Rhinoplasty
IN ST. LOUIS, MO
The staff at Parkcrest Plastic Surgery welcomes patients interested in rhinoplasty from across Missouri, including St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, surrounding areas and from around the country. Our trusted reputation has been built on our promise to provide expert treatment in a compassionate, friendly environment.
The nose is the central feature of the face. Its size, shape, and proportion can affect how all of your other features look together. Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is one of the most effective ways to improve facial harmony. It can also improve breathing for patients with structural issues inside the nose. At Parkcrest Plastic Surgery, rhinoplasty is performed by Dr. Tara Ramachandra, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist (ENT) with extensive experience in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the bone, cartilage, and soft tissue of the nose. Depending on your goals, rhinoplasty can refine the appearance of the nose, improve how air flows through it, or both. Every nose is different, so each procedure is customized to your anatomy, your facial proportions, and the results you hope to achieve.
- Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Focuses on the appearance of the nose. It can reduce or increase overall size, smooth a bump on the bridge, refine a wide or bulbous tip, narrow the nostrils, or straighten a crooked nose.
- Functional Rhinoplasty: Focuses on improving breathing. It addresses structural problems such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or other obstructions that make it hard to breathe through the nose.
- Septorhinoplasty: Combines cosmetic and functional goals in a single procedure, correcting the septum while also reshaping the outside of the nose.
Who Is A Candidate For Rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are bothered by the size or shape of your nose, or if you have difficulty breathing through your nose. Common concerns include:
- A bump or hump on the nasal bridge
- A nose that appears too large or too small for the face
- A wide, drooping, or bulbous nasal tip
- Wide or uneven nostrils
- A crooked or off-center nose, including from a previous injury
- Difficulty breathing caused by a deviated septum or other structural issues
Good candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about their results. Because the nose continues to develop through the teenage years, rhinoplasty is generally performed once facial growth is complete.
Patient Reviews
“I’m long overdue on this review, but if I could give more stars, I would. Dr. McGuire is my absolute favorite! I went into my procedure so afraid, uncertain, and with a TON of questions. I even came back for a second consult. She didn’t act like I was annoying or a waste of time. She didn’t try to sell me on anything. She listened to my concerns and needs and gave me her honest opinions. From scheduling to post-op, there was not one snag. She is punctual and extremely clear on what to expect every step of the way, to the hour, pretty much. She is so honest, which made me relax….” – Jessica C.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
Your rhinoplasty journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Ramachandra. She will examine both the outside and inside of your nose, evaluate your breathing, and review your medical history. She will also take time to understand what you would like to change. Her background in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery allows her to consider how the nose looks and how it functions. That way your results complement your face and support healthy breathing. Together, you will create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, so most patients go home the same day. Depending on your needs, Dr. Ramachandra may use one of two approaches. The closed approach places all incisions inside the nostrils. The open approach adds a small incision across the columella, the strip of skin between the nostrils, which gives greater access for more detailed reshaping. Through these incisions, the bone and cartilage are carefully reshaped, and the septum is straightened if needed. The incisions are then closed, and a splint is placed to support the nose as it begins to heal.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Most patients wear a nasal splint for about one week. Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes are normal and usually improve significantly within the first two weeks. Many patients return to work or school within one to two weeks and can resume strenuous activity after several weeks, as directed by Dr. Ramachandra. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip of the nose, can take up to a year to fully resolve. Your final results will continue to refine over that time. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions and attend follow-up visits to make sure you are healing well.
Benefits Of Rhinoplasty
- Improves the balance and harmony of the facial features
- Smooths bumps and irregularities on the nasal bridge
- Refines the shape and position of the nasal tip
- Straightens a crooked or injured nose
- Improves breathing by correcting structural issues
- Boosts self-confidence with natural-looking, long-lasting results
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on the complexity of your procedure and anesthesia and facility fees. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is considered elective and is not covered by insurance. Our staff will review your options with you. To make rhinoplasty more accessible, Parkcrest Plastic Surgery offers financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards, or a personal check.
At the Parkcrest Plastic Surgery office, Dr. David A. Caplin, Dr. Patricia McGuire, and Dr. Tara Ramachandra offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Eastern Missouri, including St. Charles, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Creve Coeur, as well as across the country. Contact the Parkcrest Plastic Surgery office today to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation!
At the Parkcrest Plastic Surgery office, Dr. David A. Caplin, Dr. Patricia McGuire, and Dr. Tara Ramachandra offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Eastern Missouri including St. Charles, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, St. Peters, and Creve Coeur. Contact the Parkcrest Plastic Surgery office today to schedule your facial surgery consultation!