Rhinoplasty

  • 1-2.5 Hour Surgery
  • Back to Work: 1-2 Weeks

At our plastic surgery practice in Denver, we understand that the nose is one of your most critical facial structures with respect to both your facial balance and your airway function. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Steinwald performs nasal refinement surgery, technically called rhinoplasty, to help people from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and surrounding areas improve airflow (the “septoplasty” component), correct post-traumatic external nasal deformities, and/or improve cosmetically undesirable features of the nose. He often addresses several of these issues for his patients during the same surgery.

Rhinoplasty
 Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 9
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Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 11861 Left Side in Denver, CO
B/A (6 weeks)
Case: 1 of 8

Case #11861

16 year-old who had trauma to her nose and wished for her dorsal fullness to be corrected. This was achieved with a short (1-hour) "dorsal rhinoplasty" surgery under light general anesthesia, with excellent early results (although some swelling remains). If you have similar issues and live in or near Denver, a rhinoplasty approach such as thi... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 655 View #1 in Denver, CO
BEFORE / AFTER (6 mo)
Case: 2 of 8

Case #655

22 year-old who had sustained blunt trauma to her nose when younger, resulting in a slight off-center pyramid with a prominent dorsal fullness.  She underwent a formal dorsal reduction and pyramid resetting rhinoplasty, resulting in elimination of the dominant hump deformity, and a softer, better balanced nasal pyramid in general;  ... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 570 View #1 in Denver, CO
BEFORE / AFTER
Case: 3 of 8

Case #570

This was a younger female who was displeased with the apparent lengthy effect of her nose, as well as the dorsal fullness that was apparent, and wished to have a "cuter" nose.  I recommended she undergo a formal dorsal reduction, with osteotomies (fractures) to reposition and reset the nasal  pyramid in a more subtle, less prom... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 11786 Left Side in Denver, CO
B/A (6 weeks)
Case: 4 of 8

Case #11786

21 year-old who had trauma in the past (struck with a softball) who desired correction of her dorsal nasal fullness. She underwent a standard dorsal rhinoplasty to bring the pyramid of her nose in balance with her more-refined tip, and is shown here at approximately 6 weeks post-op, with some swelling remaining (and note the indirect improvem... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 11364 Front in Denver, CO
Before/After (2 months)
Case: 5 of 8

Case #11364

This 20 year-old young woman was bothered by the (developmental) bump on the dorsum of her nose, especially on side view. She underwent a straightforward "dorsal rhinoplasty" as an outpatient procedure, and did very nicely, shown here at only 2 months post-op. If you have similar issues and live in or near Denver, rhinoplasty procedures such... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 501 Right Side in Denver, CO
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 6 of 8

Case #501

This 22-year-old female presented to our plastic surgery office after researching some of her options for rhinoplasty . She had no history of trauma to her nose or breathing difficulties, but had been bothered by the fullness of her dorsal nose since adolescence.  She also wished to have the effect of a shorter nose. Upo... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 816 Left Side in Denver, CO
Before/After (3 months)
Case: 7 of 8

Case #816

22 year-old female who disliked her prominent dorsal "hump" on profile view; I advised her she was an excellent candidate for a formal dorsal rhinoplasty (reduction of bump with resetting/narrowing/centering of the nasal pyramid), which was performed as a brief outpatient procedure under light general anesthesia.  Results here are s... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 979 View #1 in Denver, CO
Before / After (1 year)
Case: 8 of 8

Case #979

This 19 year old patient of Dr. Steinwald's was bothered by the bump on her nose since adolescence. She underwent a rhinoplasty which reduced the dorsal fullness of her nose. She is thrilled with her new, "cute little nose."After photos from 1 year post op. Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Because the structures of the nose are among the most complex and delicate of any feature, Dr. Steinwald takes a precise and conservative approach to nose surgery. Rhinoplasty can produce highly satisfying results for those who have long been unhappy with the aesthetics of their noses or those struggling with breathing difficulties or injury.

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is intended to improve the shape and function of the nose. A bump can be reduced, the nasal tip can be refined, and many other concerns can be addressed.

Rhinoplasty incisions are made inside the nostril and, typically, across the narrowest part of the columella between the nostrils. This is what’s known as an “open” rhinoplasty. In exchange for the small external incision, an open rhinoplasty is more precise and allows more complex maneuvers than would be possible in a “closed” rhinoplasty without the external incision. Once the incisions are made, the bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose is exposed. Cartilage and bone can be removed, reshaped, or added to enhance the nasal form.

Many different techniques exist to reshape the nose into a more aesthetically pleasing structure given the wide variability in preoperative shape.

A rhinoplasty consultation will include a physical exam and computer modeling to illustrate what can be achieved surgically.

A Reputation Built on Results

Fantastic experience. Very helpful staff. Beautiful offices.
Dr Steinwald is incredible, I found him by researching the top surgeons in the Denver metro. I am a...
I am happy to be writing this review for The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, and my surgeon Dr. Steinwald....
Thank you Carrie and Dr. Cunningham for the consultation very knowledgeable and honest and thank you...

Fact & Fiction About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is considered by many plastic surgeons to be the most challenging operation.

The nose is made up of a mucosal lining, cartilage, bone, and skin. Each of these structures is affected by the tissues adjacent to it and, in turn, affects other tissues. Compounding the matter is the fact that the nose is not just supposed to be pretty; it actually has to function. Finally, the aftereffects of rhinoplasty may not be seen for years. We learned this after watching the destructive rhinoplasty techniques of the 80s that result in nasal collapse over the ensuing 10 to 20 years. Modern rhinoplasty preserves the natural structure of the nose to the greatest extent possible in an effort to provide support for long-lasting results.

