex issues that can arise from previous rhinoplasties. This deep understanding informs their approach to revision cases and helps them avoid these complications in their primary rhinoplasty procedures.
Revision rhinoplasty is typically more complex and may require additional techniques, such as:
- Harvesting cartilage from the ear or rib
- Using fascia grafts from the temple
- Removal of excess scar tissue for optimal aesthetics
Despite the intricacy, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno perform nearly all revision procedures using the open rhinoplasty approach while patients are under local anesthesia with sedation. This results in reduced swelling, minimized discomfort, and a faster recovery.
What Is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno specialize in ethnic rhinoplasty, a customized approach to nose job surgery that enhances the appearance of the nose while preserving the unique features and cultural identity of patients from diverse backgrounds. This technique respects individual anatomical differences and focuses on achieving natural-looking results that harmonize with the patient’s facial features and heritage.
Before Surgery
Our surgeons take a personalized, thoughtful approach to ethnic rhinoplasty, beginning with a consultation to gain a clear understanding of each patient’s goals and expectations. This includes:
- Listening carefully to your desired outcome and aesthetic preferences
- Using 3D imaging to simulate potential changes and results
- Reviewing before and after ethnic rhinoplasty photos featuring real patient transformations
During your private consultation, Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno will address all of your questions and concerns.
During Surgery
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use advanced tools and signature techniques to plan and perform surgery with precision and care:
- Refining the nasal tip for improved definition
- Increasing the nasal bridge height to add structure and enhance shape
- Reducing nostril width or size
- Decreasing overall nose size while maintaining natural proportions
All of the individual components of your surgical plan are reviewed with the patient at the consultation and the preoperative visit, ensuring your confidence in the procedure and its outcome.
What Is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern surgical technique performed by Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno that reshapes the nose while preserving much of its natural structure, particularly the nasal bridge and support tissues. Unlike traditional methods that remove and reconstruct parts of the nasal framework, preservation rhinoplasty focuses on maintaining existing anatomy to achieve more natural-looking results, improved nasal function, and a smoother recovery. This approach is ideal for patients seeking subtle refinement without compromising the nose’s strength or stability.
Before Surgery
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno approach preservation rhinoplasty with careful planning and a commitment to achieving natural, long-lasting results. Your consultation includes:
- Detailed exploration of your nasal refinement goals
- Examination of your nasal structure and function
- 3D imaging to preview potential results
- Review of before and after images to help guide expectations
Rest assured, our surgeons take time to ensure you fully understand how the preservation rhinoplasty approach aligns with your aesthetic and functional concerns.
During Surgery
Preservation rhinoplasty is performed using specialized techniques that maintain the nose’s original architecture while enhancing its appearance:
- Preserving the nasal bridge for a smooth, natural contour
- Maintaining internal support structures to reduce the risk of collapse or long-term instability
- Minimizing tissue disruption for faster healing and less swelling
- Gently modifying cartilage and bone to improve shape and function without overcorrection
This innovative approach allows Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno to deliver elegant, refined results with improved breathing and a more comfortable recovery.
The Dr. Mustoe Difference
Double board-certified in plastic surgery and otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), Dr. Mustoe brings an unmatched level of expertise to rhinoplasty surgery, combining deep anatomical knowledge with advanced training and aesthetic techniques. Having performed more than 2,000 nose job procedures—including complex revisions—Dr. Mustoe has earned a reputation for delivering refined, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. He has lectured nationally about his innovative rhinoplasty techniques.
His renowned approach includes:
- Pioneering new techniques to precisely control nasal tip shape and projection
- Subtle reduction of nasal size without an overdone or “surgical” appearance
- Careful sculpting with magnification and precise dissection
- Expert correction of breathing issues, including septoplasty and valve repair
- Use of preservation rhinoplasty for smoother recovery and results
- Use of IV sedation and local anesthesia vs. general anesthesia for a safer, faster recovery with patients experiencing less bruising and swelling
Dr. Mustoe’s rhinoplasty innovations have been widely adopted by peers and featured at multiple ASPS annual meetings. His signature techniques, including his method for nasal tip deprojection, offer patients a transparent enhancement, where the result is beautiful but never obvious. Through meticulous planning, 3D imaging, and patient-centered care, Dr. Mustoe consistently achieves elegant and balanced results.
The Dr. Sinno Difference
Dr. Sinno’s distinctive approach to rhinoplasty is shaped by his elite training at NYU Langone Medical Center, extensive academic contributions, and natural talent for facial aesthetics. He blends surgical precision with an artistic eye to deliver beautifully balanced, natural-looking results that honor each patient’s unique features.
