Rhinoplasty is one of the most elegant and complex surgeries we perform today. Rhinoplasty is a delicate surgery – one of illusion and balance. Each year over ½ million men, women and children have their noses reshaped. There are many reasons people of all ethnicities, genders and ages decide to have Rhinoplasty surgery. Nose surgery is done for either cosmetic or functional reasons. Nose reshaping can reduce or increase the overall size of your nose, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, remove a hump, narrow the span of the nostrils or reshape the tip or bridge of your nose. If you have a deviated septum from an injury (broken nose), or you were born with this condition, Dr. Leong can correct this problem and improve your breathing.  Sometimes a nose is distorted from disease, accident/injury or a previous nose surgery. Some people simply have never liked the nose they were born with or the way it looks now due to age-related changes.

Whatever your concern may be, Dr. Leong is a specialist who is able to safely and effectively improve the appearance and function of your nose. Dr. Leong understands that one nose does not fit all faces, and that special skill and artistic ability are needed to ensure that each person’s unique ethnic characteristics are not altered. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Leong has very extensive experience with Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty composes a significant portion of his practice and he has skills to address the most challenging cases. For more information, call one of our offices located in Pittsburgh Southside Works, Sewickley, and Ligonier.

Rhinoplasty Procedure Benefits:

Could improve your breathing if your nose has been injured

Could change the size, shape and/or angle of your nose

Could correct damage from a previous nasal procedure

Could improve the overall appearance/function of your nose

Could give you the nose you’ve never had and always wanted

Could restore an aging nose to a more youthful looking nose

Why your consultation with Dr. Leong is important:
The initial consultation is very important for the surgeon and the patient! It should always be face to face with the surgeon. It is during this time that both achieve a mutual understanding, comfort, and respect. The perspective you provide is essential to designing the right treatment plan and appropriate goals. Dr. Leong always takes the time to listen carefully before developing your treatment plan.

Who Is A Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery?
If you are concerned about any or all of the nose problems listed above, you are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, than you are probably a good candidate for Rhinoplasty surgery. Teen girls should be age 15 or older and teen boys should be 18 or older since it is important that the teenage growth phase is completed. This will be determined during your personal consultation with Dr. Leong.

Why Your Consultation with Dr. Leong at his Pittsburgh Rhinoplasty Practice is important:
The initial consultation is very important for the surgeon and the patient! It should always be face to face with the surgeon. It is during this time that both achieve a mutual understanding, comfort, and respect. The perspective you provide is essential to designing the right treatment plan and appropriate goals. Dr. Leong always takes the time to listen carefully before developing your treatment plan.

What anesthesia will be used during my Rhinoplasty surgery?
Local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia are used for your surgery. This will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Leong.

Can anyone have Rhinopolasty surgery?
Good candidates are men and women of all ages, who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Teens who are fully grown can have Rhinoplasty surgery.

How long will my Rhinoplasty surgery take?
This varies depending upon your particular needs, the technique Dr. Leong uses and whether or not you are having a combination of procedures done. Simple procedures can take as little as 45 minutes while more complex ones take up to 3 or more hours.

Where will my Rhinoplasty surgery be performed?
Dr. Leong will perform your Rhinoplasty surgery in a state-of-the-art, out-patient surgery center, or at one of several outstanding Pittsburgh area hospitals where Dr. Leong has admitting privileges to perform facial plastic surgery.

Where are incisions placed for Rhinoplasty surgery?
This is determined by the procedure chosen for you, either “open” or “closed” Rhinoplasty. For the closed technique incisions are confined to the inside of your nose. With the open procedure, incisions are made on the inside of the nose and a small one is made on the underside of your nose between the nostrils. Open Rhinoplasty is used for more complex cases.

Will I have scars?
Yes. The incisions do result in scars. With the closed technique, the incisions are confined to the inside of your nose and are inconspicuous. The open technique requires one small incision at the underside of your nose, but it is well-concealed and fades into a fine line over time.

Is Rhinoplasty a painful surgery?
Our patients tell us they experience mild discomfort but rarely call it painful. You may feel like you have a stuffy nose, which is common. Discomfort can be easily controlled with oral pain medications, including Tylenol.

Will I be able to drive myself and stay alone after my surgery?
No. You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your surgery and stay with you overnight and for a couple of days if possible.

What can I expect during recovery?
Some swelling and bruising are normal and to be expected. The patient’s nose is shielded with a sturdy dressing to protect it during the healing process. Dr. Leong’s patients usually feel better within 1-2 days.

What is nasal packing? This is the practice of packing the nose with cotton. Dr. Leong never packs the nose in this fashion. Occasionally, when Dr. Leong has performed substantial work on the nasal septum, soft rubber-like splints are placed in the nose for several days after surgery.

When will I be able to return to work and normal activities?
Dr. Leong’s patients generally are presentable and able to return to work within 1 week after their surgery. You may be able to resume light exercise after about 1 week also. You will be restricted from strenuous exercise and sports for at least 3 weeks. Lifting, bending, stooping and straining should also be avoided.

Will stitches have to be removed?
If Dr. Leong uses sutures, they will be removed within 1 week.

What if I don’t like the results of this surgery – can it be fixed?
Dissatisfied patients are rare in Dr. Leong’s practice. Should it occur, “revision” rhinoplasty surgery can be performed to correct or fix whatever needs to be done. Healing takes time and occurs at a different pace in each individual. It is important to allow healing to take place in order to be able to see and appreciate the final results, with any surgery, but with rhinoplasty in particular. Remember that swelling and bruising can disguise your final results until fully resolved.

Does insurance pay for Rhinoplasty surgery?
If your surgery is performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover it. If you are having surgery for medical/functional problems, such as a broken nose that now hinders proper breathing, insurance may cover that cost. Dr. Leong’s patient care coordinator will communicate with your insurance company to determine if your procedure would be covered.

Can I get financing for a cosmetic Rhinoplasty surgery?
Yes. Today there are many cosmetic procedures that can be financed with Care Credit financing.

Remember: If it doesn’t look natural – it doesn’t look good. Dr. Leong is skilled in achieving the most natural looking results possible. He’s a specialist and you can trust your face to him.

Dr. Leong is a facial plastic surgery specialist in the Pittsburgh area.
When considering any surgical or non-surgical procedure, it is most important to know and trust your surgeon. Dr. Leong is an expert trained in procedures of the head and neck only. He is board certified and fellowship trained which means he has met and exceeded the rigorous standards set forth by The American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. To be fellowship trained means that, in addition to his six year head and neck surgery residency, he has had specialized training in plastic surgery of the head and neck. Dr. Leong is a highly trained, skilled, facial plastic surgeon – he is an expert in his specialized field.

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