Nose Reshaping Plastic Surgery - Rhinoplasty Santa Monica Los Angeles Beverly Hills

You may be a candidate for nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) if you have a nose that is cosmetically unattractive or does not "fit" with other facial features. Rhinoplasty may also be indicated for abnormal appearance of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.

Rhinoplasty patient shown before surgery with large nose, nasal hump,
enlarged tip and nose that hangs slightly where it meets the upper lip.

Nose reshaping is intended to produce a more attractive nasal shape and/or a nose in better proportion to other facial features. Rhinoplasty is done on an outpatient basis under sedation, and local or general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will decide which of the following techniques should be used:

• STANDARD RHINOPLASTY: Incisions are made inside the nostrils. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped to improve the external contour.

• OPEN RHINOPLASTY: Frequently used for difficult or larger noses. Involves one external incision across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision.

• TIP-PLASTY: If only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or external (open) approach.

• Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of rhinoplasty.

Incisions are made inside the nose to provide access to cartilage
and bone which can be cut and reshaped to alter the external
appearance of the nose. The bridge of the nose can be narrowed by
moving the bone inward, as shown by the arrow.

The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours. The cast or splint is usually removed in 7-10 days. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks. External sutures (if any) are removed in 4-6 days. Internal sutures will dissolve.

Areas where cartilage and bone have been readjusted to improve
the shape of the nose are shown.

The semifinal result of a nose reshaping procedure is evident in 3 months. The final result is evident in 12-14 months. An additional procedure that may enhance the result is a chin enlargement. If you need to improve your breathing, correction of a deviated septum (Septoplasty) may also be appropriate.

The postoperative patient with smaller nose, a straight nasal
bridge, better defined nasal tip and an improved angle between
nose and upper lip.

Rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance if being done for cosmetic reasons. If however, the nasal deformity is due to recent injury, insurance coverage may be available. Pre-authorization information can be obtained from your insurance company.

The specific risks and the suitability of nose reshaping for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

For more information about rhinoplasty - nose reshaping:

• Link to rhinoplasty nose surgery information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Link to Rhinoplasty before and after photos
• Contact us for additional information about nose surgery or rhinoplasty or a personal consultation with California plastic surgeon Dr. Teitelbaum