Your nose is the central feature of your face, but it should not be the most noticeable one. A nose that is too big or too small, asymmetrical, injured, or structurally impaired can affect not only facial harmony, but also the ability to breathe comfortably.
At UCI Plastic Surgery, we perform advanced rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty procedures for a full range of cosmetic, functional, traumatic, and congenital concerns. Whether you are seeking aesthetic refinement, correction after nasal trauma, improvement in breathing function, or specialized reconstruction for a congenital condition such as a cleft lip nasal deformity, our surgeons offer highly individualized treatment tailored to your needs.
Rhinoplasty is designed to improve the shape, structure, and proportion of the nose so it looks more balanced with the rest of your features. Septorhinoplasty focuses on correcting internal structural issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, to improve airflow and nasal function, as well as the nose’s appearance.
Our surgeons are experienced in both cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgery, including primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, post-traumatic nasal reconstruction, and cleft-related nasal deformity correction. We offer both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques and customize each procedure based on the complexity of the changes required.
Nose surgery is among the most challenging plastic surgeries to perform, so it’s crucial to choose a plastic surgeon with the experience and skill to do it well. To learn more about rhinoplasty and our uniquely qualified surgeons, contact UCI Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation at one of our three locations: in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Often referred to as a “nose job,” or nasal surgery, rhinoplasty is a surgical nose-reshaping procedure, performed to improve the appearance of the nose, restore full breathing function, or both. The goal of cosmetic rhinoplasty is to bring all facial features into better harmony to create facial balance and enhance overall facial appearance.
Nose-reshaping surgery is a highly customized procedure. Rhinoplasty involves a variety of surgical techniques tailored to the patient’s unique nasal anatomy and nasal structure. It can straighten a crooked nose, reshape the nasal tip, change the width of the nose tip, build up a weak-looking nose, or remove a prominent hump.
In addition to cosmetic improvement, rhinoplasty can also improve breathing, repair traumatic injuries, and address congenital nasal differences. Septorhinoplasty corrects structural issues that enhance the appearance of the nose while improving airflow. Our surgeons are also experts in operating on cleft lip-related nasal deformities, and specialize in complex reconstructive cases, including post-traumatic nasal reconstruction.
Why Might I Consider Rhinoplasty?
You might consider nose-reshaping surgery if you are self-conscious about your nose or feel that it detracts from the appearance of your face. You might also consider nose surgery if the structure of your nose impairs your breathing. Rhinoplasty can address nasal obstruction and breathing impairment caused by structural abnormalities, improving both function and appearance. In some cases, rhinoplasty can improve nasal airflow, which may benefit patients with allergic rhinitis.
Rhinoplasty is among the most popular facial plastic surgery procedures for both men and women.
View our before-and-after gallery to see what results we have been able to achieve for other patients.
The procedure can:
- Correct the size, shape, or projection of your nose to bring it into harmony with your other facial features.
- Improve the shape of the bridge your nose.
- Correct a nasal tip that is drooping, turned up, bulbous, or too wide.
- Eliminate a large bump or hump.
- Straighten a crooked nose.
Our plastic surgeons can reshape the structure of the nose to create a more symmetrical and harmonious appearance. The goal is to reshape your nose so that it harmonizes with the other features of your face. Nose surgery can also correct medical concerns, such as an obstructed airway or damage left by an injury.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you:
- Are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or appearance of your nose
- Want to improve facial harmony
- Want to correct chronic breathing problems
- Want to correct the results of an initial surgery
- Are not a smoker or are willing to quit
- Are in good general health
- Have realistic expectations for surgery
To find out if you are a candidate for rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation at UCI Plastic Surgery today.
What Happens in a Rhinoplasty Procedure?
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all rhinoplasty. Our qualified surgeons customize each nose surgery to the patient’s unique goals and the size, shape, and structure of the nose. In your consultation with the surgeon, we will discuss what you hope to achieve, so we can provide you with the best results possible.
To begin your procedure, your anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia. Your surgeon will then reveal the underlying structure of your nose by making incisions inside your nostrils or along the thin line of tissue between them. Your plastic surgeon can then reshape your nasal bone and cartilage to achieve the nose you desire and to correct any breathing problems.
Trained surgeons use various surgical techniques to make different types of changes to the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and patients are monitored in a recovery room before going home. The surgery can take between one and three hours.
