Rhinoplasty surgery is designed to reshape the nasal structure by adjusting bone, cartilage, and soft tissue to improve facial harmony and, when necessary, nasal function. The procedure can address aesthetic concerns such as nasal shape, harmony, and symmetry, as well as reconstructive needs resulting from trauma or prior surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is used to refine or correct prior outcomes. Recovery involves gradual improvement over several months, with final results continuing to refine up to one year.
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Outpatient procedure
Approximately 2.5 to 4 hours
Twilight anesthesia or general anesthesia (case-dependent)
Initial recovery 1–2 weeks, functional recovery several weeks
The operation consists of restoring, rearranging, or removing any bone or cartilage to give the nose a more pleasing appearance while improving and preserving nasal function. The goal of aesthetic rhinoplasty is to restore or create symmetry, balance, and proportion to one’s appearance.
Revision rhinoplasty is corrective surgery for those who have experienced complications or unsatisfactory results from previous nose surgery. Dr. Fedok has performed rhinoplasty revision for patients from many areas of the country as well as more local areas such as Gulf Shore, Foley, Orange Beach, and greater Baldwin County for decades and has special expertise in the management of complex cases.
Candidates include individuals who desire a nose that appears in harmony with the rest of their face. The reason a patient may seek rhinoplasty may be to correct a cosmetic problem or a reconstructive solution after an injury. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that spans all ages. In fact, correction of a long drooping nose may also be part of a plan for facial rejuvenation. The best candidates are those with realistic expectations and are willing to work with Dr. Fedok to define achievable goals.
Feel free to browse the Rhinoplasty Before and After photos on the Fedok Plastic Surgery website to see examples of previous surgical cases. Additional photos are available in the office.
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Patients often seek rhinoplasty when the nose creates an imbalance within the face or draws unwanted attention in profile or frontal views. Common concerns include a visible dorsal hump, a drooping or under-projected nasal tip, and a nasal bridge that appears too wide, narrow, or asymmetrical. Some patients present with a deviated septum that contributes to both external asymmetry and breathing difficulty. Others may have post-traumatic nasal irregularities or longstanding congenital shape differences. In many cases, these concerns affect facial harmony as well as self-perception, which is often the primary motivation for consultation with Dr. Fedok.
Rhinoplasty surgery offers both aesthetic and functional benefits by reshaping the nasal structure to improve facial balance, enhance symmetry, and, in some cases, restore or improve breathing function.
Rhinoplasty becomes the appropriate choice when nasal concerns are structural and harmonious with the patient’s anatomy, meaning the underlying bone and cartilage shape the overall appearance. While dermal fillers can temporarily camouflage minor irregularities by adding volume or smoothing contours, they cannot correct structural issues, improve symmetry permanently, or address breathing problems. Surgical rhinoplasty physically reshapes and repositions nasal anatomy, making it the definitive solution when true correction, refinement, or functional improvement is required.
Before surgery, Dr. Fedok takes photographs of the patient’s face and plans how to proceed in each case. Part of this planning may include computer imaging, so patients can see an approximation of how the improvements may look. Because of the inherent limitations of surgery, it is often difficult to duplicate the exact idea as it was presented. No ethical physician can “guarantee” the results of any treatment. The surgical procedure can take two-and-a-half hours to four hours or more, depending on the extent of work that needs to be done. Depending on the goals of the surgery, Dr. Fedok will plan to perform the rhinoplasty procedure via either an open (where a small incision is placed on the nasal columella) or an endonasal approach (where no external incisions are placed). In some cases, Dr. Fedok will perform the surgery with a dorsal preservation goal, while in others he will perform the surgery in a structural manner. In order to optimize the “structure” of the nose, grafts may be used. Dr. Fedok RARELY uses non-biologic implants in the nose. He will routinely use cartilage grafts harvested from the patient’s ears, nasal septum, and, when necessary, even from one of the patient’s ribs. In general, Dr. Fedok finds that packing the nose after surgery is usually not necessary. This contributes significantly to the reduction in swelling and discoloration patients experience in the postoperative period.
After the surgery, Dr. Fedok places a tan, taped splint on your nose. He also places internal nasal splints. These will remain in place for at least a week. Dr. Fedok advises you to remain out of bed and in an upright position as much as possible. It is also advisable to sleep with the head of the bed elevated. The elevated position helps reduce swelling and promotes healing. Ice-cold washcloth compresses should be used throughout the day and night immediately following your surgery to reduce swelling, slow oozing, and minimize bruising.
