Rhinoplasty in New Orleans, LA

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that makes subtle changes to the nose or improves breathing. Although rhinoplasty only consists of slight changes, results can look beautiful and dramatic. At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, our expert cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Eagan, can reduce the size, reshape the structure, or remove a bump. Using an artistic and conservative approach, we strive to address your cosmetic concerns and improve functionality. To learn more about rhinoplasty, we encourage you to contact New Orleans Plastic Surgery and schedule your consultation.

Undergoing rhinoplasty with Michelle Eagan, MD at New Orleans Plastic Surgery can generate multiple aesthetic and functional benefits, which include:

• Decreasing or enlarging the overall size of the nose
• Remodeling the nostrils
• Improving nasal airways to aid in easier breathing
• Decreasing the bridge of your nose
• Bettering overall facial harmony for a more balanced aesthetic
• Reducing the end of the nose
• Correcting a deviated septum

To undergo rhinoplasty, you must be at least 16 years of age. If you feel frustrated with the overall appearance of your nose and have specific issues you want to improve, enhance, or treat, rhinoplasty could help you achieve your cosmetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Eagan will listen to your goals and help set realistic expectations because your facial appearance will look significantly different. Additionally, facial maturity should also be complete. At your consultation, Dr. Eagan will consider all of these factors to ensure rhinoplasty works best for you.

At the beginning of your outpatient procedure, we will administer general anesthesia. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Eagan will determine the best surgical techniques, such as a closed or open method. Each of these techniques will be discussed during your initial appointment. Our goal is to reduce excess cartilage, tissue, and bone, or to add cartilage if your nose needs reshaping. Next, the nasal features are repositioned and the skin is draped over the new structure. At the end of your surgery, we suture the incisions inside the nose or within the external fold.

Once we have completed your surgery, one of our nurses will take you back to the recovery room for careful monitoring. You can begin your recovery at home. The nose and the surrounding area will look bruised and swollen for about a week. Typically, you will also experience some discoloration beneath the eyes. Cold compresses and pain medication can help with these side effects. Within a day or so, Dr. Eagan will schedule your follow-up appointment to check on your healing progress. Overall, it takes around 2 – 4 weeks to fully recover from rhinoplasty. During this process, you should avoid strenuous activities.

The cost of rhinoplasty will depend on what technique we use and the complexity of your procedure. Before estimating costs, Dr. Eagan will listen to your needs and goals to develop your custom treatment plan. Once this is done, she can discuss costs for the facility, anesthesia, and more. For your best results, it's better to focus on choosing an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Eagan, instead of the cheapest option. To help make your surgery easy to afford, New Orleans Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest financing.

Will my insurance cover functional nose surgery?
Although rhinoplasty to improve your appearance is not covered by insurance, functional rhinoplasty that is medically necessary to improve your breathing may be covered by insurance. If you may be applying for reimbursement from your insurance, please tell Dr. Eagan during your consultation. Our office will help you submit any needed information and paperwork to your insurance to process your claim.

Are there nonsurgical options to change my nose?
If you want to smooth lumps and bumps on your nose, a hyaluronic acid-based wrinkle filler (like Juvéderm or Restylane ) might be an option. An injectable filler can temporarily improve minor imperfections on your nose, which might help you decide if you want to get a rhinoplasty. Nose surgery is better for larger changes, long-lasting results, and to improve the internal structure for better function. At your consultation, Dr. Eagan will tell you more about nonsurgical nose reshaping.

What about ethnic rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty focuses on improving the appearance of the nose while still maintaining your cultural identity. This is often a concern if you are African-American, Asian, or Middle Eastern. In your consultation with Dr. Eagan, you can discuss what you want to keep and what you would like to change. This will allow her to customize your treatment plan to give you the best results.

Can I combine rhinoplasty with other facial surgeries?
Many patients consider combining rhinoplasty with another cosmetic procedure, like cheek or chin augmentation. Having multiple surgeries for a dramatic result can be reviewed during your consultation with Dr. Eagan. Once she understands your concerns and goals, she can help you decide what procedures should be in your custom plan. Nose reshaping surgery can often help your whole face appear more balanced, so you should wait to see your results before getting another procedure.

Nose surgery can help you feel more confident in your appearance. If you feel displeased with the look of your nose or you experience breathing issues, nose surgery may help. Nose surgery is a very common cosmetic procedure that offers great results. Dr. Eagan aims to reshape your nose so your entire face appears more proportionate and attractive. Even small changes can make a huge difference. We encourage you to call New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana and schedule an appointment.