Rhinoplasty Chicago, IL

Introduction to Rhinoplasty

There’s a reason the nose draws so much attention; it sits at the center of the face, influencing how every other feature is perceived. Even subtle imbalances in shape, projection, or symmetry can shift the overall harmony of your appearance, sometimes in ways that are difficult to explain but impossible to ignore. For many patients, it’s not about wanting a different nose; it’s about wanting a nose that feels like it truly belongs to them.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most intricate and individualized procedures in facial plastic surgery, requiring both technical precision and an aesthetic eye. This is exactly why the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported that over 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed yearly; it is the most popular facial plastic surgery in the world.

At Casas Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the Chicago area, Dr. Laurie Casas carefully reshapes the nose to complement your natural features, with a focus on creating results that feel effortless, proportionate, and uniquely yours.

Surgeon performing rhinoplasty surgery on patient in operating room with surgical instruments

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty helps shape your nose to blend harmoniously with your other facial features. Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping surgery, is a highly personalized procedure that can address a variety of aesthetic concerns of the nose. At Casas Plastic Surgery, we strive to offer the best rhinoplasty results in Chicago.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Ethnic rhinoplasty is an increasingly popular procedure that patients from diverse backgrounds are undergoing to make minor adjustments to their noses. This procedure redefines aspects of the nose, without compromising the beauty of your natural ethnic features.

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a nose job that takes into account the many differences across ethnic backgrounds. This procedure is geared towards improving the cosmetic appearance of the nose by reducing its size and refining its shape, while keeping many of its original features intact. 

Performing these procedures requires plastic surgeons to have an in-depth understanding of the natural characteristics of various ethnic groups to help redefine the nose and improve facial symmetry.

Types of Ethnic Rhinoplasty Procedures

There are two common types of ethnic nose jobs, classified by the technique used. Open or closed rhinoplasty techniques can be used to achieve the desired results, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

The open technique uses an incision on the columella, the small flap of skin separating the nostrils, to provide greater access to the nasal structures. Plastic surgeons are often able to correct more severe deformities and provide more precise corrections using the open technique. It does leave a visible scar at the bottom of the nose; however, the small scar will fade and become less noticeable over time.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Rhinoplasty?

Candidates for rhinoplasty believe that their nose does not fit with the rest of their face, whether too large, too long, too wide, too narrow, or too droopy. No matter the reason for rhinoplasty, Dr. Casas will discuss with you whether rhinoplasty, combined with other functional nasal procedures to improve nasal breathing, may achieve your expectations. In your initial consultation, Dr. Casas will examine your nose, including the skin quality, size, shape, and relationship to your other facial features. She will ask you to describe the exact features of your nose you would like altered. If she feels you have realistic expectations, she will discuss the pros and cons of the procedures available to achieve your desired result.

Notice, age is not generally a factor here. Studies from the National Library of Medicine have shown that patients as young as 15 and as old as 59 are undergoing this procedure, underscoring its immense impact across all ages and backgrounds.2

What Are the Benefits of a Rhinoplasty?

One of the most transformative benefits of rhinoplasty is the way it brings the entire face into balance. Because the nose plays such a central role in facial proportions, even minor refinements (like smoothing a dorsal hump, refining the tip, or adjusting projection) can create a more cohesive and harmonious appearance. The result isn’t a “new” face, but rather a more aligned version of your existing features, where nothing feels distracting or out of place.

In addition to aesthetic improvements, rhinoplasty can also offer functional benefits for patients experiencing breathing difficulties. When combined with procedures that address internal nasal structures, such as a deviated septum, rhinoplasty can improve airflow and overall nasal function.

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What’s the First Step?

You’ll start with a consultation in Glenview (the greater Chicago area), where the focus is entirely on understanding your goals, your anatomy, and how they align. This is not a one-size-fits-all conversation; it’s a detailed, thoughtful process that involves evaluating the structure of your nose, the quality of your skin, and how your nose relates to your other facial features. Dr. Casas will take the time to listen closely to what you’d like to change, while also offering expert guidance on what is realistically achievable.