If external sutures are used, Dr. Fedok will remove them approximately seven days after the surgery. One week following the procedure, the splint dressing is typically taken off. In most cases, no further dressing is necessary. At this point, patients can typically resume work, school, and social activities. Patients are advised not to overexert, lift heavy objects, or blow their noses for at least two to three weeks. Additionally, during the next six weeks, patients must exercise caution to avoid injuring the nose. After removing the nasal splint, it is important for patients who wear glasses not to rest them on the top of the nose for six weeks. Instead, the glasses should be suspended from the forehead using tape or supported on top of the original nasal splint. These minor inconveniences are well worth the effort required to achieve a satisfactory postoperative result and a pleasant-looking nose.
After the end of the first week following surgery, most patients will begin to experience reduced swelling and discoloration. The patient may feel the swelling more than they see it. This slight swelling will diminish gradually over the following weeks and resolve within a few months. However, some small amount of swelling persists in the skin for months. The “final” rhinoplasty result may not be obvious for up to one year or more after surgery. The swelling sensation will be more noticeable in the morning hours and subside during the day. Patients may experience intermittent nasal stuffiness, which will decrease over the first month or two following surgery. It is permissible to take oral antihistamines and decongestants to help reduce congestion as directed.
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Open rhinoplasty involves a small external incision across the columella, offering a comprehensive view and precise control for complex cases. In contrast, closed rhinoplasty (endonasal) utilizes incisions within the nostrils, leaving no external scars, and is typically suitable for less complex procedures. The choice depends on your specific nasal concerns and your surgeon’s recommendation. Both techniques aim to enhance nasal aesthetics effectively.
Female and male rhinoplasty differ primarily due to variations in facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and skin characteristics. Male noses typically have thicker skin, stronger cartilage, and a more prominent dorsal profile, requiring preservation of structural strength and definition to maintain a masculine appearance. Whereas female rhinoplasty often focuses on softer refinement, including subtle tip rotation and a slightly more delicate nasal contour while maintaining natural balance with the face. These anatomical differences directly influence Dr. Fedok’s surgical planning, grafting decisions, and degree of reduction or support. Ultimately, the goal is not to create a “smaller nose,” but to achieve appropriate harmony and proportion.
Although rhinoplasty is generally safe when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, all surgical procedures carry potential risks. Some bleeding during and shortly after surgery is expected, but in rare cases, this may be more significant. Other possible risks include:
Booking a consultation with Dr. Fedok is the first step if you are considering rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty. As a published author in peer-reviewed plastic surgery literature, including Revision Rhinoplasty Using the Endonasal Approach, Management of the Middle Vault in Endonasal Rhinoplasty, and Controversies in Rhinoplasty, his work reflects a deep focus on nasal structure, technique refinement, and surgical precision. His extensive training and decades of experience ensure that each rhinoplasty procedure is planned to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals, consistently delivering natural, balanced results for patients throughout Foley, Daphne, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope. Schedule your consultation today to learn more.
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April 16, 2017
My wife and I are both clients of Dr Fedok. I have now had a full face lift over the course of three smaller “mini” surgeries. We did my eyes first, then my brows, followed by a lower face lift. I couldn’t be happier. My wife and I are no strangers to cosmetic surgery and are both in agreement that Dr Fedok and his staff are first rate. My wife and I have also had laser face therapy and are both ecstatic with the results. After moving from Texas we are also very pleased with the cost of our procedures.
– Mark Cecil
RealSelf
June 17, 2022
Dr Fedok is the BEST as well as his team. If you want the best results for any procedure he is the doctor to go too. When other plastic surgeons did not give me a promise of a good outcome when faced with a cancer at my right eye, Dr Fedok did and gave me a positive outcome. No one can even see a scar. Since that procedure he has performed a few other procedures for me and also family members who only have had awesome results! He is caring, kind and delivers fantastic outcomes!
– The BEST DOCTOR
All procedures are performed in our Quad A–Accredited surgical facility, which has been independently evaluated for anesthesia safety, sterile processing, emergency readiness, and strict surgical standards. Patients can feel confident knowing their care meets national hospital-level protocols in a private, specialized environment.
By Dr. Fedok, a well-respected and widely published double board-certified plastic surgeon whose before and after gallery, RealSelf and Google Reviews reflect his trusted expertise.