His advanced rhinoplasty approach is defined by:
- Detailed consultation and In-depth planning using 3D imaging
- Open or closed techniques tailored to each patient’s needs
- Precise sculpting of nasal structures under magnification
- Structural support to maintain long-term function and aesthetics
- Thoughtful postoperative care with guided recovery protocols
Dr. Sinno strongly emphasizes communication, using the consultation process to align with his patients’ goals and set realistic expectations. He is recognized nationally and internationally for rhinoplasty innovation and excellence. As a sought-after rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Sinno’s goal is always to create nose job outcomes that are seamless, functional, and uniquely you.
Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
Most of Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s patients return to work, school, and other daily activities within 7 days. After surgery, a splint is worn on the nose for approximately one week to provide support and promote proper healing.
While everyone’s experience is unique, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s patients typically benefit from a much more comfortable and shorter recovery than the average rhinoplasty patient. Their advanced surgical techniques:
- Minimize tissue trauma
- Reduce bruising, bleeding, and swelling
- Eliminate the need for nasal packing (in most cases)
While all of our patients can anticipate a seamless, comfortable healing process, Dr. Mustoe is a pioneer in the use of local anesthesia techniques that allow plastic surgery to be performed with intravenous sedation and light sedation. This innovative approach results in faster recovery, increased safety (general anesthesia carries a dramatically higher risk of blood clots), and reduced bruising and swelling, especially when combined with Dr. Mustoe’s sharp dissection techniques.
We also offer state-of-the-art laser treatments that improve bruising during a single postoperative visit. After surgery, Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno provide patients with direct cell phone numbers to ensure prompt responses to questions or concerns.
Many patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is all they need to manage discomfort. For a more detailed look at what to expect after surgery, view our Ultimate Rhinoplasty Recovery Guide blog post.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips
- Apply an ice pack over your eyes—on for 15 minutes, off for 5 minutes—for the first 8 to 12 hours after surgery.
- Sleep propped up with 2 to 3 pillows or in a recliner for the first 3 days.
- Avoid wearing glasses with heavy frames, including sunglasses, for at least 2 weeks.
- Take a break from your workouts for about a week, then ease back into them.
Rhinoplasty For Men
Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno approach male facial plastic surgery differently than they do for women. Though a nose job for men is performed using the same fundamental methods, their aesthetic focus is on balancing the face and creating a natural-looking, masculine nose through rhinoplasty. As they adjust the nasal bridge, tip, bumps, nostrils, and overall nose size, they make subtle adjustments to improve the nose’s appearance without feminizing the face.
With meticulous attention to detail and advanced techniques, our surgeons enhance masculine facial features while helping men feel more confident in their appearance.
How Much Is a Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) in Chicago, IL?
The cost of rhinoplasty in Chicago, Illinois, varies depending on factors such as the plastic surgeon’s level of expertise, whether the procedure is a primary or revision surgery, and the extent of the correction required. A full rhinoplasty, for example, costs more than a procedure that only involves the tip of the nose.
Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno provides a detailed treatment plan and estimate so you’ll know precisely what is included in the overall price tag. You should always choose the best nose surgeon for your rhinoplasty by prioritizing credentials over cost. Many patients take advantage of our convenient financing options.
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Rhinoplasty FAQ
How long before I see results from rhinoplasty?
The improved appearance of the nose gradually emerges as most of the swelling dissipates, usually about 6 weeks after surgery. Subtle changes in the appearance of the nose continue over the first year.
Does rhinoplasty leave a scar?
Closed rhinoplasty scars are not visible as they are placed only inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty scars are very inconspicuous. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno discreetly hide incisions along the columella, the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils. You may have a very faint, small line that is barely visible.
What’s a liquid rhinoplasty?
We offer liquid rhinoplasty in Chicago for patients seeking temporary, minor refinements rather than significant structural changes. A liquid rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical nose job that uses dermal fillers to temporarily reshape the nose. It can smooth bumps, enhance symmetry, or refine contours without surgery. Results typically last 6 to 18 months.
Please visit our Rhinoplasty FAQ page for answers to other common nose job questions, or download our complimentary rhinoplasty eGuide, Your Guide to Rhinoplasty.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
See why patients searching for the best nose surgeon in Chicago, Illinois, choose Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno for their rhinoplasty procedure. Request a nose job consultation by completing the online form or calling our practice at (312) 788-2560 to schedule an appointment.
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