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Facial Surgery

RHINOPLASTYRefine Your Natural Profile

Rhinoplasty combines surgical expertise with aesthetic artistry to reshape your nose—enhancing harmony with your facial features and improving function.

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Rhinoplasty at a Glance
🏥
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
⏱️
Procedure Time
2–3 Hours
📅
Recovery Time
1–2 Weeks
Results
Permanent
Medically reviewed by Dr. Louis E. Costa, MD | Last updated: 2026-02-24

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?

Key Takeaways
  • Reshapes the nose for improved aesthetics and/or breathing function
  • Both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques available
  • Can address dorsal hump, bulbous tip, asymmetry, or deviated septum
  • 3D imaging helps visualize your potential results before surgery
  • Final results visible at 12–18 months as swelling fully resolves

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose for aesthetic improvement, functional enhancement, or both. Whether you’re concerned about a nasal hump, asymmetry, or breathing difficulties, rhinoplasty can harmonize your nose with your facial proportions while preserving your unique character.

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, Dr. Louis E. Costa—a board-certified facial plastic surgeon—combines meticulous technique with refined artistry to create natural-looking results that enhance your confidence and quality of life.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY?

Common reasons patients choose rhinoplasty include aesthetic concerns and functional issues.

Aesthetic Concern

NASAL HUMP OR BUMP

A prominent hump on the bridge creates an unbalanced profile. Rhinoplasty can smooth the nasal bridge and restore facial harmony.

Aesthetic Concern

WIDE OR BULBOUS TIP

A wide or rounded nasal tip can make the nose appear larger and disproportionate. Refinement narrows and defines the tip for improved proportion.

Functional Concern

BREATHING DIFFICULTY

A deviated septum or structural obstruction can impair airflow. Septorhinoplasty corrects the underlying anatomy while refining appearance.

Aesthetic Concern

ASYMMETRY

Nasal asymmetry—whether from injury or genetics—affects overall facial balance. Reshaping can create symmetry and improved proportions.

RHINOPLASTY TECHNIQUES: OPEN VS. CLOSED

Dr. Costa chooses the technique that best achieves your aesthetic and functional goals.

Greater Visibility

OPEN RHINOPLASTY

Complete Control Approach

An incision is made across the columella (the tissue between nostrils), allowing the surgeon direct visualization and precise manipulation of nasal structures for complex reshaping.

  • Complete visualization of nasal anatomy

  • Maximum surgical control for complex changes

  • Ideal for significant reshaping

  • Excellent for revision rhinoplasty

  • Small incision typically heals well

Ideal For

Patients requiring major structural changes, tip refinement, or correction of previous rhinoplasty results.

Minimal Incisions

CLOSED RHINOPLASTY

Hidden Incision Method

Incisions are made entirely inside the nose, allowing reshaping without external scarring. Ideal for patients with moderate aesthetic goals and good healing capacity.

  • No visible external incisions

  • Reduced swelling and faster recovery

  • Suitable for moderate refinements

  • Minimal scarring concerns

  • Shorter operative time

Ideal For

Patients with moderate reshaping goals, good nasal healing history, and preference for minimal recovery time.

YOUR SAFETY AND CONFIDENCE

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery, facial surgical expertise and world-class safety standards meet compassionate, personalized care.

100%
Private Surgical
Suite
Joint Commission
Accredited
ERAS
Enhanced Recovery
Protocol

PRIVATE FACILITY

Surgery in a fully accredited facility with dedicated private recovery space designed for your comfort and confidentiality.

EXPERT SURGEONS

Dr. Costa—a board-certified facial plastic surgeon—combines extensive expertise with refined artistic judgment.

ERAS PROTOCOL

Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program minimizes pain, swelling, and recovery time for faster healing and return to normal activities.

ACCREDITATION

Joint Commission accreditation ensures our facility meets rigorous standards for patient safety, quality of care, and surgical outcomes.

YOUR RHINOPLASTY JOURNEY

Understanding your procedure helps you feel confident and prepared from consultation through recovery.

YOUR CONSULTATION

Dr. Costa will listen to your goals, assess your nasal anatomy, discuss your lifestyle and expectations, and explain the ideal approach for your face.

YOUR SURGERY

Under general anesthesia in our private surgical suite, your surgeon uses either open or closed technique to reshape your nasal structure with precision, typically taking 2–3 hours.

YOUR RECOVERY

Our ERAS protocol supports rapid healing. Most patients experience manageable swelling the first 1–2 weeks, with progressive improvement over 3–6 months as your final results emerge.

RHINOPLASTY RECOVERY AND TIMELINE

Recovery from rhinoplasty is straightforward when following our ERAS protocol. Initial swelling and bruising—mostly around the eyes and nose—peaks at day 3–5, then gradually improves. You may wear a protective splint for the first week to support your new nasal shape. Discomfort is typically mild and managed with prescribed medication.

Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks and resume normal exercise by 3–4 weeks. Final results fully emerge over 3–6 months as residual swelling resolves. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions, including activity guidelines, scar care, and supportive follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and aesthetic outcomes.

RHINOPLASTY COST IN CHARLESTON, SC

Rhinoplasty pricing depends on your specific anatomy, surgical technique, and complexity.

Personalized Pricing
Contact Us for a Quote
Includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and all follow-up visits. Your custom quote will reflect your specific surgical plan.

