Rhinoplasty in Chicago, IL
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Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve facial balance, nasal function, or both. Dr. Elias Gikas performs rhinoplasty in Chicago for patients who want to refine a dorsal hump, bulbous or drooping tip, wide or uneven nostrils, nasal asymmetry, or breathing concerns related to nasal structure.
As an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Gikas brings more than three decades of surgical experience to primary, ethnic, functional, and complex nasal procedures. Each treatment plan is based on the patient’s anatomy, goals, and realistic expectations.
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View Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
Rhinoplasty at a Glance
| Can address | Nasal shape, proportion, asymmetry, tip or bridge concerns, and selected breathing problems |
| Techniques | Open or closed rhinoplasty, selected after an in-person evaluation |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia, depending on the procedure |
| Typical return to work or school | About one week; individual recovery varies |
| Final refinement | Swelling continues to improve for several months; final changes may take up to one year |
| Consultation location | 5140 N. California Ave., Suite 735, Chicago, IL 60625 |
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job or nose reshaping surgery, is a procedure designed to alter the size, shape, or structure of the nose. It can address both cosmetic concerns and functional breathing issues.
Cosmetic nose surgery can refine the nasal bridge, tip, nostrils, or the overall proportion of the nose. In contrast, functional nasal surgery can correct internal structural problems, such as a deviated septum, that interfere with breathing.
Top Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can offer both aesthetic changes and functional improvements. Patients often pursue this procedure to enhance facial balance or correct long-standing concerns.
Key benefits include:
- Improved facial symmetry and proportion
- Refinement of the nasal bridge or tip
- Correction of nasal asymmetry or crookedness
- Enhanced breathing through structural repair
- Long-lasting, natural-looking results
These benefits work together to support confidence and overall quality of life following recovery.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Nose Surgery?
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are generally healthy nonsmokers whose facial growth is complete and who have specific, realistic goals. The procedure may be appropriate for patients concerned about nasal size, a dorsal hump, a wide or uneven bridge, a drooping or bulbous tip, asymmetry, or breathing difficulty related to nasal structure.
During the consultation, Dr. Gikas reviews medical history, nasal anatomy, breathing concerns, photographs, and the changes the patient hopes to achieve. He then explains whether cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional nasal surgery, or a combined approach is appropriate.
Text link: Review the full rhinoplasty candidacy guide.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation in Chicago
During your visit, Dr. Gikas carefully listens to your concerns, evaluates your nasal anatomy, and reviews your overall facial proportions to ensure a personalized approach. Medical history, health status, and surgical goals are also thoroughly discussed. Photographs and examples of similar cases may be examined to help patients understand realistic outcomes and surgical options.
How the Rhinoplasty Procedure Works
Rhinoplasty is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy, goals, and functional needs. Surgery is performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center with board-certified anesthesiologists to maintain the highest safety standards.
Anesthesia Options
Depending on the complexity of the rhinoplasty procedure and patient preference, either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia may be used. An experienced anesthesiology team monitors the patient throughout surgery and recovery.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Dr. Gikas performs both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella and is often used for more complex cases or revision rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty limits incisions to the inside of the nose and may be appropriate when more modest changes are needed.
| Approach | Incisions | Often considered for | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open rhinoplasty | Small external incision across the columella plus internal incisions | Cases that require greater structural visibility or more complex correction | The external incision generally heals as a small, carefully placed scar. |
| Closed rhinoplasty | Incisions remain inside the nostrils | Selected cases requiring more limited changes | There is no external columellar incision, but it is not appropriate for every anatomy or goal. |
Dr. Gikas recommends the approach that provides the safest access and best control for the patient’s anatomy and treatment plan.
Surgical Techniques and Customization
During surgery, internal nasal structures, including cartilage, bone, and the septum, may be reshaped or reinforced. Cartilage grafts may be used to provide support and definition, particularly in the nasal tip or bridge. Careful structural work allows the skin to drape smoothly over the new framework, supporting balanced and stable results over time.
Specialized and Ethnic Rhinoplasty Approaches
Ethnic rhinoplasty respects cultural identity while improving nasal balance and function. Dr. Gikas tailors each approach to the patient’s skin thickness, cartilage strength, facial proportions, and treatment goals. Patients seeking changes focused primarily on nasal appearance can also learn more about aesthetic rhinoplasty and how cosmetic refinements are planned to complement the rest of the face.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty focuses on preserving defining features while improving proportion and harmony. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure and preferences.
African American Rhinoplasty
African American rhinoplasty often addresses a wider bridge, bulbous tip, flared nostrils, or thicker skin. Structural grafting and precise suturing techniques are used to enhance definition while maintaining natural ethnic characteristics.
Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty
Middle Eastern rhinoplasty commonly involves reducing a dorsal hump, refining a drooping tip, or correcting asymmetry. These cases require careful planning and extended healing, with attention to both appearance and breathing function.
Asian Rhinoplasty
Asian rhinoplasty frequently focuses on bridge augmentation and improved tip projection. Cartilage grafts and structural support help achieve a balanced result that complements the surrounding facial features.
What to Expect After Rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty surgery, swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common during the first week. A splint is typically worn for about one week, and nasal packing, if used, is removed earlier. Most patients return to work or school within one week; however, residual swelling may take several months to resolve fully.
When Will I See Rhinoplasty Results?
Swelling, bruising, congestion, and mild discomfort are common during the first week after rhinoplasty. A nasal splint is typically worn for about one week. Most patients plan about one week away from work or school, although strenuous exercise, bending, heavy lifting, and activities that could injure the nose must be avoided longer. Follow Dr. Gikas’s individual aftercare instructions and attend each scheduled follow-up visit.
Early improvement is visible after the splint is removed, but the nose continues to refine as swelling resolves. Most swelling improves gradually over several months, and subtle changes may continue for up to one year. Results and recovery time vary by patient and by the extent of surgery.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Chicago, IL?
Rhinoplasty cost in Chicago varies according to the complexity of the correction, the surgical approach, anesthesia and facility fees, and whether functional repair is included. After examining your nose and reviewing your goals, Dr. Gikas’s team will provide a personalized surgical quote. Financing options are available for qualified patients.
Before and After Rhinoplasty Results
Review real rhinoplasty results from Dr. Gikas’s Chicago practice to see examples of bridge refinement, tip rotation and definition, asymmetry correction, and improved facial balance. Individual results vary, and the gallery is intended to help patients discuss realistic goals during a consultation.
View Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
Why Choose Our Rhinoplasty Practice in Chicago
Dr. Elias Gikas is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He completed plastic surgery training at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and has practiced since 1991.
His rhinoplasty planning combines facial-proportion analysis with careful evaluation of the nasal airway. Procedures are performed in a hospital or accredited surgical center with board-certified anesthesiologists, and each patient receives individualized preoperative and postoperative guidance.
Anchor: Meet Dr. Elias Gikas
Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you are considering rhinoplasty in Chicago, schedule a consultation with Dr. Elias Gikas to discuss the changes you want, your breathing concerns, and the result that would look balanced for your face. The consultation includes a review of your medical history, nasal anatomy, treatment options, recovery, risks, and expected costs.
