Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty Surgery NJ & NYC
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery and is often referred to as the cornerstone of the face. Because the nose ties all other facial features together, a nose that feels out of proportion can affect the beauty and symmetry of the face as a whole.
This procedure can change the way a person looks and can also help improve nasal function. Many patients with recurring respiratory concerns seek rhinoplasty to help address breathing issues while also refining the size, shape, and width of the nose.
Facial balance
Refine size, width, bridge, tip, and nostrils
Functional improvement
Can help reduce recurring breathing issues
Popular facial procedure
Classic surgical option for symmetry and confidence
About Rhinoplasty
Change the shape of the nose and improve facial harmony
Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of concerns, from a nasal bridge that appears too prominent, to a tip that lacks definition, to nostrils that feel too wide or too narrow. For patients with recurring breathing difficulties related to a deviated septum or other structural issues, the procedure can improve nasal function at the same time as refining the aesthetic result.
Because the nose sits at the center of the face, small changes in proportion can have a significant effect on overall facial harmony. A refined bridge, a more defined tip, or corrected symmetry can bring the nose into better balance with the eyes, cheeks, and jawline, often in a way that looks completely natural.
Before & After
Gallery preview
Real patient before and after photos, 100% unedited results.
Dr. Racanelli's Approach to Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is the procedure I approach with the most preoperative planning, because the margin for error is smaller than in almost any other aesthetic surgery. The nose is the central feature of the face, changes that seem minor on the table can have a significant visual impact once healed, and the relationship between the nose and the other facial features shifts with every structural decision.
My approach begins with a detailed analysis of the face as a whole: the profile, the frontal view, the relationship of the nasal bridge to the forehead, the projection of the tip relative to the chin, and the nostril width relative to the intercanthal distance. I use before and after photos of similar anatomy during consultation so patients can see realistic examples of what change looks like rather than an idealized version.
For patients with both aesthetic and functional concerns, breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves, I address both in the same procedure when appropriate, coordinating the functional repair with the aesthetic reshaping so the patient heals once and achieves both goals.
Procedure
Reshaping the bridge, tip, nostrils, and septum
1
Skin and structure access
During the procedure, the skin around the nose is separated from the underlying cartilage and bone to allow detailed structural changes.
2
Bridge, tip, and nostril shaping
Bone can be removed to reduce the bridge, cartilage may be refined at the tip, and minute sections of tissue can be adjusted to bring the nostrils closer together if desired.
3
Septum refinement
The nasal septum, the internal wall that divides the two nasal passages, can be trimmed or repositioned to alter the angle and projection of the nose and correct a deviated septum that contributes to breathing difficulties. When the septum is addressed for functional reasons, this portion of the procedure is called a septoplasty.
4
Anesthesia and Duration
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Procedure length varies depending on the extent of changes. All procedures are performed at an accredited hospital facility.
What rhinoplasty can achieve
1
Improved facial balance
A nose resized or reshaped to better suit the face as a whole can bring the entire facial structure into better harmony.
2
Refined bridge
A prominent dorsal hump can be reduced; a flat or undefined bridge can be augmented with cartilage grafting.
3
Defined tip
An undefined, bulbous, or asymmetric tip can be refined for a more precise, natural-looking result.
4
Corrected nostril width
Nostrils that appear too wide or too flared can be brought closer together through alar base reduction.
5
Improved breathing
When a deviated septum or structural narrowing is contributing to breathing difficulties, rhinoplasty can address both concerns in a single procedure.
6
Long-lasting results
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are adults whose facial growth is complete, typically age 16 or older for women and 17–18 or older for men, who have a specific, identifiable concern with the appearance or function of their nose, and who have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
Rhinoplasty is appropriate for patients seeking aesthetic refinement, functional improvement (or both), and for patients seeking revision of a prior nose surgery. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers (or willing to stop), and able to commit to the recovery period, which includes avoiding strenuous activity and protecting the nose from impact for several weeks.
Rhinoplasty is not appropriate for patients who are still growing, who have unrealistic expectations, or who are seeking to match a specific celebrity or idealized image rather than to improve their own facial balance. Dr. Racanelli will discuss candidacy honestly at consultation, including whether your specific concern is likely to respond well to surgery.
