Bershof Plastic Surgery: 303.399.7662 Body By Design: 303.399.9609 4500 E. Ninth Ave, Suite 100
Denver, Colorado 80220

Fax #: 303-399-1314


Rhinoplasty in Denver

(Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty in Denver, CO

Reasons for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery (nose job), is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed in Denver today. Rhinoplasty can reshape, reduce or even augment a person's nose in order to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It is almost always performed as an elective, cosmetic procedure but rarely is done for birth defects, such as a cleft lip rhinoplasty. Dr. Bershof is generally considered one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in the country, and is a 5280 Top Doctor Rhinoplasty.

Functional Rhinoplasty in denver

With rhinoplasty, functional procedures might also be performed, such as a septoplasty (deviated septum), sinus surgery or other procedures to improve airway breathing. A cosmetic rhinoplasty by Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Bershof, can also be performed at the same time as an endoscopic sinus surgery performed by an ENT surgeon. Nasal airflow is the primary benefit to getting a rhinoplasty for function but for many patients, the procedure may also improve the appearance by straightening the shape of the nose and repair post-traumatic deformities.

What Can Nose Surgery Achieve?

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

  • Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
  • Modify the width of the nose at the bridge and tip
  • Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
  • Contour a nasal tip that is too large, "boxy", drooping or upturned
  • Change the angle between the nose and the upper lip
  • Narrow and reshape the nostrils
  • Correct asymmetry or deviation

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

  • For females, at least 13 years old or past menarche; for males about 16-18 years old
  • Have finished facial growth
  • Are generally healthy
  • Do not smoke
  • Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
  • Have realistic goals for the procedure

The best Age to get a Rhinoplasty

The best candidates for rhinoplasty have reached full physical maturity and also have the emotional maturity to handle the permanent changes that result from surgery. On a physical level, boys may become good candidates for rhinoplasty at age 16 or 17. Girls reach physical maturity slightly sooner and may be good candidates for nose surgery by age 15 or 16. That said, parents and the surgeon must also take into account the significance of rhinoplasty as it pertains to the appearance of the face. Though patients often look forward to this change, the reality of it can be somewhat of a shock. This isn’t a bad thing but a part of recovery to prepare for in order to avoid unnecessary stress after your Denver rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

Denver Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

To view more cases of our rhinoplasty before and after photos, click here!

What should I expect At my Nose Surgery Consultation?

Your rhinoplasty consultation is equal parts interview and information. At this visit, expect to discuss your reasons for seeking plastic surgery as well as your objectives. Your surgeon may ask you about any previous surgeries and about your general medical history and lifestyle. It is important to divulge all pertinent information, as this helps reduce surgical risks. In terms of information, your consultation allows you to get to know your potential surgeon and make a confident decision about who performs your surgery. At this visit, your surgeon also explores the potential of rhinoplasty in your case and discusses what can be achieved and how.

How to prepare for Nose Surgery

Preparing for nose surgery really means getting body, mind, and home ready for a smooth recovery. To do this, patients may:

  • Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products starting at least a week before surgery. 
  • Avoid alcohol beginning one week before surgery. Alcohol lowers immunity, dehydrates the body, and can increase the risk of bleeding. 
  • Avoid aspirin and other medications or supplements that thin the blood.
  • Stop using certain topical ointments and facial products starting 4 days before surgery. Instead, use the gentlest cleansers and moisturizers.
  • Avoid sun exposure starting a week before rhinoplasty. This habit should continue for several weeks after surgery. 
  • Eat highly nutritious foods. Appetite may decrease for a few days after rhinoplasty due to changes in sense of smell and swelling around the mouth area. By eating healthy meals and snacks before surgery, the body has stores of nutrients to rely on for optimal healing. 
  • Stock up on tasty, soft foods to eat during the first week of recovery. 
  • Stay hydrated. Drink more water than usual to increase cellular function before surgery. This can help hasten recovery in tissues and skin. 
  • Follow all pre-operative instructions from our office.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty also called the endonasal technique, incisions are made completely inside the nose, which is the preferred technique of Dr. Bershof. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside the nose but also outside the nose where it crosses the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. Dr. Bershof generally uses the open technique for revision rhinoplasties which are often referred to him from other plastic surgeons. With either method, the skin covering is gently lifted off the underlying nasal anatomy and the underlying cartilage and bone are sculpted. In rhinoplasty, it is the underlying anatomy that is changed and the overlying skin redrapes to its “new” anatomy. Although most rhinoplasties are considered reduction rhinoplasty, that is, structure (cartilage and bone) is removed so the nose is smaller, occasionally structure is added such as a cartilage graft from the septum or the ear.

If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Bershof usually performs the septoplasty first, then the rhinoplasty on the same day. Dr. Bershof often works with otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons) who perform functional endoscopic sinus surgery first followed by Dr. Bershof's cosmetic rhinoplasty.

How Long Nose Surgery can Take

Primary rhinoplasties generally take 2 hours or so to perform, but can take longer if functional airway and sinus procedures are included.

Is there any scarring after Nose Surgery?

All incisions result in scars. However, rhinoplasty is performed using discreet incisions. Closed rhinoplasty is performed through internal incisions that cannot be seen. Open rhinoplasty, which may be necessary for the correction of more significant concerns, requires external incisions. However, the surgeon places these in the natural creases of the nostrils and the columella between the nostrils. In these locations, scars fade to be virtually invisible.  

See What Our Patients Are Saying!

"Dr. Bershof's medical acumen is off the charts, and his experience and knowledge are combined with a caring and generous manner. While being a fantastic surgeon, he is also just really pleasant to be around. He tells great jokes and keeps the mood light. Dr. Bershof is passionate about medicine and his patients, and I highly recommend his practice to anyone looking for a top-notch surgeon."

Review taken from our Google My Business page, to read more Google reviews click here!

Results After Rhinoplasty

Illustration depicting before and after Rhinoplasty

Even though the new shape of the nose is evident on the operating room table, ensuing swelling sets in, so the results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the weeks and months pass after surgery and the swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day. The tip of the nose takes the longest to resolve swelling.

Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient's nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age, as well as inherent facial asymmetry which cannot be corrected with rhinoplasty.

Are my Nose Surgery results permanent?

The results of rhinoplasty surgery are permanent. This is advantageous and also a risk of surgery. Patients must take their time choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform their nose surgery. Doing so can decrease the risks of needing revision at a later time. 

Recovery after Rhinoplasty

For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding and stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within a few days and return to work or school after 1-2 weeks recovery time. Dr. Bershof changes the surgical splint at one week to tape for the 2nd week, so patients have some type of dressing for 2 weeks.

Contact lenses can be worn soon after surgery unless there is some retrograde eyeball swelling which may take several more days to resolve. Eye glasses cannot be worn for at least 6 weeks unless the glasses are taped to the forehead.

What Are The Possible Risks of Nose Surgery?

Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare and, when they occur, are minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients breathe through their nose better after rhinoplasty, most the same (once the internal swelling has subsided), and occasionally some breathe worse through their nose. Although the reported redo rate (needing a 2nd rhinoplasty because the appearance isn’t what the patient had hoped) is reported in the literature as high as 20% (1 in 5), in Dr. Bershof’s hands, the redo rate is less than 1% and is always a minor touch-up, not a complete redo of the entire nose.

Is a Rhinoplasty covered by insurance?

In general, cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures are considered elective surgery and not covered by health insurance. ... Most insurance providers typically reimburse patients for the cost of a rhinoplasty procedure if it corrects or improves breathing due to structural damage or a deformity


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