At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, CA, we specialize in rhinoplasty, a transformative procedure that reshapes the nose to enhance facial harmony. Rhinoplasty is more than just a cosmetic surgery; it’s a precise art that requires skill and expertise. With our rhinoplasty services, you can expect a tailored approach that addresses your unique needs and goals, providing a refined and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
- Bone: The upper portion of your nose consists of bone, which shapes the nasal bridge. This structure can be reshaped or adjusted during nasal surgery to smooth out bumps, correct asymmetry, or refine the overall contour of the nose.
- Cartilage: The lower part of your nose is supported by cartilage, which determines the shape and projection of the nasal tip and nostrils. This flexible yet sturdy tissue can be sculpted to refine the nasal tip, narrow wide nostrils, or adjust the nose’s overall size. Cartilage grafts from other areas may also be used to provide additional support or definition.
- Skin: The skin covering your nose provides its outer appearance and affects how underlying changes are visible after surgery. Thick skin may require extra care to achieve refinement, while thin skin can highlight subtle adjustments. Surgeons take skin type and elasticity into account when planning nasal surgery to help the results look natural.
Good Rhinoplasty candidates achieve increased self-confidence through realistic changes in the appearance of their nose. If you are unhappy with the size and shape of your nose you may be a good candidate for this type of enhancement.
At your consultation, we will listen to your concerns regarding the appearance of your nose and will examine your nose, inside and out. We will explain the procedure that will give you the best results. Computer imaging of the nose and face helps you visualize the appearance of your new nose. Additional procedures may be recommended such as a chin implant, to improve the overall result and facial appearance. At the end of your consultation you will be quoted the costs of the procedure.
Preparation for rhinoplasty will include a thorough review of your medical history, including any conditions, medications, or previous nasal surgeries. We will also make sure you are either a non-smoker or willing to stop. A physical exam of your nose helps evaluate its structure, assess breathing functionality, and plan the procedure.
Photographs are taken from multiple angles to aid in planning and goal-setting. Taking before-and-after pictures can also help you track progress and appreciate the results. We’ll also discuss your expectations to make sure the surgical plan aligns with your vision.
The procedure involves making precise changes to the architecture of the nose in order to improve the appearance and function of the nose. We will recommend the best rhinoplasty approach depending on the degree of changes needed and surgical difficulty. For more information please see Types of Rhinoplasty. At the completion of the surgery, a small protective adhesive dressing and splint are applied to the nose, which is removed in about one week.
Rhinoplasty surgery recovery is measured in terms of days. A splint is placed over the bridge of the nose and removed in one week. Any bruising is usually gone in a week and swelling slowly subsides. Most patients return to work and non-stressful activities a week after surgery.
- Fill Your Prescriptions Ahead of Time: Make sure to pick up any medications prescribed by your surgeon such as pain relievers or antibiotics before your procedure. Having these ready means they will be there when you need them and you can focus on rest once you’re home.
- Stock Your Fridge: Prepare easy-to-eat foods like soup, yogurt, and popsicles to keep your nutrition simple during recovery. Nausea from anesthesia or pain medication can make heavier meals less appealing, so focus on light, digestible options.
- Get Your Home Ready for Recovery: Arrange a comfortable space to rest with plenty of pillows to keep your head elevated, which can reduce swelling. Before your nose job, set up essentials like water, tissues, and entertainment within easy reach so you can relax without needing to move around too much. You may consider sleeping in a recliner for the first couple of nights.
- Have Someone Help You: Arrange for someone to assist you during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Tasks like driving, preparing meals, and basic care are easier with a trusted friend or family member by your side.
- Avoid Showers Until Bandages Are Removed: Keeping your bandages dry is essential for proper healing. Stick to baths until your surgeon removes bandages and clears you to shower, typically after your rhinoplasty surgery follow-up.