Closed Rhinoplasty
In a closed or endonasal rhinoplasty, the incisions are inside the nose, leaving no external scars. A surgeon might use this technique when making subtler changes to the nose.
Closed rhinoplasty typically results in no visible scars, as all incisions are made inside the nose.
Open Rhinoplasty
In an open or external rhinoplasty, incisions are inside the nose and along the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils. A surgeon may use this approach when making more significant changes to the nose or for better exposure to the structures. The scar along the underside of the nose is almost invisible when the incision heals.
Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity Correction
Patients born with a cleft lip often experience changes in the shape and structure of the nose that can affect facial symmetry, nasal support, and breathing. These cases require highly specialized surgical expertise in addition to a thorough understanding of facial growth, nasal anatomy, and reconstructive techniques.
At UCI Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are experienced in treating cleft lip-related nasal deformities with advanced reconstructive rhinoplasty techniques. Treatment may address:
- Nasal asymmetry
- Tip deformities
- Collapsed or weakened nasal cartilage
- Breathing obstruction
- Septal deviation
- Residual irregularities from prior surgeries
Our team regularly handles complex reconstructive cases. As a team of multidisciplinary experts in cleft lip repair, we are uniquely equipped to care for patients requiring specialized, comprehensive care.
Other Options
In some cases, the doctor may pare down cartilage or bone to reduce the size of the nose or to smooth a hump. In other cases, they may add cartilage or bone to re-sculpt the nose’s structure. This tissue may come from deeper in your nose or from your ear. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary for patients with traumatic injuries or congenital abnormalities. For reconstructive nasal surgery, a skilled surgeon uses complex techniques to restore both nasal form and function.
Once your surgeon has reshaped the underlying structures of the nose, they’ll reshape the upper layers of tissue and skin over the new foundation and close the incisions. Finally, they’ll place a splint to help your nose heal properly.
The surgery typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the changes.
What Can I Expect in Recovery From Nose Surgery?
You’ll need to wear the splint for about a week to protect your nose and help keep it in its new shape. You can expect some swelling and bruising at first, which will temporarily hide the results of your procedure. Swelling after rhinoplasty typically decreases significantly over the first three to four weeks post-surgery.
Keeping your head elevated will help minimize swelling. The initial swelling will go down within a week or two, but minor residual swelling can come and go for as long as a year.
Most patients can return to work and normal light activities a week to 10 days after their procedure. You may choose to use makeup to help conceal any persistent bruising or redness. By about three months after your surgery, your nose will be close to its final form, and you’ll see the new harmony of your facial features. Your nose and face will continue to look even better over the next few months as the last of the swelling disappears.
Your surgeon will give you specific post-operative care instructions, including a schedule of follow-up visits to ensure your nose is healing well.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Orange County?
The cost of cosmetic rhinoplasty in Orange County can vary widely, depending on the extent of surgery, whether it’s a primary or revision surgery, anesthesia and facility fees, surgeon’s experience, and more.
During your consultation, our team will provide you with a detailed price quote based on your custom treatment plan.
Start Your Journey Today!
UCI Plastic Surgery is a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery. Each of our specialists is highly knowledgeable, trained, and committed to bringing our patients the latest advancements in the field. Learn how our experts can help you obtain industry-leading results by scheduling a consultation today.
Schedule A ConsultationNose Surgery FAQs
How long do the results of rhinoplasty last?
The results of rhinoplasty are permanent. Once the structure of your nose has fully developed, which typically occurs by about age 16 or 17, its size and shape change only minimally as you age, so nose-reshaping in adulthood provides long-lasting improvement.
Will my health insurance cover rhinoplasty?
If you have rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum or a closed or depressed nasal valve that makes it challenging to breathe through your nose, insurance may cover all or part of the procedure. Insurance does not cover elective plastic surgery done solely for cosmetic reasons. When rhinoplasty aims both to open the nasal airway and to improve your nose’s appearance, insurance may defray your overall cost to have the procedure done.
How old do I need to be before I can have rhinoplasty?
You should wait to have rhinoplasty until your bones, and particularly the bones in your face, have stopped growing or are near their final size and form. For females, this is usually by about age 16, and for males by about age 17, but the specific age varies from person to person. One way to judge this is by the curve of your growth chart. If you are within an inch or two of your projected adult height, the bones in your face are unlikely to change significantly, and you may be ready for rhinoplasty. If you might still grow another four to six inches, you should wait.
