Dr. George Bitar, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is renowned for his personalized approach to rhinoplasty (nose job) in Fairfax, VA, and throughout the DMV area.
“I do not want a Michael Jackson nose.” We hear that frequently from our rhinoplasty patients. Our goal has always been to maintain a natural appearance while enhancing the patient’s character. There are few perfect noses in this world. Since the “heyday” of the Greeks, many criteria have been proposed to guide us toward the ideal dimensions of the aesthetically pleasing nose, given that it is the centerpiece of the face. As our society becomes more ethnically diverse, so do the noses that a plastic surgeon has to address.
You may seek a rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons:
Dr. Bitar has performed numerous rhinoplasty surgeries and understands the unique features of each individual face. He tailors his technique to achieve results that are both natural and functional. Whether your goal is to enhance your appearance, address breathing difficulties, or refine your profile with age, Dr. Bitar can help you achieve your desired outcome. He is proud to serve patients from all over Northern Virginia, including Fairfax (Merrifield area), Vienna, Alexandria, Arlington, Reston, McLean, and beyond. He also sees many patients from Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
Pain Level After Surgery
Moderate to severe
Anesthesia
General
Duration of Surgery
2-4 Hours
Scars
Minimal scar at the bottom of the nose
Final Results
12-18 Months
Return to Regular Work
2-4 weeks
Resume Exercise
4-6 weeks
Price Range
Call for pricing
Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure performed to resolve nasal imperfections in the tip, bridge, and nostrils. The surgery enhances balance, proportion, and harmony among the features, resulting in a more attractive profile. As a side benefit, aesthetic nose surgery is also known to enhance breathing function, thereby elevating the overall quality of life. Dr. Bitar performs rhinoplasty as a standalone procedure, but he may also opt to combine it with chin reshaping or other facial solutions to maximize your final outcome.
Functional rhinoplasty is performed to correct structural issues within the nose that impair breathing and compromise comfort and well-being. Whether you are dealing with a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates, Dr. Bitar can perform functional nose surgery to restore balance and ease.
A rhinoplasty is a difficult operation, and sometimes, patients are not happy with the result. Either they are not satisfied with the aesthetic outcome, or they may have difficulty breathing. It is essential for patients to understand that the final result, both functionally and aesthetically, may take one to two years to achieve. If a patient has waited until the final result of a rhinoplasty has occurred and is still dissatisfied, a revision rhinoplasty (or secondary rhinoplasty) may be an appropriate option.
Before offering a patient a secondary rhinoplasty, it is essential to understand why the patient is unhappy with their initial rhinoplasty and whether a secondary procedure will bring them satisfaction. We go into detail with the patient about the plan for the secondary rhinoplasty and ensure that they understand that the risks of complications increase significantly with any subsequent operation due to the scar tissue from the previous operation and the potential compromise of the blood supply to the nose. The same principles of surgery apply to a secondary rhinoplasty and will typically make an otherwise unsatisfied patient very happy.
Performed using today’s most innovative injectables, a non-surgical (“liquid”) rhinoplasty can address simple cosmetic issues in the nose, such as asymmetry, bumps, and indentations. Patients facing more pronounced breathing issues and those who desire a smaller nose will typically need to select the surgical version of the procedure.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive preoperative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful postoperative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.
The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.
All surgeries are performed in-house at our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, representing the gold standard in patient safety and care. This certification ensures we meet the highest standards, with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses on-site, adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills, and introducing new techniques, always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.
We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to our patients’ well-being, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty in the Washington, D.C. area are healthy, non-smoking individuals who have realistic expectations for their results. They are typically unhappy with the overall size of the nose, its relationship to other features, or individual areas of imbalance, such as a bulbous or drooping nasal tip or overly wide, flared nostrils. To best determine if rhinoplasty is a good fit for your goals, Dr. Bitar will conduct a thorough consultation process.
To begin, an initial consultation is scheduled, during which we discuss the rhinoplasty procedure and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. A thorough discussion about why you want a rhinoplasty and what you hope to accomplish is very important. You will be asked to describe what bothers you about your nose, dividing it into three sections: top, middle, and bottom. It is essential to provide as much information as possible about what you would ideally like your nose to look like. We will address, together, what bothers you about the bridge, the tip, the nostrils, and the width of your nose, as well as whether you have breathing problems and their causes. We will devise a plan together and ensure that your concerns are addressed. Unfortunately, a perfect result can never be promised or guaranteed in plastic surgery.
Your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be asked to see your medical doctor for a physical check-up and a few laboratory tests to ensure you can undergo the surgery safely. You are asked to stop medications that cause bleeding, such as aspirin or aspirin-like products (Motrin or Ibuprofen), a week before this procedure. You are asked to stop smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, for the surgery to be performed safely, and for you to have optimal results. You are given the opportunity to speak with patients who have undergone the same surgery you are considering.
We perform both open and closed rhinoplasties. A closed rhinoplasty is performed where the incisions are hidden inside the nose. An open procedure is performed where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow area of skin that separates the nostrils.
With closed rhinoplasties, the avoidance of a scar at the base of the nose (columella) and perhaps quicker healing are benefits. In our opinion, this technique has limitations, including the need for good exposure, the ability to create excellent symmetry with both nostrils, and the capacity to shape the nose according to a patient’s desires.
The open rhinoplasty approach provides excellent exposure and ease of visualization of the entire nose when the skin is elevated. Since every nose is different, so is every procedure. However, there are common problems that are fixed in nasal surgery:
Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. That person should also drive you to your next-day follow-up visit.
With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure. Light makeup may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.
To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.
At our practice, we’re proud to be one of the few in the area offering Elixir MD, a cutting-edge LED-based device specifically designed to accelerate healing after cosmetic surgery. Elixir MD stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances circulation, dramatically shortening recovery time and improving surgical outcomes. This advanced technology sets our practice apart, offering patients a faster, more comfortable healing experience with visibly better results.
Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he achieves beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety, and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, including skincare, injectables, and lasers, as well as in-office and hospital procedures, providing a versatile approach tailored to individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our top priority, and each procedure is carefully customized to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.
The cost of a rhinoplasty in Fairfax, VA, and the surrounding Washington, D.C. area, can vary depending on the techniques utilized, the extent of the desired changes, and whether surgery is paired with another procedure, such as septoplasty, chin augmentation, or dermal fillers. The most effective way to obtain an accurate price quote is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bitar and his knowledgeable team.
For more information about rhinoplasty in Fairfax, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling (703) 206-0506 or completing an online request form.

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“Natural beauty but doing a little somethin’ somethin’ to make beautiful features pop is what the Model Lift™ accomplishes.”
–
Dr. George Bitar
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