Rhinoplasty

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but the nose defines your profile and gives your face its own unique character.

If you’re unhappy with the shape of your nose or have difficulty breathing, rhinoplasty surgery can help create a nose that is harmonious with your facial features and improve nasal function.

At Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, double board-certified Dr. Kulbersh is renowned for his expertise and skill in helping re-shape noses to meet his patient’s goals.

Because he focuses solely on procedures for the face, he performs many more rhinoplasties than most general plastic surgeons. His all-inclusive aesthetic destination is the perfect place to undergo your nose surgery and enjoy a private, relaxing rhinoplasty recovery receiving the highest level of care throughout.

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a surgical procedure to improve the aesthetics of the face by creating a nose that blends with the rest of the facial features.

An ideally shaped nose helps to accentuate your eyes and smile while enhancing the balance, attractiveness, and symmetry of the entire face.

A protege of world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Nassif of TV’s “Botched”, Dr. Kulbersh specializes in rhinoplasty and stays up-to-date in the latest, cutting-edge techniques that can create a nose that accentuates your natural beauty and attractiveness.

In addition to improving your appearance, a nose job can address breathing issues. Many of Dr. Kulbersh’s patients had a rhinoplasty by other doctors that resulted in breathing difficulties and an unsatisfactory aesthetic result.

After Dr. Kulbersh completed revision rhinoplasty surgery, these patients are sometimes overcome with emotion at the improvement in the shape and function of the nose. These life-changing benefits are what drew Dr. Kulbersh to specialize in the rhinoplasty surgery.

The different types of nose surgery Dr. Kulbersh specializes in include:

• Rhinoplasty
• Teen Rhinoplasty
• Ethnic Rhinoplasty
• African American Rhinoplasty
• Nasal Obstruction Surgery
• Septoplasty
• Revision Rhinoplasty

Transform Your Nose with Dr. Kulbersh

As one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Kulbersh spends time in your consultation listening to all of your concerns and examining the anatomical foundation of your nose.

His goal is not just to reshape your nose, but also to improve the way that light reflects from your face, eliminating distracting shadows caused by nasal bumps, droops, creases, and asymmetries.

As a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon and expert aesthetician in Charlotte, Dr. Kulbersh may recommend:

• Shortening your nose
• Removing or building up the bridge
• Straightening your nose
• Removing bumps
• Refining the tip
• Narrowing or widening nostrils
• Fixing a drooping or upturned tip
• Feminizing your nose

Dr. Kulbersh believes that any expertly performed facial plastic surgery should make you look like the best version of yourself.

Your rhinoplasty result should create a nose that looks completely natural and proportionate. Dr. Kulbersh is also an expert at fixing previous nose jobs that had an unsatisfactory outcome. He may also recommend non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers as an alternative to surgery in select cases.

Natural-Looking Results with Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Dr. Kulbersh enhances the look of your nose while respecting your ethnic heritage so that your new nose is both attractive and natural.

As an expert in both aesthetics and anatomy, he deeply understands the differences in the composition and amount of cartilage that exists across a broad spectrum of ethnicities, as well as variations in ethnic skin thickness.

He accounts for these differences in his surgical plan. Patients of all ethnic backgrounds come to Dr. Kulbersh because of his expertise and respect for cultural identity in facial aesthetics.

One of the most exciting developments in cosmetic facial plastic surgery is morphing technology that allows you to audition your new nose through before and “after” photographs.

Dr. Kulbersh creates an image with all of the changes he plans to make to your nose. You’ll be able to see a close estimate on what you’re going to look like even before your procedure.

This technology is a valuable communication tool to ensure both the patient and Dr. Kulbersh have the same goals for the results.  It’s just as thrilling as ever when the bandages come off and you see your actual new nose for the first time!

Dr. Kulbersh is not only an expert in the nose’s aesthetics but also in its optimal function. If you have a deviated septum or other issues that impair your breathing or cause sleep apnea, he corrects them during the surgery.  Some additional areas Dr. Kulbersh may enhance to improve the breathing are:

• Straightening the septum (septoplasty)
• Opening the nasal passages
• Shrinking the turbinates
• Correcting a collapsed nose from a previous rhinoplasty.

For patients considering a nose job in Charlotte, we offer a one-stop webpage for the beginner to obtain key information. Dr. Kulbersh believes patients should be as educated as possible before undergoing any procedure, particularly a complex surgery like rhinoplasty.

