The nose is such a prominent part of the face that, when it feels out of balance, it can be a significant cause of low self-esteem. That’s why rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world.
Rhinoplasty is a delicate surgery that’s best performed once, so if you’re considering the surgery, it’s important to visit a specialist.
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery is home to one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Steven Pearlman. As one of the top nose surgeons in NYC, he has extensive expertise and experience that allow him to provide some of the best rhinoplasty results in New York.
Meet Dr. Steven Pearlman, a rhinoplasty specialist in NYC
Dr. Steven Pearlman is a distinguished facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. Operating out of our office on Park Avenue and with a wide range of professional credits, he is also an educator and humanitarian.
Dual Board-Certified
Dr. Pearlman is uniquely dual board-certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery).
Specializes in Rhinoplasty
Not only has Dr. Pearlman performed over 7,500 rhinoplasties during his career, but his colleagues also often refer revision rhinoplasty patients to him. About half of the rhinoplasties that Dr. Pearlman completes each year are revision cases from other surgeons.
Academic Background
As one of the top nose surgeons in NYC, Dr. Pearlman frequently lectures as a visiting professor on rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aging throughout the world. He also serves as a clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Common Questions About Nose Surgery, AKA Rhinoplasty
Naturally, because rhinoplasty is so popular, there are some common questions that get asked about the procedure.
Is rhinoplasty only a cosmetic surgery?
A rhinoplasty corrects cosmetic concerns like size or shape. If a patient is only looking to correct functional issues from a deviated septum, the procedure is known as a septoplasty. When these are combined, it’s known as a septorhinoplasty. Both surgeries are performed by a facial plastic surgeon.
Many people wonder if their nose surgery will be covered by their insurance. In some cases, if the purpose of your surgery is to correct breathing issues or a deviated septum, it’s possible that it might be partially covered by your insurance.
Does the surgeon break the nose?
Many people have the misconception that rhinoplasty involves a violent breaking the nose. Rhinoplasty techniques have come a long way and are very advanced. It is a delicate procedure, and in some cases, breaking the nose isn’t necessary at all.
Rhinoplasty can often be used to correct a broken nose that didn’t set properly and has changed shape. However, when we remove a large hump, it’s like taking the top off a pyramid. We perform precision osteotomies to close that gap called an open roof.
We tailor every rhinoplasty surgery to the patient’s unique needs and anatomy. While, we don’t always perform osteotomies, in some cases, we will cut and shape the bone to achieve the desired result. We use small, precise osteotomes or use the piezo ultrasonic device.
Are the results permanent?
Rhinoplasty results are permanent. It takes about 1 year after surgery for the nose to fully heal and settle into its new shape. Yet the nose continues to heal even beyond one year.
Revision rhinoplasty is an option for those who don’t like the results of their first surgery or who develop breathing issues or are unhappy with their cosmetic result after their first surgery.
Is open or closed rhinoplasty better?
Another common misconception people have is that it’s better to have a closed rhinoplasty because there’s no external scar.
Closed rhinoplasty is performed through incisions that are totally hidden inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty adds a tiny incision across the bottom of the nose in the area called the columella This approach is utilized in patients who only need minor modifications to the nose.
On the other hand, an open rhinoplasty allows for more precision for difficult procedures and when altering the nasal structures in more complex cases, such as revision surgery, very crooked nose, and when a lot of modification needs to be done on the tip of the nose.
What is recovery like?
We provide a rhinoplasty recovery tool kit following your procedure that includes post-operative instructions, your pain medication prescription, gauze, drip pads, and nasal rinse. We also provide a shopping list of what you should buy and have at home in preparation for your recovery.
Most patients will see approximately 85% of their results at 1 month out, 95% of results at 6 months out, and 99% at 1 year. The incision heals so that it is barely visible, if at all, and only when viewed up close and from below the nose. Dr. Pearlman often says, “Someone will have to be close enough to be able to count your nasal hairs to see this incision.”
The longest part of the immediate recovery is waiting for the bruising to dissipate, which can take 1 to 2 weeks. Our patient care team makes sure to give a conservative estimate so you know what to expect. Women can usually be back at work in 1 ½ weeks with cover makeup.
The extent of the bruising is dependent on the technique and your surgeon’s experience. The face is a very delicate area, so you’re not going to get away with zero bruising, but with a top nose surgeon, you might experience less severe discoloration.
What are the different types of rhinoplasty?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rhinoplasties. The nose is a prominent facial feature and a sensory organ. The function is just as important, if not more important, than the form.
The top nose surgeons in our field are able to incorporate multiple techniques into their practice. Some of the procedures and techniques a top nose surgeon will offer may include:
- Piezo ultrasonic rhinoplasty
- Ethnic rhinoplasty
- Teenage rhinoplasty
- Revision rhinoplasty
- Septoplasty
How do I find the best nose surgeon for me?
Rhinoplasty is a unique procedure that should be tailored to your specific facial features and desired results. It’s important to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and who has the expertise you need.
Consultation
The consultation sets the tone for your surgery experience. It’s important to find a surgeon who you feel comfortable with and trust. We often encourage patients to have multiple consultations.
During your consultation, you should be prepared to discuss your medical history, your desired results, and ask any questions you have about rhinoplasty.
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we utilize 2D Mirror Computer imaging and Vectra 3D imaging to help our patients visualize their results. This lets us talk through different options for adjusting the nose and helps you visualize your results in real time.
Before and After Images
Rhinoplasty before and after photos are absolutely crucial. A surgeon’s before and after gallery is a testament to the level of professionalism and the quality of their work.
Things you should consider when viewing the images:
- Do these patients look like me?
- Do I like the results I’m seeing? Do they look natural?
- Does this surgeon’s results match my aesthetics?
- Are the before and after images consistent in setup, lighting, and angles?
You should always ask to see images of previous patients during your consultation. It will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about the process in particular cases.
Board-Certified
A surgeon who is only board-certified in cosmetic surgery isn’t going to have the same level of expertise as someone who is also certified in Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery.
You should look at your surgeon’s level of expertise and what percentage of their practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty. Is it the primary surgery they provide, or is it one of many? How many rhinoplasties have they done? How many do they perform per year?
In the past, people often found surgeons based on their academic involvement. In order to be giving lectures, teaching residents, and getting papers published, a surgeon has to have a true mastery of rhinoplasty. These credentials are more important than how many followers they have on social media.
Interested in Rhinoplasty With One the Top Nose Surgeons in NYC? Book a Consultation
If you’re ready to learn more about the rhinoplasty process, such as details about bridge rhinoplasty, dorsal hump removal, or more, consider booking your consultation with Dr. Steven Pearlman today.
Dr. Pearlman is uniquely dual board-certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (ENT). He has performed over 7,500 rhinoplasties in his career and been chosen as a Top Doctor by New York Magazine and Castle Conolly.
As one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in NYC, Dr. Pearlman frequently lectures as a visiting professor on rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aging throughout the world. He also serves as a clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Not quite ready for an in-person visit? While nothing can replace an in-person consultation, especially for rhinoplasty, you can use our virtual rhinoplasty tool to explore our available techniques. Answer a few questions about your goals, and we’ll send you customized recommendations right to your inbox!
