Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Bryn Mawr
- What is Rhinoplasty
- Am I a candidate for a nose job?
- What does a Rhinoplasty correct?
- What is a rhinoplasty procedure like?
- Surgical Rhinoplasty by Dr. Claytor
- What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
- Can a Rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
- How long does it take to fully recover from rhinoplasty?
- Are there restrictions following a Rhinoplasty
- Can I wear glasses after nasal surgery?
- Are there risks to getting a nose job?
- Does insurance cover nose surgery?
- Why Choose Dr. Claytor for your Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty reshapes, reduces, or augments the nose to improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. Patients often receive a nose job in order to correct a birth defect or repair an injury such as a broken nose. In addition, patients can choose rhinoplasty to improve their confidence and overall appearance.
For a patient with ongoing sinusitis or a deviated septum, patients can receive a rhinoplasty in conjunction with endoscopic sinus surgery or a septoplasty. In these cases, a rhinoplasty effectively treats health and breathing problems, in addition to improving the patient’s appearance. Making this both a cosmetic and functional solution.
Am I a candidate for a nose job?
Candidates for a nose job must have finished their facial growth. For females, it is typically 15 or 16 years old and boys should be at least 17 or 18. Patients considering rhinoplasty should be in overall good health and not smoke. It is important that candidates have realistic expectations about what surgery can do. Undergoing rhinoplasty may boost self-confidence, however, it should not be a cure-all or the result of social pressure.
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What does a Rhinoplasty correct?
There are several goals of rhinoplasty which can involve modifying bone, skin, cartilage, or any combination of the three. Dr. Claytor can make one or more of the following corrections to facilitate breathing as well as improve appearance. These corrections of the nose include:
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- Remove a hump/modify the bridge
- Reshape or resize the nostrils/tip
- Open breathing passages
- Increase or decrease the size
- Repair an injury

What is a rhinoplasty procedure like?
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia, takes about 1 to 2 hours. During your consultation, Dr. Claytor will review the two techniques he typically uses, closed or open. The biggest difference between the two is the location of the incision during surgery. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are within the nostrils. In open rhinoplasty, an incision is across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, Dr. Claytor gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose and then sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape.
Occasionally, additional cartilage is needed to augment the nose. In this case, the additional cartilage comes from the patient’s nasal septum. If larger sections of tissue are required, cartilage may be surgically removed from the ear or other parts of the body as well. For patients that have a deviated septum, the septum and inner structures of the nose are adjusted to improve breathing. If necessary, Dr. Claytor will reshape the nostrils during the final stage of rhinoplasty.
Surgical Rhinoplasty by Dr. Claytor

Rhinoplasty Before And After
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What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
It is possible that a patient is not satisfied with the results of the rhinoplasty. In such a case, a second surgery, a revision rhinoplasty, may be performed at a later date. Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure completed to correct deformities caused by a previous operation. A second surgery on the nose is more difficult than the primary rhinoplasty as there is less cartilage and an increased amount of scarring. However, Dr. Claytor can improve the appearance and the function of the nose for those patients that are unhappy with their previous results.
Can a Rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, other surgical procedures can be combined with a rhinoplasty including a brow lift or neck lift. This is great for patients who want to achieve a facial transformation. When you have your consultation, you can ask more about the possibility of combining other surgical procedures with your nose job.
How long does it take to fully recover from rhinoplasty?
Immediately after surgery, a patient’s nose and eye area are bruised and swollen. They should keep the splints and nasal packing in the nose for a few days. During this time, the patient may experience some nasal pain or a dull headache, as well as some bleeding and drainage from the nose. Most patients feel like themselves within a few days and are able to return to regular activities in about a week. Although the patient usually looks “normal” a week or two after surgery, minimal swelling may be present for as much as a year.
“Loved my doctor, loved the hospital staff, love my results!! I honestly can’t believe how smooth recovery was.” -Real Patient Rating
Are there restrictions following a Rhinoplasty?
To increase comfort and decrease swelling, Dr. Claytor recommends that patients follow these post-surgical directives:
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Take baths instead of showers
- Refrain from blowing your nose
- Avoid becoming constipated
- Avoid exaggerated facial expressions
- Brush the teeth gently
- Avoid pulling clothing over the head
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Limit dietary sodium
- Do not use ice packs
Can I wear glasses after nasal surgery?
Contact lenses can be worn immediately but glasses will have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.
Are there risks to getting a nose job?
Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare and usually minor. These risks can include:
- Recurring nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Persistent pain
- Discoloration of skin on the nose
- Scarring
- Perforation of the nasal septum
- Permanent numbness in or around the nose
Does insurance cover nose surgery?
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons.
Why Choose Dr. Claytor for your Rhinoplasty
Double-board certified plastic surgeon R. Brannon Claytor, M.D., F.A.C.S., was recently named one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2021” by Newsweek for his exceptional skill and experience in performing rhinoplasty. Newsweek conducted a national survey among plastic surgeons and other medical professionals, asking them to recommend the best plastic surgeons in their state and across the U.S. based on several quality dimensions. This distinction is reserved for the top specialists in the field of plastic surgery.
Dr. Claytor’s superb skill and results have been recognized for over a decade, earning him numerous other awards, including being named as a Philadelphia Magazine “Top Doctor” from 2017 to 2022 and one of Main Line Today’s “Top Doctors” from 2015 to 2022. Dr. Claytor’s warmth and dedication to his patients’ needs make him one of the Philadelphia area’s favorite plastic surgeons.
Areas Served:
- Bryn Mawr
- Philadelphia
- Main Line
Schedule a consultation
If you are interested in rhinoplasty and would like to see if you are a candidate, contact our Philadelphia office at (610) 527-4833 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Brannon Claytor serves Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, PA and surrounding areas.
Patient Reviews
Claytor / Noone Plastic Surgery Institute
RealSelf Patient Reviews of R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS
Great Experience!
Dr. Claytor was very helpful and realistic when it came to my surgery. I got rhinoplasty/septoplasty. We both agreed that my nose shouldn’t have a drastic change and should look like it fits my face. I am now 3 months post-op and my nose looks great and it looks perfect for my face! I was nervous going into surgery but I was actually the only surgery set up for that day so I ended up having even more privacy at the surgery center than expected. The week after surgery, Dr. Claytor made himself available via his cell number should I need anything or have any concerns. This was relieving for someone like me who was nervous. His staff was also very friendly and helpful.
-RealSelf Review
Amazing Rhinoplasty Experience
Had a Rhinoplasty with Dr. Claytor in the beginning of January and I LOVE the results. My new nose is a better version of the old one and works with my face perfectly. I would like to thank Dr. Claytor and his staff for being so attentive to my care throughout the process. Dr. Claytor in particular made sure that I understood the before, during and after of the whole process before I agreed to anything. He answered all my questions and made me feel really comfortable with the surgery. Even during my recovery, he was always checking in on me. It was a great experience that left me feeling so confident and happy with my results. 10/10 would recommend Dr. Claytor and staff to a friend 🙂
-RealSelf Review