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Washington, D.C. Plastic Surgeon

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Christopher Chang MD

Rhinoplasty is an operation where precision and artistry count. Millimeters of change make a dramatic difference in the outcome of this facial enhancement. Altering the size or shape of the nose can bring a more appealing balance the entire face, creating a more pleasing appearance. A correctly performed rhinoplasty (nose job) will not make you look like a different person, but leave you with a more balanced, attractive face.

The best changes will be subtle, yet refined. As one of the few fellowship-trained craniofacial surgeons in the DC area, Dr. Chang is frequently considered by his patients to offer arguably the best rhinoplasty Washington DC has to offer. Dr. Chang brings specific experience in nasal contouring, aesthetics, and reconstruction. In addition, he has a personal interest in performing rhinoplasty surgeries with exceptional results, and has worked extensively with international experts in cosmetic and functional nasal surgery during his many years in cosmetic surgery practice.


What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty, or a "nose job" colloquially, is a surgery performed to enhance facial symmetry and the proportions of your nose to face. It is also done to correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.

Function

The nose has critical functional importance as well a powerful role in facial appearance. The nose and throat are central for correct breathing and speaking. Proper control of the airflow through the nose is important and can create a dramatic impact upon:

  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Singing
  • Sleeping
  • Snoring
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • General health

If any of these issues are impacting your quality of life, they can be resolved through a carefully performed nasal surgery. Straightening the nose and septum will not only improve the outward appearance, but improve your ability to breathe freely and correctly. Rhinoplasty or septoplasty (surgical correction for a deviated septum) will improve facial balance, as well as correct any breathing dysfunction.

What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?

The difference between open and closed is, with a closed rhinoplasty all surgery is done within the nostrils to prevent external scars. With an open rhinoplasty an incision is made at the base of the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) and the skin is lifted off of the cartilage to make the change to the shape of the nose. During your consultation with Dr. Chang will go over the best option for your situation.

View Rhinoplasty Before & After

About Dr. Chang: Outstanding Credentials

Dr. Chang is a medical professional with credentials that are above and beyond the ordinary. Considered by his patients to offer the best rhinoplasty in Washington DC. He attended Yale University as well as Harvard Medical School, is a board-certified plastic surgeon, and is educated in advanced craniofacial surgery. His knowledge of facial structure, balance, and function has made him a leader in the field of nose surgery -- both for function and as an aesthetic enhancement. As a young surgeon, he has already garnered a positive reputation for his skills, knowledge, and beautiful surgical outcomes.

Is a Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

We are not always happy with the nose that nature gave us, and consider the size or shape to be a negative in the overall appearance of the face. A rhinoplasty surgery can refine and resolve the following aesthetic problems:

  • Drooping tip
  • Bulging nose
  • Bulbous (rounded) tip
  • Overlarge nose
  • Nose too long
  • Bent nose
  • Hooked nose
  • Crooked nose
  • Bumpy or overlarge bridge
  • Nostrils that appear too large

If you look in the mirror and are consistently unhappy about the size, shape, or appearance of your nose, it is important that you get a consultation about a rhinoplasty, and find out your options. Choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important – your face is the first thing that is noticed about you, and after surgery, you want a balanced, natural appearance. We urge you to connect with us at our practice and schedule a consultation to find out more about your rhinoplasty Washington DC options.

Video Testimonial

How is rhinoplasty (nose job) performed?

Rhinoplasty DC

All of our nose surgery procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art clinics, each of which is located with easy access from the Washington, D.C. area. Our practice is focused upon patient health and safety, and you can be confident that your surgery will be performed with the help of highly-skilled medical professionals. The procedure that is performed will be based upon your unique situation and the corrective surgical measures that will produce a more attractive, balanced profile, or corrects a breathing problem impacting your general health.