During this consultation, you’ll also discuss surgical techniques, potential outcomes, and whether your goals may benefit from combining aesthetic refinement with functional improvements. This is an opportunity to ask questions, explore options, and gain clarity about the process ahead.

What to Expect on the Day of Rhinoplasty Surgery

On the day of your rhinoplasty, every detail is carefully coordinated for a smooth, comfortable experience at a Chicago surgical facility under general anesthesia. Once you are prepared for surgery, Dr. Casas will begin by making incisions, either within the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (open rhinoplasty), depending on the complexity of your case.

From there, she will reshape the underlying bone and cartilage framework of the nose, making adjustments that may include refining the nasal bridge, reshaping the tip, narrowing the nostrils, or improving symmetry. Each movement is deliberate and measured, as even millimeters can influence the final result.

Once the structural changes are complete, the skin is carefully redraped, and the nose is supported with a splint to maintain its new shape during the initial healing phase. After a brief recovery period, you will be able to return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.

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Rhinoplasty Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Rhinoplasty Care

Recovery from rhinoplasty is a gradual process, and the final results of your rhinoplasty will continue to evolve as swelling and bruising subside. Dr. Casas will hide any incisions in natural contours or even inside the nose itself. Dr. Casas will also provide you with a medication and supplement regimen to keep you as comfortable as possible and to hasten the healing process. In addition, she will explain tips to minimize swelling, such as sleeping with your head elevated for a few days after surgery. A nasal splint and tape are used to support the reshaping of your nasal bones and to reduce swelling.

While the final result will be evident in one to two years after surgery, you will be able to enjoy your reshaped nose and resume non-aerobic activity within weeks. She will ask you to avoid contact sports to protect your reshaped nose. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, administered by massage, is used after each procedure to reduce swelling. The number of sessions is individualized. It is important that patients follow a healthy lifestyle leading up to and after procedures, including not smoking, a healthy diet, and taking daily vitamins.

How Much Does a Rhinoplasty Cost in Chicago?

The cost of a Rhinoplasty in Chicago will vary. Each rhinoplasty procedure is personalized to suit the aesthetic needs of each individual patient. During your consultation with Dr. Casas, she will ask about your specific concerns regarding the appearance of your nose and formulate a personalized surgical plan based on your needs. The cost of your rhinoplasty in Chicago will depend on the techniques used and the amount of work required to achieve the results you are looking for. Our team will also let you know about the payment options we accept.

Why Choose Dr. Casas?

Dr. Laurie Casas is the kind of plastic surgeon other surgeons look to when they want to learn, refine their approach, or stay at the forefront of the field. With a career spanning decades, she has built a reputation rooted in advanced training, academic leadership, and board-certified expertise. Her experience at institutions such as Northwestern University and the University of Chicago has enabled her to remain deeply involved in both surgical innovation and compassionate patient care, two elements that define the results she delivers today.

What makes Chicago’s Dr. Casas truly stand out is not just her skill, but her impact. She has contributed extensively to research, helped lead major initiatives within respected plastic surgery organizations, and played a role in shaping how procedures are performed across the country. For her patients, this translates into a powerful sense of reassurance, knowing they are in the hands of a surgeon whose experience, judgment, and results are backed by decades of leadership and dedication to excellence.

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Rhinoplasty FAQ’S

Sources

Shaye, David A. “Thinking about Rhinoplasty?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 6 Mar. 2019, view source.

Loghmani, Shahriar, et al. “Demographic Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty in Two Time Periods with a 10-Year Interval.” World Journal of Plastic Surgery, vol. 6, no. 3, 2017, pp. 318–324. PubMed Central, view source.

Schedule Your Consultation

casas aesthetic plastic surgery

At Casas Plastic Surgery, we know that the choice to undergo plastic surgery can be a difficult one. We also know the importance of finding a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon you can trust. Dr. Laurie Casas is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Casas can provide you with amazing results from your nose reshaping in Chicago.

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