Potomac Plastic Surgery: Houtan Chaboki, MD
2311 M St NW Suite 501
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 800-2085
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty, sometimes called a nose job, reshapes the nose to improve its size, shape, or proportions, and to enhance balance with the other facial features. Because even subtle changes to the nose can affect the face as a whole, each procedure requires a highly individualized approach.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Houtan Chaboki specializes in closed and preservation rhinoplasty. His understanding of both nasal aesthetics and function helps him achieve results that enhance facial harmony while preserving or improving nasal function, when needed.
Dr. Chaboki’s expertise in cosmetic rhinoplasty, including revision and preservation rhinoplasty, attracts people from throughout the Washington, DC, metro area, including:
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Rhinoplasty, also called nose surgery, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that improves the appearance of the nose. Medical rhinoplasty, also called functional rhinoplasty, can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty to improve the patient’s ability to breathe.
The cost of rhinoplasty surgery is based on the nature of your procedure and many other factors, such as operating room costs. Every patient is different, and there’s no way to offer a concrete estimate without an in‐person consultation. A member of our staff will provide you with a written quote that reflects your specific procedure discussed with Dr. Chaboki. You can learn more about the costs associated with plastic surgery on our Fees & Financing page.
Closed rhinoplasty is known as endonasal (inside the nose) rhinoplasty. Many people consider this method of rhinoplasty as incisionless as Dr. Chaboki hides incisions inside the nose. Closed rhinoplasty offers patients several advantages:
Dr. Chaboki performs a variety of rhinoplasty procedures but specializes in and teaches other surgeons the closed rhinoplasty technique. Each patient is unique and requires a customized treatment plan, and closed scarless rhinoplasty can be used on a wide variety of patients, from the most simple to the most complex revision surgery.
One of Dr. Chaboki’s Many Happy Rhinoplasty Patients
Dr. Chaboki offers his patients who visit him from areas like Northern Virginia and Maryland both open rhinoplasty and incisionless rhinoplasty procedures and will help determine the most appropriate method for you. Rhinoplasty, even when performed for cosmetic reasons, should avoid decreasing nasal function. It would be inappropriate to get a cosmetically improved nose if you are unable to breathe through it. For this reason, it’s important to choose a surgeon with an artistic eye and sound medical experience.
Preservation rhinoplasty is an advanced surgical technique that reshapes the nose while maintaining as much of its natural framework as possible. Dr. Chaboki typically performs preservation rhinoplasty using a closed approach, placing the surgical incisions inside the nose.
“Most surgeons remove the dorsal framework when reducing a hump, which can contribute to irregularities. With preservation rhinoplasty, I reshape and reposition the existing structure rather than taking it away. The nose heals more naturally, with smoother results.” –Dr. Chaboki
Closed preservation rhinoplasty has a significant learning curve and is performed by a relatively limited number of surgeons. Dr. Chaboki is one of a few select rhinoplasty specialists in the United States who perform this type of nasal surgery, and fellow surgeons have asked to observe him as he performs it.
Healing after rhinoplasty surgery involves both short-term recovery and a longer period during which residual swelling gradually goes down. Initially, you can expect visible swelling and bruising to last about 2 weeks. Most patients return to work or school a week after the procedure. The feeling of a stuffy nose is another part of the recovery, although most patients don’t experience much discomfort. Patients use saline spray and antibiotic ointment inside the nose to promote healing and relieve these symptoms.
You can accelerate the healing process in the first week by applying cold compresses on the cheeks (not directly on the nose), keeping your head elevated while sleeping, and not blowing your nose.
Here’s a typical rhinoplasty recovery timeline:
You can resume exercise about 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure, but avoid contact sports for at least 3 to 4 months.
Revision rhinoplasty refines a prior surgery to address cosmetic concerns, breathing difficulties, or unsatisfactory results. Even when the initial surgery is performed well, the nose’s complex internal and external anatomy and the unpredictability of healing can lead to visible irregularities or functional concerns.
Approximately 20% of Dr. Chaboki’s rhinoplasty consultations are for revision surgery; these procedures account for roughly 10% of his rhinoplasty cases. Patients come to his for second opinions and possible corrective surgery after rhinoplasty performed elsewhere. Because prior surgery can alter nasal structure and lead to scar tissue, Dr. Chaboki carefully evaluates both the appearance and function of the nose before recommending another procedure. He may use a closed approach, depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical history.
Certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Chaboki has extensive knowledge of the intricacies of the face and neck. When you choose him for your procedure, you’re choosing one of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons in DC, as well as a nationwide leader in preservation rhinoplasty.
Learn MoreRhinoplasty, when performed along with a nasal and sinus surgery to improve breathing, may be referred to as functional rhinoplasty or reconstructive nasal surgery. As a facial plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, Dr. Chaboki performs functional rhinoplasty to enhance nasal function with improved airflow. He has specialized training in the anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic aspect of the nose and sinuses. His expertise in both the internal and external nose can help improve both the appearance and function of the nose at the same time.
Yes, Dr. Chaboki often combines rhinoplasty with other cosmetic procedures of the face, surgical or non surgical, for enhanced results. Popular options include:
We want you to look and feel your best, so we’ll discuss your cosmetic options with you during your initial consultation.
Non surgical rhinoplasty, also referred to as liquid rhinoplasty, is a quick procedure performed in the office via awake, local anesthesia and requires little to no downtime. Dermal fillers are soft gels that are injected into the nose to temporarily change the shape of your nose without surgery. Dr. Chaboki is a facial plastic surgery specialist who understands how combining facial filler and BOTOX injections can reshape the nose using only local anesthesia. For example, injections made in precise locations can camouflage a bump without surgery.