The procedure you will need will depend upon your individual situation. The structure of your nose, the underlying cartilage and tissue, and the rest of your face must be fully evaluated so that the correct size and shape are chosen. The procedure is performed on an out-patient basis at our state-of-the-art plastic surgery clinic, with no need for an overnight stay. You may have general or local anesthetic, depending upon the procedure, for your comfort and security. The usual procedure involves making small incisions within the nostrils. More extreme cases may require an incision under the base of the nose. The bone and cartilage will be reshaped to create a more pleasing and balanced appearance, and the skin replaced and incisions closed. As Dr. Chang is one of the best providers of rhinoplasty DC has, currently practicing, his main focus is helping patients achieve subtle yet powerful cosmetic results.

Recovery
from a
Rhinoplasty Procedure

After surgery, most often patients wear what is called a “nose splint.” This holds the tissue and cartilage in place during healing. You will have some swelling and bruising which appears under your eyes, and begins to diminish after your third day of recovery. Every person has a different physiology, so the full disappearance of the bruises will vary, but typically takes only a week or two at most. The swelling will also slowly reduce, and is not extreme or noticeable to most people. The newly-shaped nose will be in its final form after you have completely healed. It is vital that you follow all doctor’s orders over the recovery period for a faster healing.

You will be restricted from engaging in strenuous activity for three to six weeks. You will be able to return to your normal social activities within two to three weeks with your newly-shaped nose not showing signs of surgery – but you can expect compliments!

Risks of Rhinoplasty

As with any major surgery, rhinoplasty has risks such as bleeding, scarring, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Risks are greatly reduced when you’re in the hands of a surgeon with significant skill and expertise, such as Dr. Chang. Rhinoplasty risks may include the following:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Septal perforation (a hole in the septum)
  • Numbness in and around the nose
  • The possibility of a poor aesthetic outcome, such as an uneven-looking nose
  • Persistent discoloration or swelling
Rhinoplasty Washington DC

When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Near Me: What to Look For


A nose surgery or nose job is one of the most difficult of plastic surgery procedures, so choosing the right surgeon is exceptionally important. Some of the questions to get answered when you need to know how to choose a plastic surgeon in D.C. can include:

  • Is the surgeon a board-certified plastic surgeon?
  • Was the surgeon trained at a highly-ranked university?
  • Did the surgeon continue to advance training?
  • Can you look at photos of patients who have had a rhinoplasty performed?
  • Was the surgeon trained in advanced cranio-facial surgery?
  • Are you comfortable with the surgeon, and feel a rapport?
  • Is the surgical center clean, modern, and appear to be state-of-the-art in technology?
  • Did you feel the surgeon was interested in you and your concerns, and listened closely?

We invite you to visit our Rhinoplasty D.C. offices for a consultation. That will allow you to see the facility, meet our staff, and experience the difference in our approach. Call today for more information or to schedule an appointment to meet with us.

Rhinoplasty FAQ

What can rhinoplasty address?

Rhinoplasty can correct a wide range of cosmetic and structural problems of the nose. Nose flaws may have been present from birth or could happen later in life due to injury or trauma. Nose appearance and breathing function can both be resolved with a rhinoplasty surgery.

The majority of people seeking nose reshaping surgery are seeking cosmetic enhancement. Dr. Christopher Chang is the premier rhinoplasty surgeon in Washington, D.C., known for high-level surgical skills in performing this complex procedure. He will create a custom surgical plan to resolve issues such as a wide or bulbous tip, drooping tip, a pronounced bridge, a bump on the nose bridge, overlarge nostrils, or asymmetry. A noticeable flaw will detract from your other appealing facial features.

A deviated septum impairs breathing, impacting all areas of life. Rhinoplasty can resolve various problems with the septum that block air passages, causing problems with sleep, physical activity, and overall health.

Am I a candidate for nose surgery?

Rhinoplasty is a frequently performed cosmetic procedure, and adults and adolescents who are unhappy with nose shape, size, or projections will greatly benefit from the procedure. The surgery is customized to flatter your individual facial features.

It is generally recommended that teenagers have the procedure have finished growing before undergoing a rhinoplasty. The developmental changes during the teen years include nose growth and waiting until this is advised.