Rhinoplasty is often timed to help achieve a balanced and harmonious facial appearance once your adult features are fully developed.
Will my results look natural?
When performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon with training and experience in rhinoplasty, you can expect results that are not only natural-looking but also give your face a naturally attractive look. Rhinoplasty aims to improve facial harmony and facial balance by enhancing the nose’s shape and proportion, helping your features appear more harmonious overall. When done well, nose-reshaping surgery will make your nose less noticeable, so people focus on the harmony and balance of all your facial features.
Because rhinoplasty is a tricky procedure, in which millimeters can make the difference between success and disappointment, it’s crucial to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with demonstrated skill and results.
What are my options for anesthesia?
Most rhinoplasty surgeries are done under general anesthesia, but this can depend on the nature of the surgery being performed. Moderate sedation and local anesthesia may also be an option.
What can I expect immediately after rhinoplasty surgery?
You may experience swelling and bruising, and may have stents in the nasal airway to facilitate healing.
How should I prepare for my rhinoplasty consultation?
Know what you would like done, prepare questions, check your surgeon’s board certification, and know where the surgery will take place. You should also have realistic expectations for the surgery.
How should I prepare for my rhinoplasty surgery day?
Surgical instructions will be given to you prior to surgery. Please do not eat or drink the morning of surgery.
What should I do immediately after my rhinoplasty surgery?
Keep your head elevated and rest.
What are the risks of a rhinoplasty procedure?
Bleeding, infection, asymmetry. Some patients may require additional surgery or revision surgery to address problems or issues or achieve desired results. Approximately 5% to 15% of patients may require revision surgery, and revision rhinoplasty often requires different surgical techniques due to scar tissue and previous alterations. Septal perforation is a potential complication that may require specific management, such as conservative treatments or surgical intervention.
If I smoke, can I get a rhinoplasty?
Usually, smoking is a contraindication, which means the procedure could be harmful to you if you are a smoker.
What is the recovery time for rhinoplasty?
Recovery occurs within 4–6 weeks, but the final result will take up to 1 year following surgery.
When can I return to work after my rhinoplasty procedure?
This depends on the type of work, but 2–3 weeks in general.
When can I work out after my rhinoplasty procedure?
Typically, within 4–6 weeks.
Will my nose still be unique to me after rhinoplasty?
All surgery changes the shape and type of your nose, so a consultation with your surgeon is critical to understanding expectations.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
No, but it can be more uncomfortable because breathing will be affected for a while.
How can rhinoplasty improve the function of my nose?
Functional rhinoplasty concentrates on the breathing issues of the nose and can be beneficial to help with breathing difficulties.
How do I know if I need septoplasty?
You may need a septoplasty if you are able to breathe out one side of the nose or the other better – your surgeon can also look inside and determine if the nasal septum is deformed.
What is the best age to undergo rhinoplasty?
There is no specific age requirement, and it depends really on what you are having the surgeries done for, but we would want patients to be at least over the age of 18 for elective cosmetic rhinoplasties. Rhinoplasties required for cleft lips and palates can be done sooner.
Will I need nasal packing during recovery?
If septal work is required, yes.
Why is revision rhinoplasty more difficult to perform than primary rhinoplasty?
There is usually more scarring and structures that are not as “clean” as in the primary surgery. Revision rhinoplasty often requires different surgical techniques compared to primary rhinoplasty due to the presence of scar tissue and previous alterations.
What are some additional benefits of rhinoplasty?
Better functional breathing.
Is computer imaging a reliable indicator of what rhinoplasty can do for me?
Not everyone uses computer imaging. Like anything in surgery, a computer-generated picture is no guarantee that the result will look the same.
When is rhinoplasty covered by medical insurance?
Some functional rhinoplasties for breathing may be covered.
Where will my rhinoplasty procedure be performed?
In the hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
Schedule a Consultation in Southern California
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how rhinoplasty can improve the harmony of your facial features and give you a new boost of self-esteem. We have offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA.
The doctors at UCI Plastic Surgery are leaders in the field of cosmetic surgery. Through their teaching and lecturing roles at UCI, they stay current with state-of-the-art techniques and technology. With their advanced technical skills, they consistently produce better, more natural-looking results for their patients.
