Rhinoplasty in Washington D.C.
Facial Harmony With Congressional Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty requires both technical precision and an understanding of facial balance. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, Dr. Christopher C. Chang is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with training from Harvard, NYU School of Medicine, Yale University, and advanced craniofacial fellowship training at Johns Hopkins.
His approach focuses on thoughtful refinement that respects each patient’s facial structure and nasal function. If you are considering rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with Congressional Plastic Surgery today.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve facial proportion, nasal contour, or breathing function. The surgery can address cosmetic concerns such as a dorsal hump, asymmetry, a bulbous tip, or nostril size while also correcting structural problems that affect airflow.
During the procedure, Dr. Chang reshapes the nasal bone and cartilage to achieve the desired contour and maintain structural stability. Because the nose sits at the center of the face, even modest adjustments can noticeably improve facial balance and profile harmony.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
- Improved facial proportion: Creates better balance between the nose and surrounding facial features.
- Refined nasal contours: Smooths bumps, improves symmetry, and reshapes the bridge or tip.
- Functional improvement: Structural correction can help improve nasal airflow in appropriate cases.
- Long-lasting results: Surgical reshaping provides durable structural changes that remain stable over time.
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
You may be a candidate if you are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or proportion of your nose or if nasal structure interferes with comfortable breathing. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and have completed facial growth. During consultation, Dr. Chang evaluates facial structure, cartilage support, and nasal anatomy to determine whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for your goals.
View Rhinoplasty Before & After
Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is widely regarded as one of the most complex facial plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Chang brings extensive academic training, craniofacial surgical experience, and a detailed understanding of nasal anatomy to every procedure. Patients choose Congressional Plastic Surgery for careful planning, meticulous surgical technique, and results designed to complement their natural facial features.
Your Consultation
Your consultation includes a discussion of your concerns, a detailed evaluation of nasal structure and facial proportions, and a review of surgical options suited to your anatomy. Dr. Chang explains the recommended plan, outlines the expected improvements, and discusses how the procedure supports both appearance and nasal function.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty varies based on the complexity of the surgery, whether structural breathing corrections are performed, and the techniques required to achieve stable results. After your consultation and examination, our team provides a clear estimate that includes surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees, and financing options can be discussed when appropriate.
Video Testimonial
What to Expect During Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety. Incisions may be placed inside the nostrils, or a small incision may be made across the columella when greater surgical visibility is required. Dr. Chang reshapes bone and cartilage, and when necessary reinforces structural support to maintain the desired contour. A splint is placed at the end of surgery to stabilize the nose during the early stages of healing.
Rhinoplasty Recovery and Results
Swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes are expected during the first days after surgery, with the most noticeable changes improving within one to two weeks. A nasal splint is typically worn for about a week.
Most patients resume routine daily activities within about one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise and activities that risk impact to the nose are restricted for several weeks. Subtle swelling gradually resolves over several months as the final contour becomes more defined.
Open and Closed Rhinoplasty Approaches
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scar. This technique is often used for more limited refinements and allows the nasal structures to be reshaped through internal access.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils. This approach allows greater visibility of the nasal framework and can be helpful when more complex structural reshaping is required.
Alternative and Related Procedures
- Septoplasty: Corrects a deviated septum to improve nasal airflow and breathing comfort.
- Chin augmentation: Improves projection of the chin to create stronger profile balance with the nose.
- Blepharoplasty: Rejuvenates the upper or lower eyelids for a more rested appearance.
- Facelift: Addresses facial laxity and restores a more defined facial contour.
- Brow lift: Elevates the brow and softens forehead lines to complement overall facial balance.
FAQs
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Rhinoplasty is sometimes performed alongside procedures such as chin augmentation or eyelid surgery when improving overall facial balance is part of the treatment plan.
When can glasses be worn again after surgery?
If the nasal bridge is reshaped, patients may need to avoid placing glasses directly on the nose for a period of time. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure.
How long does rhinoplasty surgery usually take?
Surgical time varies depending on the complexity of the changes being made, but many procedures take approximately two to three hours.
Can rhinoplasty correct congenital nasal irregularities?
Yes. Many patients seek rhinoplasty to correct structural concerns present since birth that affect nasal symmetry or proportion.
Is revision rhinoplasty possible after a previous nose surgery?
Revision rhinoplasty may be performed to improve appearance, correct structural concerns, or refine prior surgical outcomes.
Will insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Insurance may cover the portion of surgery performed to correct medically documented breathing problems, although cosmetic changes are typically not covered.
How noticeable are scars after rhinoplasty?
Most rhinoplasty incisions are hidden inside the nostrils. When an open approach is used, the small external incision generally heals as a thin line that becomes difficult to see over time.
Discuss Your Rhinoplasty Goals
Rhinoplasty requires careful planning and surgical experience to achieve refined, natural results. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang at Congressional Plastic Surgery to discuss your goals and learn how nasal reshaping can enhance facial harmony.
Phone: (888) 413-3923 Hours: M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm
Recent Reviews
"I have never felt so confident. Dr. Chang completely changed how I saw myself in the mirror. I was terribly self conscious of my nose from my youth and finally decided to go through with the surgery. Not only was it inexpensive compared to the other three doctors I contacted, the before and after pictures of patients were also much better looking than the others! The whole process of surgery and recovery was quick and pretty much painless. I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting cosmetic surgery. It really made me a happier person." - Catherine M.
"My son was in a terrible accident with most of the bones in his face and skull broken... I don't know what I would have done without Dr Chang!! My son is fully recovered and back to his old self again. I love Dr Chang, he will be in my prayers for the rest of my life. Thank you!" - Elizabeth A.
"I cannot say enough about my surgery with Dr. Chang! I had full facial Rejuvenation including a facelift brow lift and upper eyelids done 4 months ago. I also had a chemical peel to my lower eyelids and mouth. They was barely any pain and I was back to work the next week! I am so thrilled and my friends are so impressed. I cannot say enough about my experience! He is both caring and an amazing surgeon! Thank you so much!" - Cathy W.
The entire experience and outcome was everything I hoped for and I cannot thank Dr. Chang enough! He is a true pro and I recommend 100% without reservation!" - Ashley R.
"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the procedures (lift + implants) would entail. He was extremely responsive and truly understood the look that I was trying to achieve - full, natural for my frame, and with minimal scarring. I'm only two days out from surgery and I'm already loving my results. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Chang to restore my chest to its pre-baby appearance. I actually think they are going to be better than they ever were before I had kids!" - Emily L.
