Rhinoplasty in Towson, MD

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve facial proportions, address nasal concerns, and, in some cases, support nasal breathing. It may involve adjusting the bridge, tip, nostrils, or internal structures depending on your anatomy and goals.

Because the nose is made of bone, cartilage, skin, and delicate support structures, rhinoplasty requires careful planning. A nose that looks balanced on one patient may not suit another, so Dr. Sultan evaluates the nose in relation to the rest of the face rather than using a standard approach.

Rhinoplasty surgery may:

• Narrow flared nostrils
• Adjust the size of the nose
• Change the angle of the nose
• Straighten the bridge
• Reshape the nasal tip
• Improve narrowed breathing passages when structural concerns are involved

Good Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Good candidates for cosmetic rhinoplasty should have fully developed nasal bones and realistic expectations for surgery. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is often considered after the nose and facial features have matured, which may happen at different ages for girls and boys.

For therapeutic or functional nasal surgery, timing may differ depending on the patient’s medical needs. Dr. Sultan will review your age, anatomy, symptoms, and goals during your consultation.

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you:

• Are in good physical health: Good health helps support surgery and recovery
• Do not smoke or can stop before surgery: Smoking may negatively affect healing, so quitting before surgery may be recommended
• Have realistic expectations: Rhinoplasty may improve nasal appearance or breathing function, but it cannot create perfection
• Have cosmetic nasal concerns: This may include a hump, flared nostrils, tip concerns, or nasal asymmetry
• Have functional concerns: Breathing issues may be related to nasal structure, trauma, or internal narrowing
• Are an adult across a wide age range: Patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s may be candidates if their health and goals support surgery

During your consultation, Dr. Sultan will evaluate your anatomy, health history, and goals to determine whether nose surgery is appropriate for you.

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

Rhinoplasty Options by Dr. Sultan

Rhinoplasty may be performed for cosmetic, functional, or reconstructive reasons. Dr. Sultan will recommend an approach tailored to your nasal structure, breathing concerns, prior procedures, and goals.

Primary Rhinoplasty

Primary rhinoplasty is performed for patients who have not had previous nose surgery. It may address concerns such as a dorsal hump, wide nostrils, a bulbous or drooping tip, nasal asymmetry, or overall nasal proportion.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty may be recommended for patients who have undergone prior nasal surgery and wish to address cosmetic concerns, breathing issues, or structural problems. Because revision cases may involve scar tissue and altered cartilage support, this procedure requires detailed evaluation and careful surgical planning.

Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty focuses on improving nasal airflow while preserving the nose’s appearance. This may be appropriate for patients with breathing concerns related to nasal structure, trauma, or internal narrowing.

Facial Trauma and Reconstructive Nose Surgery

Dr. Sultan’s practice also serves patients who have experienced facial trauma. When nasal changes are related to injury, reconstructive planning may help restore nasal structure, appearance, and function.

The Nose Surgery Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Sultan will review your nasal concerns, breathing symptoms, medical history, and expectations for surgery. He will also examine your nose, take photos, and discuss which changes may be appropriate based on your anatomy.

Before surgery, it is important to tell Dr. Sultan about any medical conditions, medications, supplements, prior nasal procedures, and tobacco use. If you smoke, you may be asked to stop at least six weeks before the procedure. You may also be instructed to pause certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk.

During your consultation, you can expect to discuss:

• Your goals: What you would like to change about your nose and profile
• Your breathing: Any functional concerns, congestion, or airflow issues
• Your medical history: Health conditions, prior procedures, medications, and smoking status
• Your surgical plan: Techniques that may be appropriate for your anatomy
• Your recovery: Expected downtime, activity limits, and follow-up care

After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Sultan can explain whether rhinoplasty is a safe and appropriate option for you.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is performed with either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical plan and patient needs. Dr. Sultan will explain the recommended anesthesia approach before surgery.

For closed rhinoplasty, incisions are placed inside the nostrils. For open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made at the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, allowing the surgeon to lift the skin and access the underlying cartilage and bone.

In some cases, cartilage grafts may be used to strengthen or support the nasal framework. Grafts may be taken from the nasal septum, ear, or rib, depending on the amount of support needed.

The exact surgical approach will depend on whether your goals are cosmetic, functional, reconstructive, or a combination of these.

How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty

Preparation helps support a smoother surgical experience and recovery. Dr. Sultan will provide personalized instructions based on your health history and surgical plan.

Before rhinoplasty, you may be asked to:

• Stop smoking: Smoking may interfere with healing and should be stopped before surgery as directed
• Review medications: Certain medications and supplements may need to be paused before surgery
• Plan transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after surgery
• Prepare your recovery space: Keep soft foods, cold compresses, and approved medications available
• Follow pre-surgery instructions: Avoid eating or drinking during the required timeframe before anesthesia

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Recovery varies from patient to patient, but bruising, swelling, congestion, and pressure are common during early healing. Dr. Sultan will provide instructions specific to your procedure, including when it is safe to return to work, resume exercise, wear glasses, or restart normal routines.

A general recovery timeline may include:

• Days 1 to 5: Swelling, bruising, congestion, and pressure are common. A nasal splint may be placed after surgery. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses as directed
• Days 7 to 10: Many patients feel ready to return to work or social activities, depending on the extent of surgery and their healing progress
• First few weeks: Avoid strenuous activity, heavy exercise, pressure on the nose, and blowing your nose until Dr. Sultan clears you
• Several months: Swelling continues to improve gradually. Ask Dr. Sultan before using decongestants or anti-inflammatory medications during recovery
• 12 to 18 months: Final rhinoplasty results typically continue to settle and refine as residual swelling resolves

If you have questions or concerns during recovery, contact our team for guidance.

Cost of Rhinoplasty in Baltimore and Towson

The cost of rhinoplasty depends on several factors, including medical evaluations, surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia, post-surgical supplies, the techniques used, and the time needed to perform the procedure.

Because each rhinoplasty plan is customized, the most accurate way to understand your cost is to meet with Dr. Sultan for a consultation. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered by insurance. If functional or reconstructive concerns are involved, coverage may vary depending on your insurance plan and medical documentation.

Why Choose Dr. Babar Sultan for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty requires a surgeon who understands both facial aesthetics and nasal function. Dr. Babar Sultan is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. His practice is dedicated exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.

Dr. Sultan completed his head and neck surgery residency training at Johns Hopkins and pursued advanced fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This background supports a careful approach to rhinoplasty planning, including nasal structure, breathing function, and facial proportion.

For patients considering rhinoplasty in Baltimore, Towson, or nearby Maryland areas, Dr. Sultan provides individualized recommendations based on anatomy, goals, and realistic surgical outcomes.

Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

If you are considering rhinoplasty in Baltimore, Towson, Bel Air, or a nearby Maryland area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Babar Sultan to discuss your nasal concerns and treatment options. Dr. Sultan will evaluate your anatomy, breathing function, and goals before recommending an approach that fits your needs.

Rhinoplasty FAQ