Cosmetic Rhinoplasty in Chicago, IL

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape, resize or sculpt the nose for aesthetic purposes. Colloquially referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty can bring the nose into better balance in relation to the rest of the facial features, or improve a visible abnormality or imperfection that is detracting from the overall appearance of the nose or face.

Delivering beautiful results requires the skill and experience of a remarkable plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Marco Ellis. When performed by Dr. Ellis, rhinoplasty can be an extremely rewarding experience that boosts self-confidence and self-image.

What Can Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Improve?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty can improve 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 abnormalities that may occur after 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.

Procedure Details

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a highly individualized surgery, and the techniques that Dr. Ellis uses vary based on the patient’s needs and goals. The plastic surgeon may remove or reposition bone or cartilage as needed to improve the overall appearance of the nose or one of its specific features (e.g., nostrils, bridge, tip). Cartilage grafts may be needed as well.

Nose surgery can be performed taking an “open” or “closed” approach. In the open approach, an incision is made across the columella, or the strip of skin separating the nostrils, and the skin is lifted to reveal the underlying nasal structures. In the closed approach, incisions are made only inside the nostrils. No matter which approach is taken, rhinoplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Recovering from Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Every patient recovers differently and at his or her own pace, but for most patients, the initial swelling and bruising dissipate after the first 10 to 14 days. It is common to return to work after about a week — longer if the patient’s job is more active or strenuous in nature.

Although the initial recovery is fairly rapid, it can take up to a year for the nose to stabilize.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

Unlike many cosmetic procedures which are designed to reverse signs of aging for several years, the changes achieved with cosmetic rhinoplasty are generally permanent. Aside from slight changes that may come with age, the bones and cartilage hold their shape, so you will not need to repeat the surgery in the future to maintain your results.

At what age can I have a nose job?

Most patients who have rhinoplasty do so in their 20s since their desire to alter the appearance of their nose begins at a young age. That said, patients do need to be at least 16 years old to have rhinoplasty. The nasal bones actively grow until the conclusion of puberty, and it is not wise to reshape these bones until they are fully developed. Older patients can have rhinoplasty as long as they are in good enough health to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

How much does rhinoplasty cost in Chicago?

Since each rhinoplasty that Dr. Ellis performs is customized to the requests of the patient, the price for a nose job can vary. During a consultation, Dr. Ellis can devise a surgical plan that best addresses your wishes and can provide a quote that corresponds with that plan.

Is a nose job covered by insurance?

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is an elective procedure and therefore is not covered by most insurance plans. However, insurance may cover some or all of rhinoplasty for patients who have significant breathing issues or have suffered a traumatic injury to the face. Dr. Ellis invites his patients to apply for financing through CareCredit to help pay for the total cost of surgery in smaller installments.

Should I expect scarring after having rhinoplasty?

With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are placed inside the nostrils, so it leaves no visible scarring. With open rhinoplasty, you can expect some slight scarring on the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils), but this scarring should largely fade from visibility over time.

Can I make changes to my nose without undergoing surgery?

For patients who are interested in a non-invasive treatment, Dr. Ellis can perform what is known as a “liquid nose job.” This term describes using dermal filler injections to change certain characteristics of the nose. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can improve symmetry or minimize a bump on the nasal bridge. The benefit of using dermal fillers is that the procedure is quick, painless and requires no downtime. The disadvantage is that injections are necessary every year or so to maintain the results.

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

Among plastic surgeons, rhinoplasty is considered one of the most technically challenging plastic surgeries. An in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and surgical technique is required to produce amazing results. As a facial reconstructive specialist, Dr. Ellis has the knowledge and skill set to re-sculpt the nose perfectly, even if the purpose of your procedure is primarily cosmetic.