Considering Rhinoplasty in Charlotte, NC? Before and After Photos & Knowing What To Ask Can Help

If you’re searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon in Charlotte, NC, you’ve probably looked at a few before and after photos. And you’re likely already picturing how this life-changing procedure could enhance your own appearance. Unfortunately, not all surgeon’s photo galleries are created equal. Knowing what to look for can help you choose the right facial plastic surgeon and set realistic expectations for your results.

Whether you’re considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic refinement, to correct a breathing issue, or as part of facial reconstruction, reviewing real patient photos is an important step. At Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, our board-certified facial plastic surgeons provide a deep portfolio of rhinoplasty results, personalized surgical planning, and expertise in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques.

Below, we share how to review rhinoplasty before and after images with a critical eye, what questions to ask before rhinoplasty, and how a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon can help you feel confident about your decision.

How To Review Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

Before and after photo galleries can tell you a lot—not just about surgical results but also about a surgeon’s aesthetic style and attention to detail. As you browse rhinoplasty photos, we encourage you to keep the following in mind.

1. Look for Similar Starting Points

Try to find patients who share facial characteristics similar to yours—such as profile shape, nasal hump, tip definition, or ethnicity. This helps you better understand how certain refinements might look on your own features.

2. Evaluate the Naturalness of Results

One hallmark of expert rhinoplasty is how seamless the results appear. The nose should complement the rest of the face—not draw undue attention. Overly pinched tips or extremely turned-up profiles can indicate overcorrection or the need for future revision surgery.

3. Check Consistency Across Patients

Consistency in surgical outcomes demonstrates a surgeon’s ability to reproduce excellent results, no matter the starting point. Look for balanced, proportional improvements in both frontal and profile views.

4. Examine Both Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes

Rhinoplasty isn’t just about refining the size or shape of the nose—it’s also an opportunity to correct asymmetry or contour issues resulting from injury, genetics, or previous surgery. Look closely at before and after photos to see if the nose appears straighter and more balanced in relation to the rest of the face.

In some cases, these improvements may also enhance breathing function, particularly when a deviated septum is involved—but the most immediately noticeable changes are often visual.

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty: Which Is Right for You?

One key consideration that can influence your results is whether your surgeon performs open or closed rhinoplasty. Each technique has its benefits, and understanding the difference can help guide your questions during a consultation.

• Open Rhinoplasty: This approach involves a small incision on the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils), allowing the surgeon full visibility and access to reshape the nose with precision. It’s especially helpful for complex cases and revision surgeries.
• Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scarring. This approach may be ideal for patients needing more subtle refinements with a faster recovery time.

For a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of each technique, see our blog post on open vs. closed rhinoplasty.

Questions To Ask Before Rhinoplasty

The consultation process is your opportunity to learn everything you can about your plastic surgeon’s approach, assess their experience, and clarify your expectations. Here are some essential questions to ask your prospective rhinoplasty surgeon:

1. Are you board certified in facial plastic surgery?
   Training and specialization are essential in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz are both double board certified and exclusively focus on aesthetic face and neck surgery.
2. How many rhinoplasty procedures do you perform each year?
   Experience matters—particularly when it comes to balancing form and function.
3. Can I see before and after photos of patients with similar features?
   A thorough photo gallery review can help you set realistic expectations.
4. Do you perform both open and closed rhinoplasty?
   Surgeons who are skilled in both techniques can offer more personalized treatment plans.
5. What will recovery look like, and how long before I see my final results?
   Understanding how to prepare for recovery and knowing when to expect results are important.
6. Will this surgery help improve my breathing?
   If you have a deviated septum or another structural issue, ask whether the surgeon can address it during your rhinoplasty.

Ready To Take the Next Step?

The nose plays a central role in facial harmony, and with the right facial plastic surgeon, you can achieve a more confident, balanced appearance. If you would like to explore your nose refinement options, please request a consultation or call our office at (980) 949-6544 to get started.