Patients who expect to see a perfectly shaped nose immediately after the removal of the dressing may be disappointed. Swelling is common but will gradually diminish once the splint is removed. The splint may leave a slight impression, but this will usually fade within a few hours following its removal. By the end of the second week, the average observer may not notice any residual swelling. In the subsequent weeks, the nose will progressively assume its final shape. The remaining two or three percent of the swelling will gradually resolve over a year or more as the components of the nasal surgery align and enhance the definition of the new nose. It is important to note that the thickness of the skin can impact the duration it takes for the nose to reach its ultimate form, and each case is unique. Patients will have the opportunity to discuss skin limitations with Dr. Fedok during their preoperative consultation.
The incisions made inside the nose do not leave visible scars. To increase the visibility of the nasal structures, these incisions may be connected with a small incision under the tip of the nose crossing the central portion between the nostrils (the columella). This incision is designed to leave an inconspicuous scar after healing is completed. When it is necessary to narrow wide nostrils, incisions are made at the base of the nostril near or in the crease, and this area will be slightly red for a few weeks.
Patients should remember that there is a limit to the corrective procedures that can be completed. The surgical goal is to improve one’s looks and not to match the “ideal” image in a patient’s mind. Rhinoplasty surgery has limitations which include the contour and shape of the face; the texture and thickness of the skin; the inclination of the chin, lip, and forehead; the depth of the angle between the forehead and the nose; the height of the individual; and the healing powers of the person’s tissues. Often, it is necessary to correct a receding chin at the time of nose surgery to bring harmony to the facial features.
Patients should be aware that noses that have experienced significant trauma due to sports injuries, or accidents, or are naturally crooked can present challenges in achieving a perfectly straight nose. While most of the time these noses can be corrected with a single operation, there are instances where the tissue may retain a memory of the previous curvature, causing a slight deviation. In such cases, a second-stage surgery may be necessary to achieve the best possible result, typically performed approximately three months to one year later.
Rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and the complexity of the procedure. It is best to book your consultation with Dr. Fedok to discuss the breakdown of rhinoplasty costs.
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty only when it is performed to correct a functional issue, such as a deviated septum or impaired nasal breathing. This is often referred to as septorhinoplasty. Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty, which focuses on aesthetic refinement, is typically not covered. Coverage depends on the insurance provider, documented medical necessity, and pre-authorization requirements.
Healing times can vary from person to person. In general, patients can expect some initial swelling and bruising for the first 1-2 weeks. However, complete healing and final results may take several months to a year. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
It is essential to avoid putting any pressure on your nose, including wearing glasses, for six weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines, but typically, you may need to switch to contact lenses or use special tape to support your glasses on the forehead until your nose has healed sufficiently. A splint will also be provided for protection.
Your nose is delicate after surgery, and it is important to handle it gently. Avoid any accidental bumps or pressure and follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a smooth healing process. Protecting your nose from trauma during the initial healing phase is crucial.
Revision nose surgery is more complex and should only be considered after the initial rhinoplasty has fully healed and the final results have stabilized. This can take at least 6-12 months or longer. The timing for revision rhinoplasty varies depending on individual circumstances, so consult with your surgeon to determine the appropriate timeframe.
Rhinoplasty results are intended to be long-lasting and, in most cases, permanent. Once the nasal bone and cartilage are reshaped and healed, the structural changes remain stable. However, the nose continues to age naturally over time alongside the rest of the face. Factors such as skin thickness, healing response, and trauma can influence long-term appearance.
Most patients do not experience significant difficulty speaking after rhinoplasty. Mild nasal congestion, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the nose and upper lip area can temporarily affect speech clarity in the first few days. This is normal and improves as swelling subsides. Speaking itself does not harm the surgical result, but patients may feel more comfortable limiting excessive talking during the early recovery phase.
When choosing a surgeon for rhinoplasty, it is important to select a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon with specific expertise in nasal surgery. Look for extensive experience in both primary and revision rhinoplasty, as well as a strong understanding of nasal anatomy and facial balance. Reviewing before-and-after results, published work, and patient outcomes can help assess consistency. Equally important is a surgeon who prioritizes functional breathing as well as aesthetics and offers individualized surgical planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our Foley office is conveniently located for patients across the Gulf Coast and beyond — we serve communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
