The Art of Rhinoplasty
Dr. Rafizadeh has been one of New Jersey's most prominent rhinoplasty specialists for over 30 years. He is mindful of both what the patient wants to achieve and what is safely achievable — and he is always baffled when he sees someone send a photo showing only the nose, without considering the rest of the face.
The nose is an integral part of the face. Any change in the shape of the nose must relate to the surrounding features — the chin, the upper lip philtrum, the width of the face. A tip that appears wide in a narrow face might look perfectly acceptable in a wider face. Dr. Rafizadeh evaluates the nose in complete harmony with the full facial structure before recommending any change.
“The rhinoplasty procedure is one of the most interesting and challenging in plastic surgery. It takes experience, precision, and artistry to achieve great results — and respect for the structures of the nose, especially the tip cartilages, is essential for long-term success.”
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Dr. Rafizadeh conceptually divides the nose into an upper bony part and a lower cartilaginous part. He selects either an open rhinoplasty (with a small incision across the columella for maximum visibility) or a closed rhinoplasty (with all incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars) based on the complexity of correction required and each patient's anatomy.
What Can Rhinoplasty Address?
Common concerns Dr. Rafizadeh addresses include: dorsal humps or bumps on the bridge, a wide or bulbous nasal tip, asymmetry, a drooping or upturned tip, wide nostrils, a deviated septum affecting breathing, and overall disproportion to the rest of the face. Secondary (revision) rhinoplasty for patients dissatisfied with prior surgeries is also performed.
Submental Liposuction
Dr. Rafizadeh often combines rhinoplasty with submental liposuction — removing a small amount of fat under the chin — when appropriate. This combination establishes balance and harmony across the profile in a way that rhinoplasty alone cannot always achieve.
Recovery & Timeline
Days 1–7: Nasal splint worn. Swelling and bruising peak around day 2–3 then begin to subside. Most patients are comfortable at home.
Week 1–2: Splint removed. Presentable for limited social activity. Tip remains swollen.
Weeks 3–6: Return to most normal activities. The nose looks dramatically improved though still refining.
Months 6–12: Final result emerges as residual tip swelling fully resolves. Rhinoplasty is judged at six months to one year.
How Dr. Rafizadeh Approaches the Nose
The nose is an integral part of the face — any change in its shape must relate to the rest of the face. The tip that looks wide in a narrow face could look perfectly acceptable in a wider face. On the profile view, the chin and nose relate closely; the upper lip philtrum height relates to the nose as well. The technical aspects of rhinoplasty are well understood, but the artistic understanding of how the nose relates to the rest of the face is far less appreciated.
Dr. Rafizadeh divides the nose into an upper bony part and a lower cartilaginous part. The bone forms an arch making the nasal bridge; below this the upper lateral cartilages continue that arch. The shape of the tip is determined by the lower lateral cartilages — a pair shaped like an inverted U. He has particular respect for these tip cartilages, since careful handling is key for long-term results.
Functional Rhinoplasty & the Airway
When the septum deviates and the turbinates are enlarged, breathing becomes difficult. In many patients — especially those with a previous rhinoplasty — the lower lateral cartilages collapse against the septum, obstructing the airway. Dr. Rafizadeh takes a reconstructive approach, placing spreader grafts to open this area, improving both breathing and the pinching appearance above the tip simultaneously. When a dorsal hump is removed and the nasal bones are brought together, the lower half of the nose needs internal support — without it the upper lateral cartilages can collapse, creating an internal valve obstruction. Spreader grafts made from harvested septal cartilage prevent this collapse.
Computer Imaging & the Consultation
Dr. Rafizadeh uses computer imaging to show patients exactly what he has in mind and confirm alignment before surgery. A typical rhinoplasty involves reducing the dorsal hump, bringing the nasal bones together to recreate the arch, and in many cases refining the tip. The best long-term results are achieved when the tip is left unmodified unless necessary. After surgery, a splint is worn for one week. Ninety-five percent of swelling resolves within a month; the final 5 percent can take six months to one year.