- Sneeze and Cough With Your Mouth Open: Protect your healing nose by keeping pressure off the nasal passages. Always sneeze or cough with your mouth open to minimize strain on the surgical area.
- Follow All of Your Post-Treatment Instructions: Your rhinoplasty specialist will provide specific recovery guidelines for you. Following these instructions carefully can help avoid complications and support the best possible outcome.
Before and after rhinoplasty surgery, avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen since these can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Herbal remedies and supplements should also be discontinued unless approved by your surgeon, as they may interfere with healing. It’s essential to stop smoking or vaping. These habits can impair circulation, cause tissue death, and slow recovery.
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Other potential complications include difficulty breathing through the nose, numbness in the nasal area, prolonged swelling, or results that may not meet expectations. Choosing an experienced rhinoplasty specialist is crucial to help reduce these risks and give you the best outcome. We will discuss these possibilities and take every precaution to minimize complications.
Fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery we have over twenty-five years of rhinoplasty experience and hundreds of happy patients from all over California, including Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville, and Modesto. This surgery is performed in the comfort and safety of Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates Medical Center, located in Sacramento and accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC).
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a procedure that aims to alter the nose’s shape, size, or proportions to improve facial harmony and, in some cases, breathing function. This complex process involves sculpting the bone and cartilage of the nose to achieve a desired shape and size that aligns with the patient’s facial features and personal preferences.
What Can a Rhinoplasty Treat?
Nasal Asymmetry
Nasal asymmetry can occur due to genetics, injury, or previous surgeries. When one side of your nose appears different from the other, it can affect the overall balance of your face. Nose augmentation during rhinoplasty can help refine and reshape the nasal structure and give you a more symmetrical appearance.
Deviated Septum
A deviated septum occurs when the wall dividing your nasal passages is displaced, often causing breathing difficulties and chronic congestion. Rhinoplasty can correct this structural issue by realigning the septum and improving airflow. While this correction often enhances functionality, it can also subtly refine the nose’s appearance.
Large or Wide Nostrils
Prominent or overly wide nostrils can distract from the natural contours of your face. Nose surgery for this concern typically involves careful adjustments to the soft tissue at the base of the nostrils, sometimes referred to as alar base reduction. This delicate process focuses on minimizing nostril flare or reducing their size while maintaining a natural, proportional look.
Bumps or Humps on the Nasal Bridge
Bumps or humps on the nasal bridge are a common concern for many patients seeking rhinoplasty. These irregularities may result from genetics or past trauma. Surgical refinement involves reshaping or smoothing the nasal bone and cartilage to create a straighter, more even nasal bridge. This adjustment often improves both the frontal and side views of your nose.
Drooping or Upturned Nasal Tip
A drooping or overly upturned nasal tip can impact your facial harmony. Nose reshaping during rhinoplasty can involve lifting, refining, or repositioning the nasal tip. The approach may include trimming cartilage, adjusting underlying structures, or using grafts to add support. Whether you desire a subtler lift or a more defined tip, this technique is customized to meet your goals.
Overly Prominent or Flat Nasal Bridge
An overly prominent nasal bridge can dominate your facial features while a flat bridge may lack the contour you desire. Rhinoplasty can address both extremes by reducing excessive prominence or adding volume through nose augmentation. This often involves using cartilage or synthetic implants to build height and definition or carefully sculpting the existing nasal structure to create a balanced profile.
Breathing Difficulties Due to Structural Issues
Structural issues like narrow nasal passages, collapsed nasal valves, or other anatomical abnormalities can make breathing through your nose a challenge. Functional rhinoplasty focuses on improving these concerns, often in conjunction with aesthetic refinements. Techniques such as cartilage grafting or nasal valve repair can help stabilize and open the airways, allowing you to breathe comfortably while achieving an improved nasal appearance.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Open Rhinoplasty
During an open rhinoplasty, we make an incision along the columella, which is the strip of tissue separating the nostrils. This technique allows the surgeon to lift the skin off the nasal structures, providing full access to the nose’s inner structures. This approach is usually preferred for more complex procedures, such as significant reshaping or reconstruction, as it offers better visibility and access to the surgeon.