Adults who are considering nose reshaping should:

  • Be in good general health
  • Have reasonable expectations about surgery, recovery, and outcome
  • Non-smoker, or willing to quit

At your private consultation with Dr. Chang, be open about discussing your cosmetic goals and the changes you envision for yourself. Bring photos of nose shapes you like and look over before and after images of patients with a similar facial structure that have undergone a rhinoplasty from Dr. Chang. If you are having rhinoplasty to resolve a nose structure problem or nose reconstruction after trauma, your procedure may be covered by insurance.

How long does a rhinoplasty take?

The duration of your surgery will be determined by your existing nasal structure, and the extent of the changes required. Simple rhinoplasty procedures can take as little as one or one and a half hours. More complex changes may require three to four hours.

Dr. Chang will discuss all aspects of your procedure in your initial consultation. After surgery, you will need to be driven home by a family member or friend, as you will have been under anesthesia and will be feeling groggy and tired.

Is a nose surgery painful?

The rhinoplasty surgery itself will not be painful because the procedure is performed under anesthetic. You will either have general or local anesthetic based on the extent of the surgical alterations to be performed. The numbing medication will wear off slowly and eases any pain from surgery, and you will have prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable in the early stages of healing.

You will experience tenderness and sensitivity, and breathing will be comparable to having a stuffy nose or a sinus headache. We monitor your recovery and provide thorough aftercare instructions to follow. Adhering to all instructions is important in speeding the healing process and will help you avoid complications. Any residual pain after the initial stages of healing can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication. Overall, rhinoplasty is not considered an extremely painful procedure for most individuals.

How long is the recovery period?

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure and you will be able to return home to rest after the surgery. You should have a trusted adult to help you for at least the first 24 hours. The recovery time will depend on the extent of the changes made during the procedure and how your body heals. Patients typically resume light activity after five to seven days.

Bruising and swelling should subside within two weeks of the surgery. There may be minor swelling for up to a year after your procedure but it will not be noticeable to others. You will have periodic follow-up appointments with Dr. Chang to monitor your progress.

Be cautious with your altered nose. It will be exposed and vulnerable once the bandages are removed. Avoid activities where the nose could be bumped. The bones and cartilage will still be settling into place for the first month or more after surgery and must be treated gently and carefully.

What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty procedure?

Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance, as well as your ability to breathe freely.

The nose is a prominent feature on the face and if overlarge, misshapen, droopy, or with wide, large nostrils, can be the first thing that people notice about your appearance. Children and teenagers can be cruel and tease a person with an unusual nose. You may have less self-confidence because you feel embarrassed about the size, shape, or other nose flaw. Feeling better about your facial features can restore confidence in your facial appearance and have a very positive impact on your personal and professional life.

Will my breathing be improved with rhinoplasty?

Improving sleep quality has immense health benefits. You will likely feel less sluggish during the day and wake up feeling energetic rather than groggy and tired. Healthy breathing can help you perform better at work and experience greater joy in daily living. Minute changes inside your nose can produce a remarkable improvement in your feelings of confidence, as well as your overall physical health.

Why should I come to Dr. Christopher Chang for rhinoplasty?

Dr. Chang is a highly-esteemed, board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent years honing advanced surgical techniques for modern rhinoplasty. He has dedicated his professional life to performing facial and cosmetic surgery and is known as the premier rhinoplasty surgeon serving in the Washington, D.C. area.

His credentials are impeccable, with degrees from Harvard and Yale. His exceptional results involve both surgical excellence and his artistic eye for facial balance and harmony. Rhinoplasty involves small, precise changes to create a more attractive, appealing facial appearance. As a top plastic surgeon in Washington D.C., Dr. Chang is often called upon to present at a range of regional, national, and international plastic surgery conferences and meetings.

Why does choosing the right plastic surgeon matter so much?

When seeking to alter nose structure, it is imperative that your procedure is performed with high-level skills – the procedure is one of the most complex of all facial surgeries. Dr. Chang is often sought for revision rhinoplasty procedure to repair an earlier surgery that produced unacceptable results. You are invited to meet with Dr. Chang to discuss what you envision, and to find out more about undergoing rhinoplasty – for the nose shape and size that truly enhances your other features.

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