At what age can I have a nose job?

Most rhinoplasty patients have the procedure in their 20s, when the desire to refine the nose’s appearance often takes shape. That said, patients should be at least 16 years old, since the nasal bones continue to grow until the end of puberty and shouldn’t be reshaped until they’re fully developed. Older patients are wonderful candidates too, as long as they’re in good general health.

How much does rhinoplasty cost in Chicago?

Because every rhinoplasty Dr. Ellis performs is fully customized, pricing varies from patient to patient. During your consultation, Dr. Ellis will create a personalized surgical plan and provide a quote tailored to that plan.

Is a nose job covered by insurance?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is an elective procedure, so it isn’t covered by most insurance plans. Insurance may, however, cover part or all of rhinoplasty for patients with significant breathing issues or a history of facial trauma. Dr. Ellis also invites patients to apply for financing through CareCredit, making it easy to pay for surgery in smaller, manageable installments.

Should I expect scarring after having rhinoplasty?

With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are hidden inside the nostrils, so there’s no visible scarring. With open rhinoplasty, you may see a faint mark on the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils), but it typically fades from view over time.

Can I make changes to my nose without undergoing surgery?

For patients curious about a non-surgical option, Dr. Ellis offers what’s known as a “liquid nose job.” This treatment uses dermal filler injections to subtly reshape the nose. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can smooth a small bump on the bridge or improve symmetry — quickly, comfortably and with virtually no downtime. The trade-off is that touch-ups are needed about once a year to maintain your results.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Chicago IL - Nose Surgery Chicago IL

Surgeon touching woman nose, consulting lady before rhinoplasty operation, brown studio background, side view. Plastic surgery concept

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a refined procedure designed to reshape, resize or sculpt the nose for a more balanced, beautiful appearance. Often called a “nose job,” rhinoplasty can bring the nose into harmony with the rest of your facial features or refine an irregularity that detracts from your overall look.

Beautiful, natural-looking results begin with the artistry and experience of a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Marco Ellis. In his hands, rhinoplasty becomes a personalized experience that can elevate self-confidence and help you feel more like yourself.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty can refine any of the following:

A wide or oversized nose
A crooked or asymmetrical nose
A noticeable hump or depression on the nasal bridge
An enlarged, bulbous or drooping nasal tip
Wide, flared or asymmetrical nostrils
Other shape irregularities that may occur after a nasal injury

Great rhinoplasty surgeons understand how to improve the appearance and function of the nose simultaneously. It is not uncommon for Dr. Ellis to fix an internal abnormality to improve breathing function while also addressing cosmetic issues during the same procedure.

As with any procedure, determining candidacy requires an in-person consultation with Dr. Ellis. During the appointment, he will perform a thorough evaluation of the nasal and facial anatomy and inquire about the candidate’s goals of treatment. If he feels rhinoplasty is an appropriate solution, he will suggest a detailed plan of treatment.

Rhinoplasty Procedure Details

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is highly personalized, and the techniques Dr. Ellis uses are tailored to each patient’s features and goals. He may gently reshape or reposition bone or cartilage to refine the overall look of the nose or a specific area (such as the nostrils, bridge or tip). Cartilage grafts may be used as well to support the most natural-looking results.

Nose surgery can be performed using an “open” or “closed” approach. With the open technique, a small incision is made across the columella — the strip of skin between the nostrils — and the skin is lifted to access the underlying structures. With the closed technique, all incisions are made discreetly inside the nostrils. Either way, rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Recovering from Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Every patient heals at their own pace, but for most, initial swelling and bruising fade within the first 10 to 14 days. Many patients return to work after about a week — slightly longer for those with more active or physical jobs.

While the initial recovery is fairly quick, it can take up to a year for your final nasal shape to fully settle.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Unlike many cosmetic treatments that temporarily soften signs of aging, the results of cosmetic rhinoplasty are generally permanent. Aside from subtle changes that come naturally with age, the bones and cartilage hold their shape — so you can enjoy your refined look for years to come without needing to repeat the procedure.

Why should I choose Dr. Ellis as my plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is widely considered one of the most artful and technically demanding cosmetic procedures. It calls for a deep understanding of facial anatomy paired with a refined surgical eye. As a facial specialist, Dr. Ellis brings both — combining precision and artistry to sculpt beautiful, natural-looking results, whether your goals are purely cosmetic or include functional concerns.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Ellis

Ready to explore rhinoplasty with Dr. Ellis? Contact (312) 695-6022 or our practice today to schedule your personal consultation.

Rhinoplasty in Chicago