Rhinoplasty in Chicago

The nose is one of the most prominent facial features and plays a big role in the overall balance and harmony of the face. If you are bothered by the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, may be a good option for you. Rhinoplasty is designed to improve the size, shape or features of your nose so it enhances (not detracts from) your facial beauty. Rhinoplasty can also fix structural abnormalities that interfere with breathing through your nose.

The complexity of rhinoplasty surgery requires the skill and experience of a remarkable plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Galiano. He has been performing rhinoplasty in Chicago for many years and has earned a stellar reputation for his artistic eye and technical acumen.

Rhinoplasty Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty if you wish to improve any of the following:

• The size of your nose in relation to the rest of your face
• The width of your nasal bridge
• A hump or depression on the bridge of your nose
• Flared or asymmetrical nostrils
• A nasal tip that is enlarged, upturned, droopy or bulbous

You may also be a good candidate if you have breathing problems because of a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or another internal defect.

Dr. Galiano requires all candidates to meet with him for a consultation, so he can examine the nose in person and discuss the goals of treatment. During your consultation, he can use 3D technology to help you “preview” the predicted results.

Procedure Details

Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home to recover shortly after your procedure. Anesthesia is used for your complete comfort during surgery.

There are two approaches to rhinoplasty: open and closed. An open rhinoplasty is performed through a small incision on the columella, the strip of skin separating the nostrils. This enables Dr. Galiano to pull back the skin and access the internal nasal structures. The open approach may leave a small scar that is mostly hidden by the natural creases in the skin. A closed rhinoplasty is performed through incisions inside the nostrils. It does not leave any noticeable scarring.

The surgical techniques Dr. Galiano uses are based on the results you hope to achieve and your nasal anatomy. Depending on your goals, he can add or remove bone or cartilage, shorten or lengthen the nose or reduce or increase the size of the nose. He may smooth a bump on the bridge of the nose, tweak the nostrils or refine the nasal tip. If needed, Dr. Galiano can use a cartilage graft from the septum (internal wall separating the nostrils), bone from the skull, silicone implants, fillers or fat grafts. He can also straighten out a deviated septum to restore normal airflow through the nose.

Recovering from Rhinoplasty

After rhinoplasty, bruising and swelling around the nose and eye area are common. Any pain or discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Galiano.

You will be advised to keep your head elevated at all times for a few weeks after surgery. You should avoid any strenuous activity or contact sports that could risk injury to your nose during the initial recovery. Dr. Galiano will closely monitor your recovery through follow-up appointments and advise when you can resume work, exercise and other activities.

Although you should be able to see an improvement shortly after your surgery, it can take up to a year for the swelling to completely subside and your results to stabilize.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

How soon will I see results?

Because the swelling that is a normal part of rhinoplasty recovery is slow to subside, your final result will take time to reveal itself. Some swelling can linger for up to a year, although the most significant swelling will only last about two months. Healing patterns are unique to each patient. Sometimes one side of the nose heals faster than the other, creating a temporary look of imbalance. You can rest assured that your final result will be symmetrical.

The best way to maintain perspective during recovery is to refer to your customized computer imaging models that were used to plan your surgery. These images will help remind you of what to expect with your final result, and are better indicators than the facial appearance you observe during the initial phases of healing.

Is rhinoplasty surgery more challenging for some patients?

There are some physical characteristics that make a surgical reshaping of the nose more difficult. If you were born with exceptionally thick facial skin and seek a smaller nose, your skin may not have the flexibility to adjust to the new bone profile. Very thin skin is likely supple enough, but may not be sufficiently opaque to cover the subdermal marks of surgery, such as bone grafts. Rhinoplasty revisions present additional challenges, as there is likely to be scar tissue from the earlier surgery.

Can rhinoplasty be performed on patients of any age?

Beyond the types of physical characteristics that make rhinoplasty challenging, there are emotional and psychological components to consider for patients of young ages. The procedure can be successful with girls as young as 15 and boys at 16 years of age; but whether it is appropriate depends on the emotional maturity of the patient. Unless there is a medical imperative, Dr. Galiano advises that younger patients wait until they have gained the proper perspective on what the surgery can and cannot do.

