Rhinoplasty

Our board-certified facial plastic surgeons specialize in rhinoplasty — commonly known as nose reshaping surgery or a “nose job” — to achieve a more proportionate nasal framework and enhance harmony between surrounding facial features. Since the nose sits at the center of the face, even small refinements can dramatically improve your overall appearance and self-confidence.

Whether your goals are cosmetic, functional, or involve a combination of both motivations, our team of double board-certified facial plastic surgeons approach each rhinoplasty procedure with artistic and technical precision. By combining advanced surgical techniques with a deep understanding of facial aesthetics, Drs. Kriet, Humphrey, and Flynn deliver results that look natural and authentic to each patient’s unique features. As longstanding providers of advanced facial plastic surgery in the Kansas City community, our doctors also represent the Facial Plastic Surgery team at The University of Kansas Health System.

What Concerns Can Rhinoplasty Improve?

Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of aesthetic and functional concerns that affect both appearance and breathing. Issues commonly addressed include:

Hump or bump on the nose bridge: Smoothing a prominent hump or irregularity in the nasal contour for a more symmetrical side profile.
Overly wide or narrow nose bridge: Refining width to complement the proportions of surrounding facial features.
Bulbous or drooping nasal tip: Sculpting and lifting the nasal tip to create a more elegant, defined contour.
Asymmetry or deviation: Correcting crookedness or unevenness caused by genetics or an injury.
Enlarged nostrils: Reducing nostril size for improved balance and proportion.
Breathing difficulties: Addressing structural obstructions such as a deviated septum or internal valve collapse, both of which can impair airflow.

Our facial plastic surgeons carefully evaluate each patient’s anatomy, goals, and medical history to create a customized plan designed to enhance both form and function.

Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a nose recontouring procedure performed primarily for aesthetic purposes, but many patients also undergo surgery to improve breathing and straighten a deviated septum. Ideal candidates for the procedure include adults and older teenagers who:

Have completed the majority of facial growth: Rhinoplasty is among few cosmetic procedures that can safely be performed for teenage patients, as long as they have consent from a parent/guardian and have completed most of their facial development.
Are emotionally mature enough to undergo surgery: Patients should have an accurate and realistic understanding of what rhinoplasty can and cannot achieve. The procedure should never be performed due to outside influences or pressure from friends/loved ones.
Are healthy enough to undergo rhinoplasty: Nose surgery requires a period of recovery, so it’s important for patients to not have any unmanaged medical conditions that may interfere with the healing process.
Don’t smoke or are willing to quit smoking: Smoking significantly delays the body’s ability to heal and inhibits blood flow. To maximize the quality of their final results, patients should stop smoking for six weeks before and after their procedure.

When you’re considering a nose reshaping procedure, please disclose whether you’ve had sinus problems requiring treatment in the past, or have suffered previous nasal injuries. It’s important to communicate openly with Dr. Kriet, Dr. Humphrey, or Dr. Flynn about your concerns, medical history, and wishes for the outcome.

How is the Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited surgical facility. The procedure can be performed using one of two techniques, known as open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty.
During open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the base of the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), allowing your facial plastic surgeon to fully access and reshape the underlying cartilage and bone. This method is often preferred for more complex cases or revision procedures. For closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made entirely inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars and generally resulting in a faster recovery.
Depending on your goals, our facial plastic surgeon may refine the nasal tip, reduce or augment the bridge, straighten the septum, or adjust internal structures to improve breathing. Every step is performed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a balanced, natural result that exists harmoniously with the rest of the face.

Patient Results

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What Can I Expect From the Rhinoplasty Recovery Period?

After rhinoplasty, patients typically wear a small splint over their nose for about one week to support the new nasal contours during initial healing. Mild swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks are normal and usually subside within 10 to 14 days. Discomfort is generally minimal and can be well managed with prescribed medications. Most patients return to work or school within 7 to 10 days, although strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.

While early improvements become visible soon after the splint is removed, it’s important to remember that nasal refinement continues as residual swelling resolves. The final shape is typically realized over the course of 6 to 12 months. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and schedules regular follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing and satisfaction with your results.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

As a long-term investment into your appearance and confidence, our doctors understand that the cost of rhinoplasty is a significant consideration. After discussing what you hope to achieve and your needs in a consultation, our office will be able to provide you with a personalized cost estimate. Rhinoplasty costs are calculated based on the overall goals and scope of your surgery, accounting for unique factors like:

The type of rhinoplasty performed (open, closed, revision, etc.)
The surgical techniques utilized, such as tissue grafting or other approaches
The individual details of your treatment plan
The complexity of your rhinoplasty
Whether a deviated septum is corrected

While rhinoplasty isn’t usually applicable for insurance coverage unless performed as a reconstructive procedure addressing a medical necessity, plastic surgery financing companies can help patients manage out-of-pocket costs. CareCredit^® and CommerceCare^® present long- and short-term payment plans for qualified patients, often with no interest rates within a given promotional period.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty or another facial plastic surgery procedure to enhance facial balance, please contact our Kansas City board-certified facial plastic surgeons today to book a consultation. Our rhinoplasty before-and-after photos showcase an array of outcomes from previous patients, which we hope will be enlightening in your understanding of what’s possible with rhinoplasty.