Patients considering a nose job for the first time or those seeking revision rhinoplasty may possibly benefit from non surgical rhinoplasty. Some patients may also “test drive” a new nose with non surgical rhinoplasty prior to surgery. However, non surgical rhinoplasty is not a replacement for surgery, and permanent results still require surgery.
For more information, read our blog post Is Non Surgical Rhinoplasty Right for You.
While rhinoplasty is a commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedure, it is highly complex and requires a surgeon who has extensive training and experience for optimal safety and results. As a board-certified otolaryngologist and a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Chaboki has the credentials needed to give patients the results they desire with both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty.
Dr. Chaboki performs cosmetic nasal surgery with the patient under a general anesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort during the initial recovery period, but most rhinoplasty patients are able to manage their pain with over-the-counter medication.
Yes, rhinoplasty results last indefinitely—if there is no trauma to the nose. The aging process will continue, but it typically doesn’t have a noticeable impact on the nose.
In general, rhinoplasty patients should be between ages 18 and 40 to attain optimal results. It’s important for young patients to have a fully developed facial structure. Patients over 40 tend to heal slower than younger patients; however, there is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty.
As mentioned in the above answer, it’s important that your nose is fully developed before undergoing rhinoplasty. Girls’ noses tend to develop earlier than boys’, so they can schedule surgery when they’re 15 or 16 (with parents’ consent). Boys should wait until they’re 17 or 18 to get rhinoplasty.
In most cases, surgical rhinoplasty provides more satisfying results than the non surgical version. Non surgical rhinoplasty is mainly effective for altering the nasal bridge or tip, while more significant improvements can be accomplished with surgery. The cost is higher with surgery and recovery time is required; however, results last indefinitely.
Try to avoid any non surgical rhinoplasty before traditional cosmetic nasal surgery. Nasal injections may have complications or side effects that may interfere with future cosmetic rhinoplasty. Scar tissue may form and nasal cartilage may be altered with any procedure, even non surgical rhinoplasty. Some residual injected material may still be present in the nasal tissue long after the initial treatment, which may interfere with rhinoplasty surgery.
Yes. Combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty is beneficial for several reasons. First, by combining surgery, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, and you may save money on fees. Secondly, cartilage modified from the nasal septum during the septoplasty may be used for grafts during the rhinoplasty. Dr. Chaboki may need to obtain cartilage from your ear or rib for grafts, if you have already had deviated septum surgery, since cartilage from the septum would not be available. Lastly, the recovery process following surgery would only be once, and you minimize downtime by avoiding two separate procedures.
The nasal septum is the foundation of the nose and contributes to its appearance. Deviated septums are very common. However, most patients are not aware of having a deviated septum, as their external nose is symmetric. A deviated septum may present itself on the external nose as a big or large nose, crooked or twisted nose, a overprojected nasal tip, a rounded nasal tip, or a hump.
Rhinoplasty, plastic surgery to reshape the nose, when perfomed along with a septoplasty, turbinate surgery, or sinus surgery is often called functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty. This type of rhinoplasty is performed primarily to restore nasal function of breathing and airflow. Surgery may be performed on various components of the internal and external nose to improve nasal breathing: nostrils, lower nasal tip cartilage, septum, upper nasal cartilage, turbinates, sinuses, and nasal bones. Each one of these areas can contribute to difficulty breathing through the nose and may need to be addressed separately or together to get the best possible results. Dr. Chaboki has specialized training in the anatomy, physiology, and cosmetic aspect of the nose. His expertise on both the internal and external nose will help treat your sinus nasal symptoms of allergy, nasal obstruction, snoring, nasal congestion, sinusitis, and post nasal drip. He performs minimally invasive rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, deviated septum surgery, turbinate reduction surgery, and endoscopic sinus surgery.
Also known as closed or incisionless rhinoplasty, it’s a rhinoplasty approach that uses no external incisions. This surgical approach may be applied from the most simple to the most difficult revision rhinoplasty cases. There is also less swelling and nasal numbness too, as compared to the open rhinoplasty approach. Any surgical approach for rhinoplasty should be specific to the particular patient and surgeon. Dr. Chaboki performs all methods of rhinoplasty, but primarily endonasal nasal surgery and will determine if endonasal rhinoplasty is right for you.
Strenuous activities or exercise after plastic surgery will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising, until an appropriate healing time has been allowed. This restriction during the recovery period varies based on the operation performed and patient’s medical condition. Light activities, such as slow walking, may be performed soon after anesthesia. Heavy activity, such as aerobics, yoga, cycling, running, heavy lifting, or similar vigorous activities, is allowed after 2 weeks from the procedure. Contact sports are generally allowed after 6 weeks from surgery.
Most patients plan at least one week off from work. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for combined procedures.
Smoking adversely affects your recovery. One may develop pneumonia, and treated areas don’t heal as well or may become infected. The blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues shrink up and prevent the necessary healing of the area. Patients must stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of these complications, and continue smoking cessation after the procedure.
Dr. Chaboki provides the finest in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at affordable prices, and participates with most insurance plans. Plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine, which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. If your procedure is medically indicated, some portion of the cost may be covered. The office accepts insurance in applicable cases and will, if you wish, contact your insurance company to find out if your procedure will be covered. Insurance coverage varies greatly for patients, however, rhinoplasty may be partially or fully covered.
To discuss your goals for cosmetic facial surgery and the areas that you would like to improve, request a consultation with Dr. Chaboki online or call his office at (202) 800-2085. Women and men visit him for complex rhinoplasty procedures from Arlington, VA; Silver Spring, MD; and throughout the Washington, DC, metro area.
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Chaboki on September 15th, 2026.