You cannot simply choose a nose out of a magazine.

A number of factors influence what might be considered the “ideal” nose for a given individual. Facial shape and size, ethnic background, and the structural aspects of the nose itself all impact the surgical plan. Because of this, patients cannot expect to have a nose that looks like anyone else’s, unless they happened to look a lot like that person in the first place. We utilize the Vectra XD 3-D imaging system to help plan the operation and communicate that plan to the patient. This ensures that both patient and surgeon are on the same page and is the best way to verify that the patient’s expectations are realistic.

Nasal packing is rarely necessary or beneficial.

Many surgeons continue to pack the nose with gauze at the end of the procedure despite the fact that research has shown a lack of benefit and significant risk and discomfort associated with it. Dr. Steinwald virtually never packs noses after rhinoplasty.

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How to Choose a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

  • Review many impressive before-and-after photos.
  • Find a surgeon who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery.
  • Seek a surgeon who upholds the proper credentials.
  • Make sure the surgeon uses only an accredited, state-of-the-art surgical facility.
  • Decide if, upon meeting the surgeon, you make a connection.

Identifying Good Rhinoplasty Results

  • The nose should have a straight dorsum, or perhaps a slight curve, based on patient preference. The bridge of the nose should approximate a straight line in men and may have a slight, gentle curve in women. The “scooped” appearance of an overdone dorsum is to be avoided.
  • Projection of the tip should be proportionate to the length of the dorsum. In most rhinoplasties, the length of the nose is altered minimally, if at all. The projection of the tip off the facial plane is commonly changed, however, and should be increased or decreased as necessary to achieve classic proportions within a person’s ethnicity.
  • The nose should fit the face and look natural. Above all else, the surgical result should look like it is a nose the person could have been born with. This requires a delicate balance.

Our Exceptional Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald, and Dr. Matthew Freeman

Rhinoplasty FAQ

Can any cosmetic surgeon perform rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is best left to a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in these complex procedures. Many excellent plastic surgeons in Denver refer rhinoplasty patients to our specialist Dr. Steinwald, who is not only certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery but has many years of experience with all types of nasal issues.

What is a closed rhinoplasty, and what does it correct?

Post-traumatic (or natural) nasal deformities such as a dorsal hump on profile view, a widened dorsal bridge, deviation of the tip or crookedness of the nose in general often require fracture and resetting of the bones and/or cartilage through small internal incisions (a “dorsal rhinoplasty”). Dr. Steinwald then resets the nasal pyramid in a more neutral, cosmetically pleasing position.

What is an open rhinoplasty, and what does it correct?

Non-traumatic cosmetic issues of the nose may include several of the aforementioned bony/cartilaginous deformities, as well as tip irregularities such as a boxy, bulbous or asymmetric tip, or irregular or widened nostrils. Correction of these issues usually requires extending the inner nasal incisions across the area between the nostrils via an “open-tip rhinoplasty” to directly access and reshape the cartilage irregularities (via trimming and/or suturing) that are responsible for the appearance of the lower nose.

Can I have nose surgery to improve my breathing?

Patients who have suffered nasal trauma may have functional issues such as poor airflow or chronic sinusitis. The former is often due to buckling or fracturing of the midline nasal septum, either due to congenital development or following trauma. Resection of a majority of this structure (a submucous resection of the nasal septum, or “SMR”) through small intranasal incisions usually results in dramatic functional improvements. These procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia, with nasal packing removed the next day.

Will I have scars after a rhinoplasty?

If you have a closed rhinoplasty, all your scars are concealed within your nostrils and none are visible. If you have an open rhinoplasty, you’ll have an incision across the strip of flesh between your nostrils. After several weeks of healing, the fine scar will fade and typically become almost undetectable.

Can I combine my rhinoplasty with other procedures?

Yes. Dr. Steinwald specializes in facial plastic surgery and often combines other procedures with nose surgery. A specialist on our team can evaluate your features during a candid consultation and make recommendations about any other options that may serve your goals.

Where is rhinoplasty performed?

Dr. Steinwald performs rhinoplasty at Apex Surgical Facility, our accredited surgical center, which is outfitted with state-of-the-art safety equipment and staffed by our experienced team.

What kind of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty typically requires general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the degree of correction. Open tip work alone may be done under IV sedation.

What is the recovery like after rhinoplasty?

For closed rhinoplasties, an external splint is in place for 4 to 5 days. If you only undergo a “tip rhinoplasty,” bruising is usually minimal and splinting not necessary.

Most discomfort is manageable with prescription and over-the-counter pain medications. We ask patients to keep their heads elevated even when sleeping for several days after surgery, which helps to reduce swelling and bruising. Carefully applying icepacks can also help.

When can I return to work and exercise after rhinoplasty?

Most patients return to work or other daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. Many feel well enough to return to work soon but may have cosmetic bruising, depending on the extent of the procedure. After 2 weeks, most of the swelling and visible bruising subside. Some minor residual swelling may persist for many months, and it may take 6 months to a year for final results. Patients can return to light exercise after a couple of weeks and gradually return to more activity after about a month. It’s important to avoid sports or activities that may damage the nose.

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Financing Your Procedure

Getting Started

Dr. Steinwald applies techniques that are current yet proven to provide natural-looking results that speak for themselves. To learn what cosmetic nose surgery can do for you, request your consultation using our online form or simply call (303) 278-2600. The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has two plastic surgery offices conveniently located in the Denver metropolitan area. One is located just outside of Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado, immediately off 6th Avenue West and the other is located downtown in Cherry Creek, Denver.