Surgical technique: Open vs. closed approach affects complexity and operative time

Structural complexity: Significant reshaping requires more time than subtle refinements

Anesthesia type: General anesthesia in accredited facility with private recovery space

Financing options: We offer flexible payment plans to make surgery accessible

Featured Rhinoplasty Before + After Photos

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Case: 1 of 9
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Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 6 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 1 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 77 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 2 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 79 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 3 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 106 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 4 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 107 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 5 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 112 Right Side View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 6 of 8
Before & After Facelift Case 118 Front View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 7 of 8
Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 156 Front View in Charleston, SC
Before & After

Featured Case: 8 of 8

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

RHINOPLASTY BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS

View real results from Dr. Costa’s patients. Each gallery photo shows actual patients who consented to share their transformation.

VIEW OUR GALLERY

Considering a comprehensive facial transformation? Many patients pair rhinoplasty with a facelift, chin augmentation, or blepharoplasty for harmonious results.

DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS

WHY CHOOSE Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery FOR RHINOPLASTY?

Dr. Louis E. Costa is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who brings exceptional expertise to rhinoplasty. He understands that your nose is central to your facial identity, and he approaches every procedure with respect for your unique anatomy and aesthetic vision.

Located in historic downtown Charleston on Calhoun Street, Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic serves patients throughout the Lowcountry with world-class surgical facilities, compassionate care, and refined aesthetic judgment. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or significant reshaping, we listen to your goals and guide you toward natural-looking results.

Board-certified facial plastic surgeons with extensive rhinoplasty experience

Voted Best Plastic Surgeon and Best Plastic Surgery Practice in 2025 Best of Charleston Awards

Private surgical suite and recovery environment designed for your comfort and confidentiality

ERAS Enhanced Recovery protocol for faster healing and minimal downtime in accredited facility

RHINOPLASTY SERVING CHARLESTON AND THE LOWCOUNTRY

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, providing board-certified rhinoplasty to patients throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Costa brings expertise, artistry, and compassionate care to your facial reshaping journey. Our convenient downtown location makes it easy to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RHINOPLASTY

What is rhinoplasty, and who is a good candidate?
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for aesthetic improvement, functional enhancement, or both. Good candidates are generally healthy, have realistic expectations, and experience aesthetic concerns (like a hump, asymmetry, or wide tip) or functional issues (like breathing difficulty). Candidates should be at least 16–18 years old. Dr. Costa will assess your candidacy during consultation.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty involves a small external incision on the columella, allowing complete visualization for complex reshaping. Closed rhinoplasty uses entirely internal incisions, offering no external scarring and faster recovery. The choice depends on your goals and anatomy—your surgeon will recommend the best approach.
Can rhinoplasty improve both appearance and breathing?
Yes. Septorhinoplasty combines cosmetic reshaping with functional correction of a deviated septum or obstruction. Many patients benefit from both aesthetic improvement and enhanced nasal airflow—Dr. Costa addresses both concerns simultaneously.
How long is rhinoplasty surgery?
Rhinoplasty typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on complexity. Open techniques may take slightly longer than closed approaches. Dr. Costa prioritizes precision over speed, ensuring refined results that honor your facial anatomy.
What is the recovery time after rhinoplasty?
Most patients experience peak swelling and bruising at days 3–5, with significant improvement by 1–2 weeks. You can resume light activities within 1–2 weeks and normal exercise by 3–4 weeks. Final results fully emerge over 3–6 months as all swelling resolves. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative guidelines.
Will there be visible scarring after open rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty incisions are placed on the columella (between nostrils) and are typically very small and well-concealed. With proper technique and scar care, any scarring is minimal and often imperceptible. Our scar care protocol supports optimal healing.
When will I see my final rhinoplasty results?
Initial results are visible once swelling subsides at 1–2 weeks. However, the nose continues to refine as residual swelling gradually resolves over 3–6 months. Final results are typically apparent by 6–12 months post-surgery.
Can I have rhinoplasty if I have a previous nasal injury or surgery?
Yes. Previous nasal surgery or injury does not preclude rhinoplasty. Dr. Costa is experienced in revision rhinoplasty, addressing complications or unsatisfactory results from prior surgery. A detailed examination will determine your best options.
How much does rhinoplasty cost in Charleston, SC?
Rhinoplasty cost varies based on surgical technique, complexity, and anesthesia. Pricing includes surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and follow-up visits. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Costa for a personalized quote reflecting your specific procedure.
Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Most insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic rhinoplasty. However, if your procedure addresses functional concerns (like a deviated septum causing breathing difficulty), insurance may provide partial coverage. We can help determine your coverage eligibility and offer flexible financing options.
Will rhinoplasty affect my sense of smell or taste?
Properly performed rhinoplasty should not affect sense of smell or taste. In fact, patients with breathing obstruction may experience improved smell after correction. Temporary nasal congestion post-surgery may make smell seem diminished, but this resolves as swelling decreases.
What should I avoid before and after rhinoplasty?
Pre-surgery: Stop smoking, avoid certain medications and supplements, and follow fasting instructions. Post-surgery: Avoid strenuous exercise for 3–4 weeks, avoid bending and lifting, protect your nose from impact, and follow all post-operative instructions. Your surgeon will provide a detailed guideline.

READY TO REFINE YOUR PROFILE? Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Costa today.

Dr. Louis E. Costa, along with the compassionate team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, is here to listen to your goals and create a personalized rhinoplasty plan that harmonizes your nose with your unique facial proportions.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION (843) 350-5356

247 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Contact (843) 396-2125
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