Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty
Also referred to as nose job or nose reshaping, a rhinoplasty is intended to change the shape and/or size of the nose. The nose should not be the central focus of a patient’s appearance; rather it should complement the eyes, lips, and surrounding facial features. A rhinoplasty can bring facial balance to those with a large or disproportionate nose. With rhinoplasty, subtle changes can provide dramatic improvements in one’s overall appearance.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in cosmetic surgery due to the complexity and delicacy required to artfully sculpt the nose while also preserving the critical functions of the nose which include breathing, sense of smell, taste, humidification and purification of air. For this reason, patients should be extremely diligent in choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to perform their rhinoplasty.
Dr. Rahul Seth is double-board certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) which can give you confidence that he has the expertise to achieve your aesthetic desires while maintaining the functionality of the nose. Dr. Seth has performed nearly a thousand rhinoplasties and thus brings a keen and experienced skill set to your rhinoplasty.
During your thorough consultation with Dr. Rahul Seth, he will use 3D photography and software to create a 3D image of your face that he alters with you so that together your surgical plan can be created. This allows you to see the anticipated result and have confidence that your surgeon knows your desires and goals for your nose.
Candidates
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are:
- generally healthy
- a non-smoker
- Between the ages of 50-80 years old
- Concerned with shape and/or size of the nose
Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The procedure can take between two to three hours depending on your aesthetic goals and desired changes. Dr. Rahul Seth makes one external incision under the nose between the nostrils as well as small incisions inside the nose. These incisions are designed to heal inconspicuously with most patients unable to see them over time.
During the procedure, Dr. Seth elevates the skin of the nose to gain access to the cartilage and bones of the nose. The cartilage and bones are then skillfully sculpted to meet the patient’s desired appearance. If needed, additional cartilage from the nasal septum or ear can be used to help further improve the shape or function of the nose. Incisions are then sutured closed, internal splints are placed, and an external cast is applied.
Common Reasons Patients Seek Rhinoplasty
- Reduce nasal dorsum (take down a nasal hump)
- Refine a bulbous / nasal tip
- Reduce the overall size of the nose
- Lift a droopy nasal tip
- Make nose less projected (bring closer to the face)
- Narrow a wide nose
- Lengthen a short nose
Recovery
At Golden State Plastic Surgery, we are proud to provide extraordinary care at each step of your rhinoplasty journey. Following your rhinoplasty, you will have a nasal cast outside of your nose, sutures on the undersurface of your nose, and nasal splints inside each nostril supporting your nose which will stay in place for one week. Nasal congestion, bruising, and swelling is to be expected for a few weeks following your surgery. Throughout your recovery, we recommend being gentle with your face and nose. However, typically after two weeks you may resume light activity and after four weeks you will have no activity restrictions, but should avoid pressure to the nose for at least six weeks. Vigorous physical activity and exercise should be avoided after surgery in order to ensure the safest recovery with optimal results.
Pain medication is prescribed for pain relief, but most rhinoplasty patients are able to wean themselves off after a few days, taking Tylenol or Motrin only as needed.
Although after a month you will be able to easily appreciate your result, you will begin to see final results six months following their surgery. It does take a full year for the nose to completely recover from surgery.
Once your surgery is scheduled, you will receive a pre-operative appointment to review your procedure, post-operative instructions, and expectations on your road to recovery.
How To Get Started
If you’re interested in a Rhinoplasty or want to learn more about your options with Dr. Rahul Seth, please request a consultation online or by phone at (925) 357-9050.
During your consultation, you will have time to discuss your aesthetic goals and treatment options. To understand your desires, Dr. Seth will perform a visual 3D analysis and alteration of your nose to mimic your rhinoplasty. This will help you to understand and “see” your potential result on the screen.
During this process, you will get to know Dr. Seth and the Golden State Plastics team that will be with you every step of your journey. Once your consultation is complete and your unique treatment plan is created you will work with the Golden State Plastics team to schedule surgery. Once your surgery is scheduled, you will receive a pre-operative appointment to review your procedure, post-operative instructions, and expectations on your road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or a nose job, is a surgical procedure performed to reshape or enhance the appearance of the nose.
People undergo rhinoplasty for various reasons, including correcting a congenital nasal deformity, improving breathing function, enhancing facial harmony, addressing nasal trauma or injury, or boosting self-confidence.
Rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed technique. In the open approach, a small incision is made across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils), allowing better access for the surgeon. In the closed approach, incisions are made inside the nose. The choice of technique depends on the individual case and the surgeon’s preference. Depending on your nose, Dr. Seth will be able to advise you on the best approach. Typically, he performs open rhinoplasty.
During the procedure, you will be under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After the surgery, you may experience discomfort, swelling, and pain. Your pain is managed with prescription pain medicine, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Application of ice to your eyes and cheeks, but not directly on to your nose to prevent inadvertent pressure on the nose, will help reduce pain and swelling. Typically, pain is present for the first 5 days after surgery.
Recovery times can vary, but most people can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks. However, complete healing and final results may take several months to a year. The initial swelling typically subsides within a few weeks, but residual swelling may persist for several months.
As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks. Potential complications can include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, poor wound healing, asymmetry, nasal obstruction, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. Although these are uncommon, Dr. Seth will explain these to you so that you have knowledge of potential issues.
For some individuals, rhinoplasty can improve breathing by addressing structural issues such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse. However, in uncommon cases, there can be a risk of temporary or permanent breathing difficulties as a result of the surgery. As a specialist in nasal breathing surgery, Dr. Seth applies techniques that improve nasal breathing whenever performing a rhinoplasty to provide both a cosmetic and functional result.
Yes, rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with other procedures if desired. Commonly combined procedures include chin augmentation, septoplasty, turbinate reduction, lip lift, blepharoplasty, and/or facelift surgery. If you have concerns of other areas of the face besides the nose, please inform Dr. Seth during your consultation.
The cost of rhinoplasty can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, the complexity of the procedure, facility fees, and anesthesia costs. During your consultation, Dr. Seth’s team will provide you details of the cost of the surgery.
