Rhinoplasty in Tucson, AZ

Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic procedure performed to improve the appearance or function of the nose. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao is a seasoned cosmetic nose and facial surgeon who offers rhinoplasty to his patients all across Tucson, AZ and beyond. To complete this advanced surgery, he takes a subtle approach to produce the softest and most natural outcomes. Although rhinoplasty consists of mild, delicate changes, the results tend to be very dramatic and leave a lasting impact on one's overall facial harmony. Cosmetic nose surgery at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery is often recommended to help make a nose look smaller or improve upon a nose that is wide, too large, or misshapen. The goal for this surgery is to create a more aesthetically pleasing nose that meets your goals and functions well. Learn more about rhinoplasty and then contact Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery to schedule your consultation.

Cosmetic and functional issues related to the nose can make you feel self-conscious and decrease your quality of life. Rhinoplasty may improve both the appearance and functional abilities of your nose, providing a boost in confidence and overall satisfaction. Patients often work with Dr. Rao for the following reasons:

• Experience: Dr. Rao has helped countless patients achieve their desired results through rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures.
• State-of-the-art facility: Our modern facility is equipped with the latest tools and technologies in the industry.
• Personalized care: Our surgical staff takes a personal interest in every patient, ensuring that all your needs are met.
• Safety: The safety of our patients is always our top priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols and maintain a clean, sterile environment.

If you find yourself frustrated with the appearance of your nose and have distinct issues that you would like to improve, enhance, or correct, then rhinoplasty may be a great solution. It's important to go over realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure as your nose and facial profile will be altered due to your new balance of facial features. Rhinoplasty, also called nose surgery or nose reshaping, can greatly improve both the appearance of your nose and your self-confidence. This treatment can correct the following conditions:

• An oversized or undersized nose
• Bumps or indentations on the nose
• A nose that is too wide or too skinny
• A nose with an unbalanced or crooked appearance
• An undesirable nasal tip
• Large or upturned nostrils
• Anatomical obstructions that cause bad breathing, or a deviated septum

In order to be a candidate for rhinoplasty, your facial features must be fully developed and you should be 16 years of age or older. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rao so he can help you determine if this treatment is right for you.

Nose surgery is performed with the patient under sedation, such as general anesthesia, and is in most cases an outpatient procedure. There are several different surgical techniques that could be employed, depending on what issue is being addressed. Dr. Rao performs nose surgery with an open approach. The goal of the procedure is to decrease or eliminate excess bone, cartilage, and tissue. Dr. Rao could also improve the overall shape of the nose by adding cartilage grafted from other parts of the body, like in the case for reconstruction. The nasal framework is then repositioned while the skin is redraped. Sutures are positioned either inside the nose or within the natural external crease.

Upon completion of your cosmetic nose surgery, you will rest comfortably in a designated recovery area and then be released to heal at home. The nose and the surrounding areas will be swollen, bruised, and sore for the first few days. In most cases, there is some discoloration under the eyes as well. Consistently using cold compresses and inflammatory medications can help minimize these effects. Your post-op check-up with Dr. Rao will take place within 72 hours following surgery to monitor your healing process. Most people are able to return to work in about 7 – 10 days following their rhinoplasty procedure, but there will still be residual swelling. While the majority of swelling takes about 2 – 4 weeks to resolve, it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to fully resolve. 

How much does rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of nose reshaping surgery varies, depending on the technique used and the complexity of the procedure. Before estimating costs, Dr. Rao will listen to your needs and goals to help create your customized treatment plan. Once this is done, he can go over your costs for the facility, anesthesia, and more. To get your best results, it's better to focus on choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Rao, rather than settling for the person who offers you the lowest quote. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts many payment methods, as well as low-interest financing.

Will my insurance cover functional nose surgery?
While rhinoplasty to improve your appearance is not covered by insurance, if your nose reshaping surgery is considered medically necessary to improve your breathing, some of your costs may be covered by insurance. If you are considering using your insurance, please tell Dr. Rao during your consultation. Our office will help you submit the needed paperwork and information to your insurance to process your claim.

Are there nonsurgical options to change my nose?
To smooth lumps and bumps on your nose, a wrinkle filler (like Juvéderm or Restylane) may be an option. An injectable filler can temporarily correct minor imperfections on your nose, which may help you decide to proceed with rhinoplasty. Nose surgery is better for long-lasting results, larger changes, and to improve the internal structure for better function. During your consultation, Dr. Rao will let you know if you may be a candidate for nonsurgical nose reshaping.

What about ethnic rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty focuses on improving the nose while still maintaining your cultural identity. This may be a consideration if you are Asian, African-American, or Middle Eastern. During your consultation with Dr. Rao, you can discuss what you like about your nose and what you would like to change. This will allow him to customize your treatment plan so you get wonderful results that satisfy your goals, as well as your identity.

Can I combine nose surgery with other facial surgeries?
Many patients consider combining nose surgery with another procedure, like chin or cheek augmentation. Combining surgeries for a dramatic result can be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Rao. Once he understands your goals, he can help you decide what procedures should be in your treatment plan. Nose reshaping surgery can help your whole face look more balanced so you should wait to see your results before considering another procedure.

Rhinoplasty is a simple option to address the displeasure you may feel when looking at your facial profile. If you are dissatisfied with the size and shape of your nose, or if you suffer from breathing issues, rhinoplasty may help. Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic treatment with very high success rates. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao aims to reshape your nose so your whole face looks more balanced and attractive. Even small tweaks can make a huge difference to your facial harmony. We invite you to get in touch with Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ and schedule a one-on-one consultation.