Rhinoplasty in Tulsa: What the Surgeon Wants You to Know

Why rhinoplasty is about balance, not a template

Every nose sits in the context of a particular face. Width of the cheekbones, projection of the chin, the distance between the eyes — all of these proportions matter. A rhinoplasty that ignores them produces a nose that looks operated on. Our goal is a result that fits you, not a shape borrowed from someone else.

At Tulsa Surgical Arts, rhinoplasty is a signature procedure. Dr. Angelo Cuzalina has authored peer-reviewed chapters on rhinoplasty — including revision rhinoplasty and complex cleft nasal deformity — published in the oral and maxillofacial surgery literature [0][1][2][3]. Dr. Chase Nelson is a cosmetic otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) who completed his fellowship training at this practice. Between them, the range of nasal anatomy we treat is broad.

Patients travel from communities nearby — Broken Arrow is about five miles away — and from across the country. The consultation is private and carries no obligation. We discuss your anatomy, your goals, and what surgery can realistically accomplish.

What happens in the operating room

You are fully asleep under general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesia provider in our AAAHC-accredited surgery center. A small incision is made in the columella — the strip of skin between the nostrils — and just inside each nostril. The skin is then lifted carefully off the underlying cartilage and bone.

From there, the framework is refined. Bone and cartilage are repositioned, and judicious amounts may be removed. Grafts are often placed to provide support and improve contour. If a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates are contributing to breathing difficulty, those are corrected at the same time. The skin is laid back into place, incisions are closed with fine suture, and internal splints, external tape, and a protective splint are applied.

Surgery typically takes one and a half to three hours. Most patients return home the same day with a responsible adult. Our facility includes a private overnight guest suite for those traveling in.

Recovery: what to expect in the first weeks

Most patients return to work within seven to ten days. Swelling is most noticeable in the first week, then recedes steadily. The external splint comes off at your first post-operative visit. Bruising, when present, is usually manageable with careful aftercare.

The nose continues to refine over months. Tip swelling is the last to resolve, and subtle changes in shape can continue for up to a year. We follow you through that entire arc. Your written surgical plan — set at consultation before surgery is ever scheduled — includes the recovery timeline specific to your anatomy and the work performed.

The textbook record behind our rhinoplasty practice

Published experience matters in rhinoplasty because the operation has a meaningful revision rate across the field. Dr. Cuzalina co-wrote "Revision Rhinoplasty" in 2012 [3], "Rhinoplasty for the Cleft Lip and Palate Patient" in 2016 [2], and "Challenging Rhinoplasty for the Cleft Lip and Palate Patient" in 2021 [1]. He also contributed to a 2022 atlas chapter on the cleft nasal deformity [0]. He guest-edited the Elsevier rhinoplasty issue that houses several of these works [4].

This body of work reflects the complexity we are comfortable managing — primary rhinoplasty, revision cases, and noses affected by cleft lip and palate. Dr. Nelson brings focused ENT training to the functional side of the operation. Together, the team addresses both form and airway in a single session.

We encourage you to review our patient gallery on the website. Before-and-after images and case films show real patients with individual results. They are the most honest measure of what a surgeon can do.

Starting the conversation

A consultation at Tulsa Surgical Arts is straightforward. We examine your nose, discuss your concerns, review imaging when helpful, and provide a personal written quote. There is no pressure and no obligation. If surgery is appropriate, your written plan is finalized before anything is scheduled.

Call us at 918-392-7900, text us, or book online. We are happy to answer questions before you ever walk through the door. Consultations are available for patients in Tulsa, nearby communities like Broken Arrow, and those traveling from farther away.

Individual results vary. This article is general education, not medical advice.