What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is the reshaping of the nose. A nose job is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, and the most prominent feature on our face. During nose surgery in our Pinole & Larkspur, CA offices, Dr. Serebrakian is able to reshape, reduce or augment a patient’s nose for cosmetic, and sometimes functional purposes.
Open Rhinoplasty Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
There are two methods for performing a rhinoplasty: open and closed. With both methods, the soft tissues covering the nose are gently lifted, and the bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape.
- Closed rhinoplasty or endonasal rhinoplasty: in this procedure all incisions are confined to the inside of the nostrils, resulting in no visible skin incisions.
- Open rhinoplasty or external rhinoplasty: in this procedure, a very small incision is made between the nostrils on the underside of the nose.
What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
A revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a procedure that corrects any damage or deformities caused by a previous operation. This procedure is known to be more difficult, as there is less natural cartilage to work with and there is more scarring due to the primary rhinoplasty. However, with a skilled surgeon, a revision rhinoplasty can actually improve the issues caused by the primary procedure, and patients can finally be happy with the appearance and functionality of their nose. Click here to learn more about revision rhinoplasty.
Reasons for Rhinoplasty
There are a variety of reasons someone may have surgery, including:
- Meet aesthetic goals
- Correct trauma
- Birth defects
- Breathing problems
- Deviated septum
Nose Job Before and After Photos
Who is a Good Candidate for a Nose Job?
If you are someone who is unhappy with the appearance or functionality of your nose, you may be a good candidate to receive rhinoplasty. A potential candidate for a rhinoplasty must meet these requirements:
- At least 13 years of age
- Be a non-smoker
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Be in general good health
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty nose surgery is performed by double board-certified surgeon Dr. Serebrakian at the Bay Area Laser Cosmetic Surgery Center’s (BALCSC’s) accredited surgery center in the San Francisco, CA area. The skin and tissues of the nose, along with the underlying bone and cartilage, are sculpted to the patient’s desired new shape. Nose surgery typically takes from 1 to 2 hours.
When additional cartilage is needed for the nose surgery, cartilage is typically taken from the patient’s nasal septum. If the patient has a deviated septum, the septum and inner structures of the nose are adjusted to improve breathing. The tissues are then re-draped and stitched closed. If necessary, nostrils are reshaped in the final stage of rhinoplasty.
How Long is the Recovery From Rhinoplasty?
Immediately after surgery, the patient’s nose and eye area are usually bruised and swollen. A splint and/or packing will likely be placed in your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing. This will likely remain in and on the nose for a few days. During this period, the patient may experience some nasal pain or a dull headache, as well as some bleeding and drainage from the nose. Most patients feel like themselves within a few days and are able to return to regular activities in about a week. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.
The plastic surgeon will give the patient specific recovery instructions based on the type of nose surgery he/she received.
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
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Restrictions Following Rhinoplasty
If you ignore these warnings post-surgery, you can extend your recovery and possibly hurt the treatment area. It is best to be more cautious than it is to be risky when it comes to your rhinoplasty healing process.
Fortunately, most patients are able to resume normal daily activities the week following their procedure. However, it is very important to keep your nose protected during the entire healing process. To ensure the best possible outcome for your procedure makes sure to avoid:
- High sodium diets
- Aggressive brushing of teeth
- Excessive sun exposure
- Using ice packs
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Strenuous activity
- Blowing your nose
Rhinoplasty Patient Testimonial
Yay!! Dr. S is the best! So thrilled with the choice of procedures I had done…This is a doctor who has done THOUSANDS of these procedures and you get to see a glimpse of them with these before/after pictures!…Immediately, I knew what a professional, experienced, and meticulous surgeon he was…It was pretty crazy to see the difference that small change to your nose can make–I’m so happy I made this decision…Thank you for a wonderful experience to the staff.”
Sarah M., Yelp – August 2016
Rhinoplasty FAQs:
Can Your Nose Be Reshaped Without Surgery?
Non-surgical nose job refers to the use of dermal fillers to alter and shape a person’s nose without invasive surgery. Since the procedure is not invasive, the bruising and swelling from a non-surgical nose surgery are minimal. The duration of the results depends on the type of filler used. RADIESSE® (calcium hydroxyapatite) lasts for 8 to 12 months, and hyaluronic acid fillers usually last for 6 to 12 months
Can You Combine a Rhinoplasty With Other Procedures?
In some cases, patients may choose to combine nose surgery with other procedures such as chin augmentation. Combining nose surgery with chin augmentation can enhance the aesthetic results for the patient. During your consultation in Larkspur, CA, Dr. Serebrakian will discuss these options with you in detail.
What Will My Nose Reconstruction Results Look Like?
While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Patients who go into surgery with realistic expectations of their results tend to walk away feeling pleased with the outcome. Everything from your nasal bone, to your face shape, to your age, and all the way to your cartilage structure is what truly determines the final results of this procedure.
You should expect there to be visible swelling within a week or two of surgery, but also be prepared to experience minimal swelling for up to an entire year. Once the first year post-surgery has passed, you will most likely be more than happy with the actual, final results of your rhinoplasty.
Nose Surgery Side Effects
Complications associated with a nose procedure are rare. When they do occur, its usually minor. Surgical risks, in general, include infection or adverse reaction to anesthesia. In the case of nose surgery, specific risks include the following:
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Poor wound healing or scarring
- Change in skin sensation (numbness or pain)
- Difficulty breathing
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation Today!
If you would like to learn more about Rhinoplasty nose surgery, please call our office in Pinole at 510-724-8282 or our Larkspur office at 415-461-5755 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out the Appointment Request Form below, and our talented staff help you arrange your meeting. Dr. Armen Serebrakian is a double-certified surgeon serving San Francisco, Larkspur, Pinole and surrounding areas in California.