Consultation
Choosing the right size and shape for your face
Choosing the right changes for your nose requires a careful analysis of your face as a whole, what you want to change, what would actually improve the balance of your specific features, and what is technically achievable given your anatomy. No two rhinoplasty consultations are the same.
During your consultation with Dr. Racanelli, you will:
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty Recovery: What to Expect
1
First Week
Immediately after surgery, a splint or cast is applied to the outside of the nose to support the new shape during initial healing. Bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose are normal and most pronounced in the first 3–5 days. Most patients find this is the most uncomfortable period, swelling, congestion, and some difficulty breathing through the nose are expected. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses (around, not on, the nose) helps manage swelling.
2
Weeks 1–3
The external splint is typically removed at approximately one week, revealing the early result, though significant swelling remains at this stage. Most patients are comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and light daily activity after 10–14 days, once bruising has faded enough to be covered with makeup. Strenuous activity, bending, and anything that raises blood pressure should be avoided for at least 3–4 weeks.
3
Months 1–12
Swelling resolves gradually over months, not weeks, rhinoplasty has one of the longest swelling timelines of any cosmetic procedure. Most patients feel they look "good" by 4–6 weeks, significantly better by 3 months, and see the final result emerge at 9–12 months as the remaining subtle swelling fully resolves. Tip refinements take the longest to settle. Exercise and contact sports are typically cleared at 6–8 weeks depending on the individual case.
Avoid blowing your nose for at least 3–4 weeks after surgery. Do not wear glasses that rest on the nasal bridge for 4–6 weeks, tape your glasses to your forehead or switch to contact lenses during this period. Protect your nose from sun exposure and impact during healing. Dr. Racanelli provides detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your specific procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
How long does it take to see rhinoplasty results?
You will see an early version of your result once the splint is removed at about one week, but this is not the final result. Swelling continues to diminish for months, and the nose continues to refine through the first year. Most patients see 80–90% of their final result by 3 months, with the remaining refinement visible at 9–12 months. Tip work typically takes the longest to fully settle.
What is the difference between a cosmetic rhinoplasty and a functional rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty addresses the appearance of the nose, bridge height, tip shape, nostril width, and overall proportion. Functional rhinoplasty addresses structural issues that affect breathing, most commonly a deviated septum, but also collapsed nasal valves or enlarged turbinates. Both types of work can be performed in the same surgical session. When functional concerns are present, insurance may cover the functional component of the procedure. Check with your insurance provider.
Will my rhinoplasty result look natural?
The goal of rhinoplasty is a result that looks like your nose was always this way, not a nose that reads as operated. Dr. Racanelli's approach emphasizes proportionality and facial balance: changes are planned relative to the overall facial structure, not based on an idealized template. A rhinoplasty that looks natural should improve your appearance without making surgery obvious to others.
Can rhinoplasty fix a broken nose?
Yes. If a nasal fracture has healed in a displaced position, leaving a visible deviation or bump, rhinoplasty can correct both the structural alignment and the aesthetic appearance. The approach depends on the nature of the fracture and how long ago it occurred. Recent fractures (within the first 2–3 weeks) may be addressed with a simpler closed reduction; older healed fractures typically require a formal rhinoplasty.
Is rhinoplasty permanent?
What is the non-surgical rhinoplasty option?
Why Patients Choose Dr. Racanelli for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty is among the most technically demanding procedures in plastic surgery, the structures involved are small, the aesthetic margin for error is narrow, and the nose sits at the center of the face where any imprecision is visible. Dr. Racanelli is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with formal training in facial anatomy and a meticulous approach to nasal reshaping.
Every rhinoplasty patient at Dr. Racanelli's practice meets with him directly at consultation, is operated on by Dr. Racanelli personally, and follows up with him postoperatively. All procedures are performed at an accredited hospital facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Rhinoplasty consultations are available at offices in Newark, Morristown, and New York City. Patients travel from throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, including from Summit, Short Hills, Montclair, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Manhattan, for rhinoplasty consultations and surgery with Dr. Racanelli.
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