Steps to Take When Considering Rhinoplasty

Step 1 – Define Your Goals

All patients have different reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty. First assess if you have problems breathing through your nose. If so, choose a surgeon that will be able to improve your nasal function. Next, identify the aesthetic or cosmetic concerns. Think carefully about which concerns are most important to improve, and those that may not be as important.

Step 2 – Do Your Research

Search the Internet and do some reading about nose jobs. Dr. Kulbersh’s website has great information about the procedure, but there are many other informative websites. A popular question and answer website is Realself.com.

Step 3 – Get a Time Frame

People are busy and must schedule their lives appropriately to have time to undergo surgery. Find a time where you have a week or two to recover from this procedure. Schedule a consultation 2-3 months out from your anticipated surgery date. This will give you the best chance of having the date you want for surgery. If you want surgery during a busy time for facial plastic surgeons (before spring break, before Thanksgiving, over the summer, or during the holidays) schedule a consultation earlier.

Step 4 – Get Your Finances in Order

Nose jobs in Charlotte cost between $7,500-$18,000 dollars depending on a variety of factors. The payment is due before surgery. If you do not have cash for the procedure, you can use an alternative payment option. Care credit is a popular payment system accepted by many facial plastic surgeons.

Step 5 – Go to Multiple Consultations

After you have defined your goals and done your homework regarding a nose job, it is now time to discuss your concerns with a rhinoplasty expert. Identify the top nose job surgeons in or near your city. Ask friends or family or look at online reviews of surgeons. Check the background of the surgeon to see if the doctor is a facial plastic surgeon that only works on faces or a general plastic surgeon that works on the face and body. Choose two or three surgeons and schedule consultations. By doing your research upfront, you will have the information necessary to make the best-educated decision.

Step 6 – Choose Your Surgeon

After completing the above steps, you are ready to choose your doctor and schedule the date. You should expect to have a pre-operation appointment with your facial plastic surgeon to go over the surgery process in detail. This appointment is the prime opportunity to ask all the questions you need to help you prepare for your procedure.

When patients undergo a rhinoplasty in Charlotte, Dr. Kulbersh’s goal is to ensure they have a smooth and easy recovery. One of the best ways to ensure an easy rhinoplasty recovery is to educate patients on the recovery process and the steps Dr. Kulbersh will take to make it as quick and comfortable as possible.

Steps Taken Before Surgery to Improve Rhinoplasty Recovery

The rhinoplasty recovery process actually starts weeks before surgery. Patients must avoid a long list of items that may increase bruising after the surgery. Some of the common items Dr. Kulbersh recommends his patients avoid are:

• Aspirin containing products – patients are commonly surprised how many items contain aspirin and are given a list of products to avoid.
• Alcohol – especially red wine
• Fish – fish oil can thin the blood increasing bruising
• Most multivitamins and herbal supplements such as fish oil, ginseng, etc.

There are also helpful herbal supplements such as Arnica Forte and Bromelain, which are known to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery. Patients will start taking these herbal supplements 3-5 days before surgery.

Part of a smooth recovery is preparedness. Patients will have instructions and a list of supplies to gather before surgery to prevent trips out during the recovery process. This includes all prescription medications, which will be given to patients before the surgery so they can be filled and ready.

Nicotine can prevent normal healing. All nicotine-containing substances must be stopped weeks to months before surgery.

Steps Taken During Surgery to Improve Recovery

At our surgery center in North Carolina, nurses often ask Dr. Kulbersh what he does during surgery because patients do so well immediately after surgery. Dr. Kulbersh goes to great lengths to accomplish three important goals during surgery to improve rhinoplasty recovery:

• Minimize pain
• Minimize bleeding and bruising
• Eliminate nausea

From the reaction of his patients, a nose job is not an overly painful procedure. The majority of patients may need to take extra-strength Tylenol a few days after surgery. During surgery, Dr. Kulbersh uses multiple nerve blocks to ensure the nose will be numb for a few hours immediately after surgery – the time when patients are most likely to experience pain. Patients have the option of taking narcotic pain medications if they feel that they may need it after surgery as well.

