The Portland Rhinoplasty Center
The Portland Rhinoplasty Center specializes in rhinoplasty in Portland, Oregon, including primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, functional nasal surgery, and cosmetic nose reshaping. Our facial plastic surgeons work with patients who want to improve the size, shape, symmetry, or proportion of their nose as well as patients seeking treatment for certain structural concerns that may affect nasal breathing.
Rhinoplasty pricing is currently $11,600 for primary rhinoplasty and $13,800 for complex or revision rhinoplasty. We offer consultations for patients from Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, Multnomah County, and communities throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Rhinoplasty Specialists in Portland, Oregon
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures in facial plastic surgery because even relatively small changes to the nose can affect the overall balance and appearance of the face. The goal of rhinoplasty is not simply to make a nose smaller. Surgery should address the individual characteristics of the nose while considering the patient’s facial proportions, anatomy, skin thickness, and personal goals.
Patients seek rhinoplasty for many different reasons. Some want to reduce a prominent bump on the bridge, refine a bulbous nasal tip, straighten a crooked nose, narrow the nose, or improve the appearance of the nostrils. Others have experienced nasal trauma, have structural concerns affecting breathing, or are dissatisfied with the results of previous nasal surgery.
At The Portland Rhinoplasty Center, each procedure is planned individually with an emphasis on creating a natural-looking nose that complements the patient’s existing facial features.
What Can Rhinoplasty Correct?
Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of cosmetic and structural concerns involving the nose. Depending on a patient’s anatomy and goals, nose surgery may be used to address:
- A dorsal hump or bump on the bridge of the nose
- A bulbous, drooping, or poorly defined nasal tip
- A nose that appears too large or wide for the face
- A crooked or asymmetrical nose
- Wide or flared nostrils
- A flat or low nasal bridge
- Excessive nasal projection
- Changes caused by a broken nose or previous injury
- Unsatisfactory results from previous rhinoplasty
- A deviated septum or certain structural problems affecting nasal breathing
The specific changes that can be safely accomplished depend on the patient’s nasal anatomy, skin thickness, cartilage and bone structure, previous surgery, and desired outcome. These factors are evaluated during the rhinoplasty consultation.
Types of Rhinoplasty We Perform
Primary Rhinoplasty
Primary rhinoplasty refers to nose surgery performed on a patient who has not previously undergone cosmetic rhinoplasty. Surgery can address the bridge, nasal tip, nostrils, width, projection, symmetry, and overall proportions of the nose. The objective is to make appropriate changes while maintaining a natural relationship between the nose and the rest of the face.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is performed when a patient has previously undergone nose surgery and wants to correct or improve the result. Revision surgery may address persistent cosmetic concerns, asymmetry, excessive removal of nasal structures, scar tissue, structural weakness, or functional problems.
Revision rhinoplasty is generally more complex than primary rhinoplasty because the surgeon must work with anatomy that has already been surgically altered. Scar tissue may be present, and available nasal cartilage can be limited. For these reasons, experience with revision nasal surgery is particularly important.
Functional Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
Not every rhinoplasty is performed exclusively for cosmetic reasons. Some patients also have structural problems that interfere with airflow through the nose. Depending on the cause of the obstruction, treatment may involve septoplasty or other functional nasal surgery.
When appropriate, functional concerns and cosmetic changes may be addressed during the same operation. A consultation and examination are necessary to determine which procedures may be appropriate for an individual patient.
Our Approach to Rhinoplasty
Our rhinoplasty surgeons generally prefer the closed rhinoplasty approach, in which surgical incisions are placed inside the nostrils. Through these incisions, the surgeon can modify the cartilage and bone responsible for the shape of the nose without creating the external columellar incision used during an open rhinoplasty.
The nose is a three-dimensional structure, and changes to the bridge, tip, nostrils, cartilage, and nasal bones must work together from every viewing angle. Careful surgical planning is therefore essential to producing a balanced result.
Facial plastic surgery specialists Dr. William Portuese, Dr. Joseph Shvidler, and Dr. Zachary Farhood have dedicated a significant part of their surgical practices to facial plastic surgery and procedures involving the nose and face.