By contrast, patients should not wait too long. The procedure is more difficult to perform on patients 60 and above, when healing takes longer and the possibility of complications rises. Our skin and cartilage are in an optimal condition for rhinoplasty beginning in our late teens and into our early 30s.

When is rhinoplasty revision appropriate?

Because the results of rhinoplasty depend so heavily on the precision, experience and artistry of the surgeon, not every procedure is a success. Anyone who has ever leafed through the pages of a supermarket tabloid knows that fact: Sometimes even the richest celebrities in the world end up with surgically-altered noses that are not improvements at all. In cases like this, revision surgery is often necessary. Dr. Galiano excels in rhinoplasty revision, correcting the procedures that were performed by other surgeons.

The first step is to wait until about a year after the first rhinoplasty, after inflammation of tissue has dissipated. Not only will this give you a better sense of the final appearance of the nose, it will also give your tissue time to heal, before it is once again subjected to incisions and reshaping. In some limited situations revisions should be performed earlier, however. Serious structural damage that occurred with the original surgery, such as pinching, twisting, retraction or a partial collapse, can become more serious and harder to operate on the longer you wait.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, whether functional corrections are needed, and the specific changes included in the surgical plan. Anesthesia and facility fees also affect the total price. During your consultation, Dr. Galiano will provide a personalized cost estimate based on your goals and treatment plan.

What’s the difference between male and female rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty for men and women often involves different aesthetic goals and anatomical considerations. Male rhinoplasty typically emphasizes a stronger nasal profile, maintaining a straight or slightly concave bridge, and avoiding over-refinement of the tip. Female rhinoplasty may focus more on achieving a graceful slope and softer angles. Dr. Galiano tailors every surgery to the individual, respecting gender-specific proportions and preferences.

How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?

Rhinoplasty generally takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Revision cases or those requiring structural grafts may take longer. After surgery, you’ll be monitored before being released to recover at home.

Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes. Many patients opt to combine rhinoplasty with eyelid surgery or facelift to enhance overall facial harmony and minimize total recovery time. Combining procedures can be especially beneficial when addressing profile balance or age-related concerns. Dr. Galiano will discuss combination options during your consultation if appropriate.

How do I prepare for rhinoplasty?

Dr. Galiano will provide detailed preoperative instructions, which typically include avoiding blood-thinning medications, quitting smoking, and arranging for transportation and recovery support. A pre-surgical evaluation ensures you’re healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.

How soon can I return to work or school after rhinoplasty?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school within one to two weeks after surgery, once the initial swelling and bruising have subsided. Dr. Galiano recommends avoiding strenuous activity or anything that could risk nasal trauma for at least three weeks.

How long does swelling last after a nose job?

Swelling after rhinoplasty is most noticeable during the first two weeks. By six weeks, a majority of the swelling has typically resolved. However, subtle swelling, especially at the nasal tip, can take up to a year to fully dissipate. Dr. Galiano will monitor your healing progress and help you track improvements at follow-up visits.

How can I maintain my rhinoplasty results long-term?

Protecting your nose from injury, avoiding smoking, and following post-op care instructions are key. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wearing sunscreen also help preserve skin quality and healing. While results are long-lasting, natural aging may subtly affect the nose over time.

What is ethnic rhinoplasty, and do you perform it?

Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to reshaping the nose while preserving the unique characteristics of a patient’s heritage. Dr. Galiano has extensive experience performing rhinoplasty for patients of diverse backgrounds and takes great care to respect ethnic identity while enhancing nasal aesthetics and function.

Why choose Dr. Galiano for rhinoplasty in Chicago?

Dr. Galiano is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty. Known for his meticulous technique, balanced results, and honest patient communication, he blends surgical precision with an artistic eye. His use of 3D imaging also allows patients to visualize likely outcomes before committing to surgery.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation

If you are interested in a more attractive nose that “fits” the rest of your face, Dr. Galiano invites you to schedule a consultation with him to discuss rhinoplasty. Please contact our office to set up an appointment.