Bleeding during a nose job will cause bruising after surgery. Dr. Kulbersh controls bleeding with the following steps:

• Patients are instructed to ice the nose before starting surgery. The cold temperature causes the blood vessels on the nose to constrict and limit the blood flow to the nose.
• Dr. Kulbersh injects the nose with medications that limit blood flow to the nose before surgery.
• Dr. Kulbersh stops bleeding immediately when it occurs during surgery

Nausea can occur after surgery due to anesthesia, medications, or blood dripping from the nose to the stomach during the surgery. The anesthesiologists that work with Dr. Kulbersh take special precautions to prevent this by giving multiple medications to prevent nausea. The pain medications after surgery might cause nausea if it is not taken with food. To prevent blood from getting into the stomach, gauze is placed in the throat during surgery to catch blood before it drips into the esophagus.

What to Expect the First Night of After a Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure

You will be tired and want to rest. There will be a splint and tape on the outside of the nose and small gauze taped at the nostril area. The nostrils will drip a little blood for the first night and the bandage will need to be changed as necessary.

You will start eating some simple broth and crackers soon after surgery and gradually eat more as you feel better. By the next day, you will likely be eating normally. You will have medications for pain and nausea that you can take as needed during your early recovery.

It may be difficult to breathe through the nose during the first week after the surgery. Breathing through the mouth during this time may cause a dry and scratchy throat. A humidifier in the room while sleeping will help prevent throat irritation.

What to Expect During the First Week after a Rhinoplasty

The day after a rhinoplasty surgery procedure, Dr. Kulbersh’s will see you in his Charlotte office to monitor healing and demonstrate how to care for the nose during recovery. The nose will be cleaned with half-strength hydrogen peroxide and covered with ointment twice a day. The inside of the nose will be kept moist with nasal saline spray.

You will be instructed to sleep with your head elevated during the first week and limit physical activity. You will not be able to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Many patients are feeling fine during this week and many are working from home on their computers.

At the end of the first week, you will return to the office so that all stitches, tape, and nasal splints can be removed. At this time, the nose will be swollen and may be bruised. Most (80%) of swelling will go away over the first 3-4 months. The last 20% of the swelling can take one year to subside completely.

Bruising is usually gone by 90% after the first week, but it can take up to 14 days to go away.

Time for Swelling to Resolve After a Rhinoplasty

When Can Patients Return to Work or School after a Rhinoplasty?

Most patients return to work or school one week after rhinoplasty. Some patients choose to take two weeks off.

When Can Patients Exercise after a Rhinoplasty in Charlotte?

Patients are encouraged to start walking and doing light exercise starting two weeks after surgery. Full exercise can start 4-6 weeks after surgery.

When Can Patients Wear Glasses after Rhinoplasty in North Carolina?

Patients can wear glasses 4-6 weeks after a rhinoplasty.

When Will the Final Result of the Rhinoplasty Occur?

Patients will get a good idea of the results 3-4 months after surgery, but the final result will occur one year after surgery. In patients undergoing a revision rhinoplasty surgery procedure, it may take longer than one year to see the final results.

Anytime a patient undergoes a surgical procedure like rhinoplasty, there are risks involved. Dr. Kulbersh believes every patient should have a thorough knowledge of the possible complications before undergoing a nose job. While complications rarely occur, it is important that you choose a rhinoplasty expert who is experienced and trained to handle any situation. The best way to ensure the best outcome is to choose the right surgeon. As a Charlotte-based rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Kulbersh is familiar with the complications that can arise after rhinoplasty and knows the steps to take to minimize them.

General Complications

Anytime a patient has surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, scarring, or side effects from anesthesia. To ensure that a patient does not have a bleeding problem Dr. Kulbersh takes the following precautions:

• Patients undergo lab work to ensure their blood clots properly
• Medication is used during surgery to prevent bleeding
• Patients are made aware of foods, supplements, and medications to avoid 2 weeks prior to a rhinoplasty
• Patients are required to ice their nose before surgery to slow the blood flow to the nose

To prevent infection during surgery, patients:

• Place antibiotic ointment in their nose a few days before surgery
• Take antibiotics before and after surgery
• Are aware of sterile techniques used

Prevention of scarring is obtained by:

• Meticulous surgical technique by an expert rhinoplasty surgeon
• Proper wound care after surgery
• Use of medical grade scar cream starting 2 weeks after surgery

Patients are commonly anxious about having general anesthesia. Anesthesia for a rhinoplasty is exceedingly safe, and Dr. Kulbersh works with the most skilled, board-certified anesthesiologists. Anesthesia for surgery on the nose is very light compared to anesthesia on other areas of the body because the discomfort associated with undergoing rhinoplasty is low.

