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Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty
As the central feature of the face, the size and shape of your nose can affect your entire appearance. A nose that’s too large for your facial structure can feel overwhelming, while one that’s too small can make your chin or jaw seem too heavy by comparison. A rhinoplasty is cosmetic nose reshaping surgery that can bring your nose into better proportion with your other facial features. Rhinoplasty can also be performed for medical reasons, such as to correct abnormalities like a deviated septum that can interfere with breathing while awake or asleep.
Recognized as some of the top cosmetic surgeons in the Mobile-Pensacola metro area, Dr. James Koehler and Dr. Vincent Gardner at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery offer a wide range of facial plastic surgery procedures for both men and women. We are known for our caring commitment to a patient-first approach while achieving absolutely excellent results. Dr. Koehler has written book chapters on rhinoplasty and lectures extensively on the topic to other doctors.
Are You a Candidate?
If you’re bothered by the appearance of your nose or have ongoing respiratory or sinus problems due to your nose’s internal structure, you may be a candidate for nose surgery. Men and women considering rhinoplasty should be in good physical and mental health, and have realistic expectations about their results.
Rhinoplasty is one of the only cosmetic surgery procedures that can be performed on patients who are under the age of 18, because the nose reaches physical maturity faster than the rest of the body. However, while rhinoplasty can be scheduled as soon as the nose has reached its full adult growth (around age 15 in girls and age 16 in boys), it’s important to remember that the decision to make a permanent change to the body requires a certain amount of emotional maturity as well.
Before and After Photos
About Nose Reshaping Surgery
There are a number of concerns related to profile, size or contour irregularities that could lead patients to consider a “nose job.” Dr. Koehler and Dr. Gardner can address many appearance issues during rhinoplasty:
- Restore improved proportions to a nose that’s too large for the rest of the face
- Even out bumps, dips or excessive width in the nasal bridge
- Fix a nose tip that’s bulbous, hooked, dips too low or is too upturned
- Slim down overly large nostrils, or improve nostrils that are wide, uneven or upturned
- Improve general symmetry and alignment in the nose
- Correct any irregularities or structural problems due to an old nose injury that healed improperly
- Open an obstructed airway, whether due to congenital nasal structure, abnormality or trauma
In many instances, feeling unhappy with how your nose looks is due to a combination of concerns, all of which can be resolved through cosmetic nose surgery. For example, you may want to eliminate a prominent bump on the bridge of your nose, yet also want to correct a deviated septum. We will discuss all of the possibilities with you at your consultation so you can decide together how rhinoplasty can best meet your cosmetic goals.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
What to Expect
A successful nose reshaping surgery begins with a consultation, during which your surgeon will explain the steps he will take during surgery, what you can expect during your procedure and throughout your recovery, and also the results you’re likely to see.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, and may be either an opened or a closed procedure. In a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are hidden inside the nose, while an open nose surgery requires an incision across the slender piece of tissue that separates the nostrils, right at the base of the nose. Through these incisions, your surgeon can reshape the nose as needed, which can include removing or adding cartilage, bone and tissue. In some cases, your surgeon may use dermal fillers to refine your new nose contours even further.
After surgery, your surgeon will typically NOT need to pack your nose however, paper tape and support through an external splint will be used. Rarely splints will be place inside the nose. You can expect to see some swelling and bruising following your nose job, although much of the swelling may be inside the nose. Congestion is common after surgery and can last for a few weeks, or until post-surgical swelling dissipates.
We recommend sleeping with your head supported upright the first few nights to help you feel more comfortable. Most patients return to work or school 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, and any residual bruising can typically be covered by makeup after the first week. Swelling in the tip of the nose takes the longest to resolve. Although you will see significant improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, it can take up to a year or more for the swelling in the tip of the nose to complete resolve in order to see the final result.
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
Risks and Complications
Rhinoplasty is considered a low-risk procedure overall, with the main concern being the high level of technical skill that’s required in order to deliver the most optimum results. For this reason, it’s essential to choose a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for your nose reshaping surgery, which will help reduce the chance for surgical complications as well. We will discuss all the risks and benefits associated with rhinoplasty during your consultation so you can feel fully prepared about what to expect.
Your New Look
Following rhinoplasty, you should see a definite improvement in your nose shape, size and profile, especially in relation to your other facial features. Your profile should look more symmetrical and proportionate, without prominent contour irregularities.
If you underwent nose surgery to correct a deviated septum or other structural abnormality, you should see an improvement in your breathing functionality, and may notice an absence of snoring as well as a more restful night’s sleep free of sleep apnea. Most importantly, you can enjoy the improved self-image that comes from feeling more confident in your appearance.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
How do I choose a rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeon?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most intricate cosmetic procedures to perform because of the complex anatomy and function of the nose. Because rhinoplasty requires such skill, knowledge and finesse, be sure to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has had ample experience performing this procedure. When looking for a nose job cosmetic surgeon near you, browsing the websites of your top 3 or 4 picks is a great place to start. Check for credentials, client reviews and before and after photos to help you narrow your search to the 1 or 2 cosmetic surgeons with whom you’d like to schedule a consultation.
Is a nose job the best facial cosmetic surgery for me?
A nose job could be right for you if you are bothered by the size, shape or asymmetry of your nose, and/or if you are having trouble breathing properly. Some people choose to try a “liquid nose job” with injectable fillers before committing to surgical rhinoplasty. This can help you to get a better idea of what your nose might look like after rhinoplasty and whether or not moving forward with surgery is something you are interested in.
Are nose jobs painful?
Most people report that nose job recovery is more uncomfortable than it is painful. That’s because bruising and swelling can temporarily cause congestion and tenderness in the early stages of recovery. However, our doctors typically do not need to pack your nose, making your rhinoplasty simpler and more comfortable.
How long does it take to recover from a nose job?
The initial recovery period after a nose job is around 1 to 2 weeks. At that time, you should be able to resume your normal work schedule. However, you will still need to limit strenuous physical activity for several more weeks. As swelling continues to dissipate, your nose should be more comfortable and you can gradually reintroduce more intense exercise into your routine.
When will I see my rhinoplasty results?
It can take 4 to 6 weeks to start seeing significant nose job results, as swelling and bruising will mask your initial results at first. Know that your nose will continue to slightly improve in shape and appearance over the following months, up to about a year after your procedure.
How long do nose jobs last?
When performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, your nose job should be long-lasting. In some cases, men and women who are dissatisfied with the results of a previous nose job may choose to get a nose job revision to correct specific aspects of their initial rhinoplasty.
Is a nose job worth it?
The vast majority of men and women who get a nose job are happy with their results and feel that the procedure was worth the time and investment. Users on RealSelf give rhinoplasty a 90% “worth it” rating. Carefully choose a reputable, experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty to ensure high-quality results and a minimized risk of complications.
Contact us online using the “Message us” feature at the bottom of our website or you can call us at 251-929-7850 to learn more about our practice or to schedule your consultation.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: February 20th, 2026
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