Closed Rhinoplasty
During a closed rhinoplasty, we make all the necessary incisions inside the nostrils, which means no visible scars will be left outside the nose. This technique is less invasive than open rhinoplasty and is usually recommended for patients who require minor adjustments. The operation time for this procedure is usually shorter than that of an open rhinoplasty, and the recovery period may be quicker with reduced swelling.
Tip Rhinoplasty
Tip rhinoplasty focuses on reshaping the nose’s tip without altering the nasal structure’s other parts. This procedure is suitable for individuals who are happy with their noses’ overall size and shape but want to refine or lift the tip. It can be performed using either the open or closed approach, depending on the extent of the changes needed.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve or correct the results of a previous nose surgery. This type of surgery is usually more complicated than primary rhinoplasty because it may involve repairing scar tissue, restoring nasal function, or achieving the desired aesthetic outcome that was not achieved with the first surgery.
Non-invasive Rhinoplasty
Non-invasive rhinoplasty, sometimes called a “liquid nose job” or “non-invasive nose job,” involves using dermal fillers to temporarily alter the shape of the nose. This method can be used to smooth out bumps, fill in depressions, or make the nose appear more symmetrical. It’s a non-surgical option that provides immediate results with no downtime, but the effects are not permanent and typically last from six months to a year.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Improved Breathing Function
Rhinoplasty can correct structural abnormalities in the nasal passage, such as a deviated septum, enhancing airflow and making breathing easier and more comfortable. This improvement can enhance sleep quality and reduce symptoms of poor nasal breathing, such as snoring and sleep apnea.
Enhanced Facial Harmony
By reshaping the proportions of the nose, rhinoplasty can bring a more balanced and harmonious look to the facial features, often enhancing the natural beauty and symmetry of the face. This can boost satisfaction with one’s appearance, as the nose is a central feature of the face.
Corrects Birth Defects or Trauma
Rhinoplasty can effectively correct nose shape and function issues caused by congenital disabilities or injuries, restoring the nose’s appearance and functionality. This improves the aesthetic look of the nose and addresses any physical discomfort or breathing challenges resulting from these conditions.
Permanent Results
Unlike non-surgical cosmetic treatments, rhinoplasty results are permanent, providing a long-lasting solution to cosmetic or functional nasal issues. Patients can enjoy the benefits of the surgery for a lifetime without the need for repeated treatments.
Customizable Procedure
Rhinoplasty is highly customizable, allowing for a tailored approach to meet each patient’s unique needs and preferences. This ensures that the results align with your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
What Is the Recovery Time for Rhinoplasty?
Most patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks after rhinoplasty, although swelling and bruising may persist for a few weeks. Follow post-operative care instructions for optimal healing.
How Long Do the Results of Rhinoplasty Last?
The results of rhinoplasty are generally permanent. While the aging process can cause minor changes over time, the overall shape and structure of the nose remain consistent. Patients can enjoy long-lasting improvements in both appearance and function.
Will I Have Scars After Rhinoplasty?
In a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made on the underside of the nose, but it is usually well-hidden and fades over time. We strive to minimize scarring for a more natural-looking result.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are generally healthy individuals with realistic expectations about the outcome. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or have breathing issues, a consultation with us can determine if rhinoplasty is the right choice for you.
Discover the Beauty of Rhinoplasty With Us in Sacramento, CA
At Facial Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Sacramento, CA, we bring years of experience and a passion for excellence to every rhinoplasty procedure. Rhinoplasty offers a range of benefits, from enhancing facial harmony to improving breathing function. With our expertise, you can achieve a natural-looking, beautifully balanced nose that complements your overall appearance. Contact us online or call (916) 480-9080 for a consultation with us. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your beauty with rhinoplasty.