Thinking about nose surgery, but still have questions? Dr. Edwin Williams, MD, FACS, double board certified facial plastic surgeon in Latham, NY, answers the most common questions about rhinoplasty—from candidacy and technique to recovery, results, cost, and safety.
Learn more about the Rhinoplasty procedure, view our Before & After Gallery, or schedule a personalized consultation.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty refines the size, shape, and proportions of the nose to improve facial harmony. It can address a prominent hump, wide tip, crooked bridge, asymmetry, or nostril flare. When breathing issues are present, functional techniques may be combined to improve airflow.
What concerns can rhinoplasty address?
Common goals include smoothing a dorsal hump, narrowing or defining the tip, straightening a crooked nose, refining wide nostrils, improving projection/rotation, and correcting congenital or injury-related deformities.
Open vs. Closed rhinoplasty: What’s the difference?
Open rhinoplasty uses a tiny incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) for full visibility and precise tip work. Closed rhinoplasty or better known as “scarless” places all incisions inside the nostrils with no external scar and may be ideal for limited reshaping. Dr. Williams chooses the approach that best fits your anatomy and goals.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing or fix a deviated septum?
Yes. Functional rhinoplasty/septoplasty can straighten a deviated septum, reduce enlarged turbinates, and support collapsed valves to enhance airflow—often performed at the same time as cosmetic refinement.
Can I combine rhinoplasty with other procedures?
Often, yes. Complementary procedures include chin augmentation (to balance the profile), septoplasty, or fat transfer. Combining procedures can yield more harmonious results with recovery.
Deep Plane Facelift in conjunction with a Cosmetic Rhinoplasty.
Candidacy
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Healthy, non-smoking adults (and mature teens with completed facial growth) who want to improve nasal shape or function and have realistic expectations.
What is the best age for rhinoplasty?
Once facial growth is complete, typically around 15–16 for females and 16–17 for males, and the patient is emotionally mature to make an informed decision.
Surgery Details
How is rhinoplasty performed?
After careful planning, Dr. Williams reshapes cartilage and bone, refines the tip, and may straighten or support internal structures for better breathing. Tiny sutures close the incisions, and an external splint typically protects the new shape for about a week.
How long does surgery take?
Most primary rhinoplasties take 2–3 hours; complex or revision cases may take longer.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthetic for comfort and safety.
Will my nose be packed after surgery?
In most cases, no traditional packing is used. If internal support is needed, soft splints may be placed and removed comfortably in the office.
Does rhinoplasty leave scars?
Incisions are hidden inside the nostrils for closed techniques. With open rhinoplasty, the tiny columellar incision usually heals as a thin, barely visible line.
Recovery & Aftercare
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most patients describe pressure or congestion rather than pain. Discomfort is typically mild and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
What is the typical recovery timeline?
- Days 1–3: Swelling/congestion is most noticeable.
- ~Day 7: Splint removal; many patients feel comfortable returning to light work/school
- 2–3 weeks: Most bruising resolves.
- 3–4 weeks: Gradual return to exercise.
- 3–6 months: Swelling continues to refine.
- 6–12+ months: Final definition, especially at the tip.
How long does swelling last?
Early swelling improves within weeks, but tip refinement can continue for 6–12 months.
When can I breathe through my nose?
Expect congestion for the first 1–2 weeks. Breathing improves gradually as swelling subsides and any internal splints are removed.
When can I wear glasses or sunglasses?
Avoid resting frames directly on the bridge for 4–6 weeks. We can show you taping/alternative support options if needed.
When can I return to work or school?
Desk work/school: usually 5–7 days after splint removal. Public-facing roles may prefer 10–14 days until bruising fades.
When can I exercise again?
Walk immediately; resume light cardio around 2 weeks and higher-impact activities at 3–4 weeks, pending Dr. Williams’ clearance. Avoid contact sports for 6+ weeks.
How should I sleep after surgery?
Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling.
When can I blow my nose or wear makeup?
Avoid forceful nose-blowing for 2 weeks; dab gently if needed. Makeup can be worn once bruising allows and incisions are closed—usually 7–10 days (avoid the incision line until cleared).
Will rhinoplasty change my voice or sense of smell?
Voice changes are uncommon. The sense of smell may be reduced temporarily due to swelling and congestion, but typically returns as you heal.
Results
When will I see the final results?
You’ll see an early preview when the splint comes off at one week, with definition improving over 6–12 months as swelling resolves.
Will rhinoplasty change how my whole face looks?
The goal is balance—a nose that suits your features. Most patients notice they look more harmonious and refined, not “different.”
How long do results last?
Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting. While normal aging continues, the structural changes are permanent.
Risks & Safety
What are the risks or complications?
When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, complications are uncommon. Risks include bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, asymmetry, need for revision, or temporary changes in sensation. Dr. Williams reviews these in detail during consultation.
Cost, Insurance & Financing
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Fees vary based on surgical complexity (primary vs. revision, cosmetic vs. functional). After your consultation and exam, you’ll receive a personalized quote.
Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Cosmetic changes are not covered. Functional corrections (e.g., septoplasty for documented airway obstruction) may be eligible under your plan’s criteria. Our team can guide you on documentation.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, flexible payment plans/financing are available. Our patient coordinators will review options with you.
Choosing Your Surgeon
What does “board-certified facial plastic surgeon” mean?
Board certification indicates rigorous training, examination, and peer review in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Edwin Williams, MD, FACS, holds double board certification, reflecting his expertise, safety record, and aesthetic judgment.
Why choose Dr. Williams for rhinoplasty?
Dr. Williams is nationally recognized for natural, balanced rhinoplasty outcomes and has decades of experience in primary and revision cases. His approach emphasizes facial harmon and function.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to learn more? Meet with Dr. Edwin Williams in Latham, NY, to discuss your goals.
Book a Consultation or call (518) 786-7000.
About the Author: Dr. Edwin Williams
Dr. Edwin Williams is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who founded The Williams Center in 1993. He has performed over 10,000 facial plastic surgery procedures and has pioneered the deep plane facelift. He served on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery for over a decade, and served as President from 2015-2016. In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Dr. Williams earned the Castle Connelly Top Doctors award in New York Facial Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Edwin F. Williams III attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He began medical school at the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine and received his Doctor of Medicine in 1986.
Dr. Williams is actively involved in teaching facial plastic and reconstruction surgery to the residents of the Albany Medical Center and is former Chief of the Section of Facial and Plastic Reconstruction Surgery at Albany Medical Center where he received an academic appointment of Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery.