Rhinoplasty
Serving patients in Fairfield County, Westchester County, and New York City
Many patients seek nose surgery because they feel their nose is out of proportion with the rest of their face, while others require help for functional reasons, such as a deviated septum that makes breathing difficult. Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most complex facial plastic surgeries. Cosmetic and functional nose surgery requires a deep understanding of the delicate relationship between the nasal bones, cartilage, and the nasal airway, as well as the aesthetic principles needed to sculpt a harmonious, natural-looking result.
At Otake MD, we believe that aesthetic surgery and reconstructive surgery should never be mutually exclusive. Dr. Otake’s dual doctorate and extensive research background allow him to perform rhinoplasty surgery that not only creates a beautiful, refined nasal shape but also protects or restores healthy nasal passages. Our boutique White Plains practice provides the academic-caliber care necessary for a successful outcome.
Often referred to as a "nose job," rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to change the shape, size, or function of the nose. Nose reshaping can involve straightening a crooked nose, narrowing the nasal bridge, smoothing a dorsal hump, or refining the nasal tip.
Dr. Otake tailors each rhinoplasty procedure to the patient's specific nasal anatomy. This may involve an open rhinoplasty, where a small incision is made on the columella to provide a full view of the nasal tissues, or a closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are hidden entirely inside the nasal cavity. The goal is always to create facial balance while ensuring the internal nasal anatomy remains structurally sound.
Your rhinoplasty journey begins with a collaborative consultation and meticulous nasal analysis to design a personalized treatment plan. The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia to ensure your complete safety and comfort.
During the surgery, Dr. Otake carefully adjusts the bone and cartilage that form the structure of the nose. He may reshape the upper lateral cartilages or the lower lateral cartilage to refine the nasal tip or smooth a nasal hump. If you suffer from nasal obstruction, Dr. Otake will also address the nasal septum or valve to improve breathing function.
Rhinoplasty addresses a wide variety of concerns, from a broken nose sustained in an injury to a congenital deviated septum. It is the primary solution for a nasal hump, an asymmetrical nasal tip, or a nasal bridge that appears too wide. Beyond aesthetics, a functional rhinoplasty can clear blocked nasal passages and fix a collapsing internal nasal valve, significantly improving your quality of life.
The benefits of surgical rhinoplasty are both physical and emotional. By correcting concerns like a crooked nose or refining the nasal dorsum, Dr. Otake helps you achieve a more symmetrical and pleasing facial balance.
For many, the most significant benefit is the restoration of the nasal airway. Clearing a nasal obstruction can improve sleep, athletic performance, and general energy levels. By utilizing advanced rhinoplasty techniques, Dr. Otake ensures that your nasal reconstruction provides a lifetime of both beauty and optimal breathing function.
Good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery are individuals whose facial growth is complete (typically mid-to-late teens) and who are in good general health. Whether you are seeking surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, it is essential to have realistic expectations. Dr. Otake will perform a thorough evaluation of your nasal anatomy and medical history to ensure this surgical technique is right for you.
Following your rhinoplasty, you will likely have a small splint on the outside of your nose to protect your new nasal shape. Dr. Otake avoids excessive nasal packing whenever possible to improve comfort during recovery.
During the first week, you should keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. While most bruising and swelling subside within two weeks, the nasal tissues take time to fully settle. Dr. Otake provides detailed instructions on how to care for the treatment area and monitors your recovery at follow-up visits. Patients can usually return to non-strenuous jobs after 7-10 days, but you must avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for several weeks to protect the bone and cartilage as they set.
The initial results of your nose surgery will be visible as soon as the splint is removed, but it is important to remember that the nose is a highly delicate area. Minor swelling, particularly at the nasal tip, can persist for up to a year.
As the swelling fades, the refined nasal dorsum and improved facial balance will become more defined. These results are considered permanent. Because Dr. Otake uses a conservative, structure-based surgical technique, you can enjoy a result that looks natural and ages gracefully with the rest of your face.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your rhinoplasty is a decision that requires trust in both their artistic eye and their technical mastery. Dr. Leo Otake is a Yale-trained MD and PhD who treats the nose as a complex biological structure.
His deep understanding of plastic and reconstructive surgery allows him to solve difficult cases, including revision rhinoplasty and complex nasal reconstruction. In our boutique White Plains office, we combine this world-class expertise with personalized care, ensuring your journey to facial balance is as seamless as your result is beautiful.
In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the tissue between the nostrils, allowing the plastic surgeon to see the internal nasal anatomy clearly. This is often preferred for complex cases or revision rhinoplasty. A closed rhinoplasty involves incisions made entirely inside the nostrils, which is excellent for minor nose reshaping as it leaves no visible scars.
Yes. A functional rhinoplasty can address a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or a collapsed nasal valve. Dr. Otake often combines cosmetic rhinoplasty with functional repairs to ensure that you not only love how your nose looks but also how well it functions.
Some bruising around the eyes is common after rhinoplasty surgery, especially if the nasal bones were repositioned. This typically peaks at 48 hours and fades within a week to ten days. Dr. Otake’s meticulous technique is designed to minimize trauma to the nasal tissues, which helps reduce post-operative bruising.
While you will see a significant change within two weeks, the final refinement of the nasal tip and nasal bridge can take up to a year to fully stabilize. The nose retains fluid longer than other parts of the face, so patience is a key part of the recovery process.
Yes, a revision rhinoplasty (or secondary rhinoplasty) is generally more complex because the nasal anatomy has been altered and scar tissue is present. Dr. Otake’s extensive experience in reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery makes him uniquely qualified to handle these high-stakes cases.
A nasal hump is a protrusion of bone and cartilage on the nasal bridge. During the rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Otake carefully shaves or repositions these structures to create a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing nasal dorsum.
Yes, rhinoplasty is often combined with other facial procedures, like a facelift or blepharoplasty.