Closed vs. Open Rhinoplasty
Two commonly used surgical approaches to rhinoplasty are the closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty techniques. Both approaches allow a surgeon to reshape the underlying structures of the nose, but the location of the incisions differs.
Closed Rhinoplasty
With closed rhinoplasty, the surgical incisions are made inside the nostrils. This avoids an external incision across the columella, the strip of tissue separating the nostrils. Our surgeons prefer the closed approach for many rhinoplasty procedures when the necessary changes can be accomplished effectively using this technique.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty typically involves incisions inside the nose along with a small incision across the columella. This allows the nasal skin to be elevated to provide greater exposure of the underlying nasal structures.
The appropriate surgical approach depends on the patient’s anatomy, previous surgery, complexity of the procedure, and the changes that need to be made. The surgeon can discuss the recommended technique during the consultation.
Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are generally healthy enough to safely undergo elective surgery and have realistic expectations about what nose surgery can accomplish. Candidates may be interested in changing the appearance of their nose, correcting changes caused by an injury, improving a previous rhinoplasty result, or addressing certain structural concerns.
During the consultation, the surgeon evaluates the nose from multiple angles and discusses the patient’s goals. Facial proportions, nasal skin thickness, cartilage, bone structure, nasal tip characteristics, and breathing function may all influence the surgical plan.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
A rhinoplasty consultation typically includes time with the facial plastic surgeon as well as the patient care coordinator. The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss what you like and dislike about your nose, your desired changes, previous nasal injuries or surgeries, breathing concerns, and expectations for the procedure.
Patients are encouraged to be specific about their goals. Concerns might include reducing a dorsal hump, narrowing the nasal bridge, refining the nasal tip, straightening a crooked nose, changing projection, or modifying the appearance of the nostrils.
An important part of the consultation is also understanding what surgery cannot accomplish. Rhinoplasty should be planned around an individual’s anatomy and facial characteristics rather than attempting to duplicate another person’s nose.
Portland Consultations and Rhinoplasty Surgery
We offer consultations at our Portland-area and Hillsboro medical offices. Rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia at our outpatient surgical center in Seattle, Washington.
Our Seattle surgical facility is located next to Providence/Swedish Hospital and is Medicare certified and licensed by the Washington State Department of Health. General anesthesia is personally administered by board-certified physician anesthesiologists.
Most rhinoplasty procedures take approximately one to two hours, although the length of surgery varies according to the complexity of the procedure and whether additional functional or revision work is required.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Patients receive detailed preoperative instructions before surgery. Certain medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and may need to be discontinued before the procedure when medically appropriate.
Our office provides each patient with individualized instructions regarding medications, supplements, eating and drinking before anesthesia, transportation, postoperative care, and other preparations. Patients should follow the specific instructions provided by their surgeon and medical team rather than stopping prescribed medication on their own.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Recovery varies from patient to patient, but rhinoplasty healing occurs gradually. Swelling—particularly around the nasal tip—can continue to improve for many months after surgery.
First Week
A small cast or splint is typically placed across the bridge of the nose at the end of surgery and generally remains in place for approximately one week. Bruising and swelling are expected during the early recovery period.
10 to 14 Days
Much of the visible bruising and initial swelling generally improves during the first 10 to 14 days. Many patients are able to return to work and normal social activities around this point, although some swelling will remain.
One Month
The nose begins to take on more of its new shape as swelling continues to decrease. Swelling in the nasal tip often lasts longer than swelling along the bridge.
Three to Six Months
The appearance of the nose continues to refine as the tissues heal and residual swelling gradually subsides.
One Year
Final rhinoplasty results can take approximately one year to develop. Patients with thicker nasal skin or extensive tip surgery may experience swelling for a longer period.
Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and vigorous activity during the initial recovery period according to their surgeon’s instructions, since increased blood pressure can contribute to bleeding and additional swelling.