Possible complications of rhinoplasty include:

• Temporary or permanent discoloration or pigment changes of the nose and eyelids
• Abnormal narrowing of the nostrils
• Irregularity in shape or appearance of the nose
• Impaired nasal airway resulting in difficulty with breathing
• Temporary or prolonged problems with nasal drainage
• Allergic skin response to surgical tapes or splint applied to nose
• Sinus obstruction
• Septal perforation possibly requiring surgical placement of grafts or septal buttons for correction
• Irregularities or bumps
• Drooping nasal tip
• Elevation of the nasal tip
• Asymmetries in the nose

As a nose job expert in Charlotte, Dr. Kulbersh takes every step and precaution possible to ensure his patients have the best outcomes possible. His training in Beverly Hills and his experience ensure his patients have the best chance for a successful result.

There is a chance that patients undergoing a nose job may need to undergo additional touch up procedures. After the nose has healed for one year, if there is an area that both you and Dr. Kulbersh agree would benefit from a touch-up, then the procedure can be done. Dr. Kulbersh does not charge a surgeon’s fee for a touch-up procedure, but patients may be responsible for fees for anesthesia.

While complications can occur after a rhinoplasty treatment, Dr. Kulbersh takes every precaution to prevent them. If a complication arises, Dr. Kulbersh will take the steps necessary to address it. To minimize complications, Dr. Kulbersh recommends the following:

• Choose your surgeon wisely
• Follow all of your instructions from the surgeon
• If you have a question or concern after surgery, call your surgeon

Rhinoplasty or a nose job is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. A rhinoplasty can improve the shape of the nose to create a nose that “fits” the face. It can also significantly improve breathing through the nose in patients that have nasal obstruction. As with many products and services, people need to know the cost of rhinoplasty to plan accordingly.

What are the Factors That Go into the Cost of Rhinoplasty?

A team of healthcare professionals and supplies are utilized during the process of undergoing a rhinoplasty. There are 3 main components of the cost of rhinoplasty:

• Facility Fee
• Anesthesia Fee
• Surgeon’s Fee

What is the Facility Fee?

Dr. Kulbersh uses his own accredited surgical facility for his surgeries. Your fee for the facility will depend on your procedure and whether you spend any of your recovery period in at our suites.

What is the Anesthesia Fee?

To undergo a nose job, you will be asleep and given medications to treat pain, prevent infection, and prevent nausea after the surgery. The anesthesia fee is used to cover the costs of these medications and services.

What is Surgeon’s Fee Account?

This fee covers the expenses it takes to run a successful facial plastic surgery practice. That fee covers all of the appointments you have with Dr. Kulbersh before and after your rhinoplasty. It will typically entail 2-3 appointments before surgery and at least 5 appointments for the first year after surgery. It covers the time that Dr. Kulbersh takes to perform the surgery. The surgery can vary from 2.5 to 7.5 hours. This entails approximately 16 hours of the surgeon’s time.

This fee is also used to cover the overhead of the medical practice to pay staff, supplies to care for patients, electricity, rent, and other costs. There are many other costs that are covered by the surgeon’s fee that do not go directly to your doctor.

What is the Main Variable That Will Determine the Range in the Cost?

The simple answer is complexity. A more complex nose will take more time and energy to create an optimal result. The longer the surgery, the more time a patient will need anesthesia and the services of the surgeon.

A revision rhinoplasty can also increase the cost of the surgery as it increases the complexity of the surgery.

What is the General Cost of Rhinoplasty in Charlotte?

The cost of rhinoplasty ranges from $12,000 up to $15,000. Most patients fall somewhere in the middle of this range.

Why Choose Dr. Kulbersh for your Nose Job?

As one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Charlotte, Dr. Kulbersh is known for being able to achieve unparalleled and natural-looking results exclusively for the face. With his team of cosmetic experts, a fully accredited surgery center, and a private recovery retreat all located in the heart of SouthPark, Carolina Facial Plastics is the top aesthetic destination of the South.