Rhinoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and restructures the nose. This procedure can address both aesthetic concerns, such as a wide nasal bridge or asymmetry, and structural concerns, such as congenital irregularities or injuries. They can also improve functional nasal breathing at the same time. Rhinoplasties are among the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in the country and continue to rise in popularity each year, with a 6% increase in 2022 and 2023, and another 2% rise between 2023 and 2024. (1, 2)

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or struggle with breathing issues, Dr. Robert T. Cristel can help! Dr. Cristel is a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Synergi Facial Surgery who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He holds a strong reputation for his dedication to patient care and providing natural-looking results, and he has helped thousands of patients enhance their appearance through rhinoplasty.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cristel, please contact us online or call (314) 523-5738 to reach any of our locations:

  • Chesterfield Valley, MO
  • O’Fallon, MO
  • Chesterfield, MO

Before and After Photos

Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4665
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4665
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4666
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4666
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4958
Rhinoplasty Before & After Patient #4958
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About Rhinoplasty

Dr. Cristel can perform a rhinoplasty to redefine your nasal features, such as refining your nasal tip, straightening your nasal bridge, or smoothing a dorsal hump. He can also perform this procedure to correct deformities, restore your airflow, and improve your overall breathing. (3)

Benefits

Rhinoplasty offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved Nasal Profile: Rhinoplasty creates a more symmetrical, balanced, and flattering nose.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Dr. Cristel can perform rhinoplasty to address any blockages or anomalies, enhancing your breathing and respiratory health.
  • Corrected Structural Irregularities: Rhinoplasty can correct malformations or trauma. This can help you achieve a straighter, more symmetrical, and proportionate nose.
  • Permanent Results: The results of rhinoplasty are generally permanent due to the structural changes made.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients notice improvements in their self-esteem and confidence after their procedure.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Dr. Cristel designs your surgical plan around your unique nasal anatomy, concerns, and unique features.

Candidates

Rhinoplasty candidates typically include anyone interested in improving the aesthetic appearance and/or function of their nose. (4) Those experiencing difficulties breathing, structural concerns, or who are dissatisfied with the shape or symmetry of their nose may also make suitable candidates.

Anyone interested in this procedure should be in good general health, be willing to openly collaborate with Dr. Cristel, and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of their procedure. Patients should also ideally be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Cristel will determine each patient’s eligibility during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your rhinoplasty procedure, you will need to attend a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Cristel. During this consultation, he will discuss any aesthetic or functional concerns you may have, as well as your desired results. He will perform a physical examination to evaluate the internal and external anatomy of your nose.

Based on the information you share, Dr. Cristel will determine your candidacy and create your personalized surgical plan. Throughout the consultation, he will also answer any questions you may have.

To schedule this consultation to receive your surgical plan, please contact us online or call (314) 523-5738 to reach our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield offices.

Preparation

You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your rhinoplasty.

Dr. Cristel may ask you to discontinue using blood-thinning medications or supplements, and you will also need to fully cease alcohol and nicotine use in the weeks leading up to your procedure. You will need to prepare to take time away from your career and other commitments, as well as prearrange transportation home. Dr. Cristel also recommends arranging at-home care from a trusted friend or family member throughout your initial recovery period.

Procedure

Anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout treatment. Dr. Cristel will begin placing incisions using either the closed rhinoplasty or open rhinoplasty technique:

  • Closed Rhinoplasty: Closed rhinoplasty features incisions on the inside of the nostrils, leaving no external scarring. This technique can address mild to moderate corrections, as visibility is reduced.
  • Open Rhinoplasty: Open rhinoplasty uses an incision across the columella, the strip of flesh found between the nostrils. This approach provides greater visibility and can address more extensive or significant modifications.

After placing incisions, Dr. Cristel will make the necessary corrections. These may include reshaping your cartilage or repositioning your nasal bones to create a less bulbous nasal tip, adjusting the base of your nose, straightening your nasal bridge, and more. Dr. Cristel may also perform functional corrections, such as correcting any collapsed nasal valves or passages, deviated septum, or blocked airways. After sculpting your desired appearance or enhancing nasal function, Dr. Cristel will carefully close each incision and leave you to rest in our recovery suite.

Recovery

After a rhinoplasty procedure, it is common to experience swelling, soreness, or bruising around the nasal area and eyes. These effects will gradually subside on their own, but you can also manage them with prescribed medications and rest. You may return to your career and other light activities after taking approximately one to two weeks to rest, but you will need to continue refraining from strenuous or high-impact activities until Dr. Cristel provides clearance.

Dr. Cristel will also require you to wear a nasal splint as you recover. The splint will help protect and maintain the new contours of your nose as you heal. At required follow-up appointments, Dr. Cristel will monitor your recovery progression and ensure your results appear as expected.

Results

You may notice a difference in the appearance of your nose after your procedure, but the full, refined results of your rhinoplasty will become clear as any remaining swelling dissipates. Rhinoplasty results are generally permanent, allowing you to enjoy your renewed appearance and function without restrictions or maintenance appointments.

Cost of Rhinoplasty in St. Louis, Missouri

The final pricing of rhinoplasty may vary depending on the surgical techniques, the types of corrections, the extent of the procedure, anesthesia and surgery fees, and several other factors. Dr. Cristel will provide a comprehensive price estimate for your procedure after establishing your treatment plan.

To learn more about the cost of your tailored rhinoplasty, please schedule a consultation online or call (314) 523-5738.

FAQ

What concerns can rhinoplasty address?

Rhinoplasty can address several different concerns, both aesthetic and functional. These can include correcting your nasal hump, refining your nasal tip, refining the base of your nose, as well as concerns such as deviated septum or nasal blockages.

What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty places an external incision across the columella, or the strip of skin between the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty places incisions inside the nostrils, avoiding any external scarring. Both of these approaches apply to different types of corrections and offer their own individual advantages.

How will I know which rhinoplasty approach is right for me?

During your personal consultation, Dr. Cristel will evaluate your medical history, nasal anatomy, and treatment goals to determine whether an open or closed approach is more beneficial for your needs.

Is rhinoplasty only a cosmetic procedure?

No, rhinoplasty can correct both cosmetic and functional concerns. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your nose, Dr. Cristel can correct any structural concerns that may impact your breathing or other nasal functions.

What is the recovery process like after rhinoplasty?

Your recovery timeline may vary depending on the type and extent of corrections. You can expect swelling or bruising throughout your initial recovery period, but you may return to most of your daily activities within a week. Dr. Cristel will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including guidance on managing your incisions and any other side effects experienced while healing.

Are there any risks to rhinoplasty?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, including infection, bleeding, dissatisfaction with results, and unfavorable scarring. By choosing to work with a double board-certified surgeon, such as Dr. Cristel, you can minimize these risks and enhance the overall safety profile of your procedure.

When will I see the results of my rhinoplasty?

The initial results of your rhinoplasty will become more apparent in the weeks following your procedure; however, the full, refined outcomes will become more noticeable several months to a year later, after your nasal tissues fully heal.

Can I combine my rhinoplasty with another procedure?

Yes, you can combine your rhinoplasty with other facial procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Cristel can evaluate your facial anatomy and skin quality to determine what other procedures you may qualify for.

References

  1. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/
  4. Gupta R, John J, Ranganathan N, et al. Outcomes of Closed versus Open Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2022;49(05):569-579. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1756315