Follow-Up After Rhinoplasty
Postoperative follow-up is an important part of rhinoplasty treatment. The first visit generally occurs approximately one week after surgery, when the nasal cast or splint can be removed.
Additional appointments may occur around one month, three months, six months, and one year after surgery. These visits allow the surgeon to evaluate healing, monitor swelling, and follow the gradual development of the final result.
When appropriate, postoperative treatments such as taping or other measures may be recommended to help manage swelling. Follow-up recommendations are individualized for each patient.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Portland?
The current cost of primary rhinoplasty at The Portland Rhinoplasty Center is:
Primary Rhinoplasty: $11,600
Surgeon and operating room fees.
For more complicated cases or patients who have previously undergone nasal surgery:
Complex / Revision Rhinoplasty: $13,800
Surgeon and operating room fees.
Because every nose and surgical plan is different, patients receive information about the anticipated cost of their procedure during the consultation.
Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty?
Health insurance typically does not cover rhinoplasty performed solely for cosmetic purposes. Coverage may sometimes be available for medically necessary treatment involving functional problems such as a deviated septum, nasal obstruction, breathing impairment, or deformity resulting from trauma.
Insurance coverage varies considerably by plan and medical circumstances. Patients should contact their insurance provider to determine their individual benefits and coverage requirements.
Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Portland
Rhinoplasty requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy, nasal structure, breathing function, and the relationship between the nose and surrounding facial features. When researching a rhinoplasty surgeon, patients should consider the surgeon’s training, board certification, experience performing nasal surgery, approach to primary and revision rhinoplasty, surgical facility, and before-and-after results.
Patients should also feel comfortable discussing their goals openly with the surgeon. A rhinoplasty consultation should include a realistic discussion about what can and cannot be accomplished based on the patient’s individual anatomy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
How much does rhinoplasty cost in Portland?
At The Portland Rhinoplasty Center, primary rhinoplasty currently costs $11,600 for surgeon and operating room fees. Complex or revision rhinoplasty currently costs $13,800. The final cost can vary depending on the procedure and individual surgical requirements.
How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?
Most rhinoplasty procedures take approximately one to two hours. Revision surgery and more complex nasal procedures may require additional surgical time.
How long is recovery after rhinoplasty?
Most patients experience noticeable bruising and swelling for approximately 10 to 14 days. Many patients return to work around 10 days after surgery. The nose continues to refine for many months, and final healing can take approximately one year.
When is the rhinoplasty cast removed?
The nasal cast or splint is generally removed approximately one week after surgery during the first postoperative appointment.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty places surgical incisions inside the nostrils and does not require an external columellar incision. Open rhinoplasty uses internal incisions along with a small incision across the columella to provide additional exposure of the nasal structures. The appropriate technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and surgical needs.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Rhinoplasty may be combined with functional nasal surgery when structural problems contribute to difficulty breathing through the nose. Depending on the cause, treatment may include septoplasty or correction of other structural abnormalities.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is nose surgery performed after a previous rhinoplasty. It may be used to address cosmetic concerns, asymmetry, structural problems, breathing difficulties, or other issues resulting from or remaining after the original procedure.
Will I have a visible scar after closed rhinoplasty?
With the closed rhinoplasty approach, surgical incisions are placed inside the nostrils, so there is no external columellar incision associated with the approach.
How long does it take to see the final rhinoplasty result?
Although substantial improvement becomes visible as the initial swelling resolves, the nose continues to change as healing progresses. Final results typically take approximately one year, and swelling may persist longer in patients with thick nasal skin or extensive nasal tip surgery.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you are considering rhinoplasty in Portland, Oregon, a consultation is the best way to determine which surgical approach may be appropriate for your anatomy and goals. The Portland Rhinoplasty Center provides consultations for primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, cosmetic nose reshaping, and functional nasal concerns.
Our team works with patients from Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, Multnomah County, throughout Oregon, and across the Pacific Northwest. During your consultation, you can discuss your concerns, review potential treatment options, learn what rhinoplasty can realistically accomplish, and receive recommendations based on your individual nasal anatomy.
