Rhinoplasty FAQ

How much does rhinoplasty cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of a nose job in Chicago varies based on factors such as the extent of correction necessary, the surgical technique used, and your surgeon’s experience level. During your consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno, they’ll share a personalized treatment plan with a detailed rhinoplasty price quote to help you plan accordingly. They also offer flexible financing options to make your nose job cost more affordable and convenient.

What does rhinoplasty address?

Rhinoplasty corrects physical issues of the nose, such as an overly wide bridge, a mispositioned tip, or overly large nostrils. It also corrects undesirable bumps or depressions, while bringing the overall size of your nose into harmony with the rest of the face. In addition to cosmetic concerns, rhinoplasty also addresses physical problems such as a deviated septum or other breathing obstructions. To see examples of Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s nose surgeries, visit our rhinoplasty before-and-after photo gallery.

How can I choose the best nose surgeon in Chicago?

The top rhinoplasty surgeons in Chicago are board-certified plastic surgeons who are experts in advanced rhinoplasty techniques, including open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty. It’s essential to arrange in-person consultations with prospective nose job surgeons to ensure you feel equally comfortable with their bedside manner and surgical expertise.

What is the success rate of rhinoplasty?

The outcome of nose surgery depends on several factors, including:

• Ensuring you are a good candidate and have reasonable expectations
• Choosing an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon
• Following post-op instructions

Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully to give yourself the best chance of achieving optimal results. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno are renowned, award-winning rhinoplasty specialists in Chicago with exceptional credentials and positive patient testimonials.

How old do you have to be for a nose job?

While it is perfectly safe for teenagers to have rhinoplasty, it is important to wait until the face is fully developed. The best candidates for a nose job are typically females who are at least 13 years old and males who are at least 16. Otherwise, nose job surgery is typically safe for adults of all ages.

Is your nose broken during a rhinoplasty?

The surgical technique varies, and not all nose job patients require an osteotomy, the technical term for “breaking the nose” during rhinoplasty. Instead of the violent action you might imagine, osteotomy is a precise, controlled procedure performed with a specialized tool called an osteotome. Osteotomy moves the upper portion of the nasal bones closer together and is often used for the following reasons:

• Repairing a nasal fracture
• Narrowing a wide bridge
• Straightening a crooked nose

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno are experienced in osteotomy and prioritize your safety and comfort throughout nose job surgery.

How painful is rhinoplasty surgery?

Achieving your facial transformation with rhinoplasty isn’t as painful as most patients anticipate. To enhance your comfort and help you feel relaxed during rhinoplasty, our plastic surgeons typically use local anesthesia with sedation versus general anesthesia. After surgery, most patients only need over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort because our surgeons use innovative surgical techniques that usually avoid the need for nasal packing.

What’s a nonsurgical nose job?

Nonsurgical or liquid rhinoplasty, sometimes called a 5-minute nose job, reshapes the nose with dermal filler injections. This procedure is best suited for patients who wish to build up areas of the nose, such as lifting the tip, smoothing out a bump, or straightening a crooked bridge. Results are temporary and less dramatic than a surgical nose job. Nose surgery results last indefinitely, making it a worthwhile investment in recovery time and money for most patients.

What is rhinoplasty recovery like?

Your recuperation from rhinoplasty depends on the extent of your surgery. Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use specialized techniques to reduce discomfort and recovery time as well as minimize bleeding and bruising. Their nose job patients do not need nasal packing unless there is extensive work internally on the turbinates for breathing problems. While each recovery varies, most patients experience the following recovery milestones:

• Wear a splint for about 5 to 7 days
• Modest swelling and bruising (most patients feel comfortable with their appearances as soon as the splint is removed)
• Majority of swelling resolves within 6 weeks, with continued gradual improvement
• Subtle changes in the appearance of your nose over the first year following surgery

 How do you reduce swelling after rhinoplasty?

To minimize swelling after a nose job, apply an ice pack across your eyes for 15 minutes on, then 5 minutes off, for the first 8 to 10 hours. Also, keep your head elevated at all times for the first 3 days. It helps to sleep with extra pillows or in a recliner. Dr Mustoe and Dr. Sinno provide detailed post-op instructions to minimize swelling and accelerate healing.

How do you clean your nose after rhinoplasty surgery?

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno share specific rhinoplasty post-op instructions, which include showing you how to remove crusts and promote healing. Cleaning your nose after surgery involves applying A+D ointment or an antibiotic ointment to the incision between the nostrils (for open surgery), along the outer edge of the nostrils, and just inside the nose with a cotton swab. DO NOT insert anything inside the nose.

For the first 2 weeks, avoid blowing your nose and anything else that may cause it to bleed. It is normal for the nose to feel congested initially. Remember, properly cleaning and caring for your nose after rhinoplasty is essential to smoother healing and optimal results.

How long does bruising after rhinoplasty last?

Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno use techniques to minimize bruising after rhinoplasty, which is largely resolved within a week and fully resolved in 10 days for most patients. For the occasional patient who has more bruising or who desires an accelerated recovery, we offer a state-of-the-art laser treatment that dramatically reduces bruising with a single brief treatment performed during your postoperative visit.

When can you return to your normal routine after rhinoplasty?

Thanks to their advanced nose job surgery techniques and accelerated healing protocols, most of Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno’s rhinoplasty patients resume their normal schedule, including returning to work, after about a week.

Can you ruin your rhinoplasty results?

Yes, it’s possible to ruin your rhinoplasty results if you bump your nose after surgery. The effect on your results depends on where you are in the healing process and how hard your nose was hit. In general, any trauma to nasal tissues may damage your results or prolong the healing process. Contact Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno if you have concerns.

Can people tell if you’ve had a nose job?

If your nose job was performed by a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon, the results should be natural instead of obvious. When performing a nose job, our surgeons focus on creating a “transparent” outcome, and they are known for avoiding the “operated” look. 

Dr. Mustoe is board-certified in both plastic surgery and otolaryngology, which further reinforces his ability to achieve dramatic results while keeping the character and function of your nose intact. Similarly, Dr. Sinno is a highly qualified rhinoplasty surgeon who delivers subtle but transformative rhinoplasty results.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary surgical procedure performed by Dr. Mustoe and Dr. Sinno to correct or improve the results of a previous nose surgery. About one-third of their rhinoplasty procedures are revisions of previous surgeries performed by other doctors. Learn more about their innovative revision rhinoplasty techniques.

Is rhinoplasty surgery safe?

While all surgeries have risks, rhinoplasty is very safe when performed by a plastic surgeon who:

• Is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Otolaryngology
• Has extensive experience performing rhinoplasty
• Is trained to perform various types of rhinoplasty techniques

Dr. Musto and Dr. Sinno perform rhinoplasty using local anesthesia with sedation for added safety and enhanced recovery. They have years of experience and consistently satisfied patients.

Are nose job results permanent?

Yes, adults and fully developed adolescents can expect their rhinoplasty results to last indefinitely unless there is trauma to the nose. The natural aging process may affect the appearance of the nose over time. While rhinoplasty results are long-lasting, our experienced surgeons perform revision rhinoplasty if you are unhappy with the results of procedures performed elsewhere.