California Rhinoplasty

California Nose Job

Your nose shape and size have a big effect on how others perceive you. If your nose is out of proportion due to being too big or too small, it impacts the harmony and appeal of your entire face. A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. Often referred to as a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty can create a far more attractive look when performed by a highly-skilled facial plastic surgeon.

Should I get a nose job?

The first step on your journey to a new nose is the consultation. Dr. Helen Allison will evaluate the size, shape, and projection of your nose structure carefully and perform precise measurements. With the help of a 3D imaging system, you will visualize various changes to your nose structure clearly, and a custom surgical plan established. Nose surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with a chin augmentation or facelift.

What is the rhinoplasty procedure?

Dr. Helen Allison prefers to perform an open rhinoplasty, where an incision is made at the base of the columella, the cartilage that separates your nostrils. Depending on your individual condition, Dr. Helen Allison may remove bone or cartilage, add cartilage with a cartilage graft (taken from the septum or the ear), and/or correct a deviated septum. All of this will be discussed with you in detail to fully understand the procedure, recovery, and what to expect in nose appearance once healed.

Benefits of rhinoplasty

A nose can be too large for the rest of your face, but it can also be too small, crooked, or oddly-shaped. The key to very successful nose surgery is creating the right nose for your unique features.

A rhinoplasty can:

Some patients may have a nose that does not function properly due to a deviated septum. A rhinoplasty can improve breathing issues by removing the blockages restricting airflow.

Rhinoplasty: Sculpting the Perfect Profile

The decision to undergo a rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is not just a cosmetic choice; it’s a personal journey to achieving harmonious facial symmetry whether you’re considering this surgery for aesthetic reasons, medical necessities, or both, understanding the procedure, its benefits, and what to expect can better prepare you for the experience.

Rhinoplasty: Unveiling the Art and Science Behind the Transformation

Understanding Rhinoplasty

At its core, rhinoplasty is the art and science of reshaping the nose. This surgical intervention doesn’t just modify a central facial feature; it can rejuvenate the entire face, bringing balance and harmony to one’s overall appearance. But like any art form, the final masterpiece is a collaboration between the vision of the beholder (in this case, the patient) and the artist’s skills (the surgeon).

The Components of Rhinoplasty

Reshaping the Nostrils
Reducing or Increasing the Nose’s Size.
Straightening a Crooked Nose
Adjusting the Nasolabial Angle

The Tailored Approach

No two noses are identical, so each rhinoplasty procedure is tailored to the individual. The surgeon’s role is to understand the nose surgery patient’s desires, assess the anatomical structure of the nose, and craft a plan that aligns the two. It is where the melding of medical knowledge and artistic vision becomes paramount.

The Medical Reasons Behind Rhinoplasty

Deviated Septum

One of the most prevalent reasons for Rhinoplasty is to address a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage and bone partition separating the nostrils. Ideally, it should sit centrally, allowing for even airflow. However, for many individuals, this is different. A deviated septum, where the partition leans to one side more than the other, can obstruct airflow, leading to difficulties in breathing. This condition can arise from a congenital disability, a traumatic injury, or the natural growth of the nose. Corrective surgery, called septoplasty, often combined with Rhinoplasty, can realign the septum, improving both form and function.

Birth Defects

Our facial structures are as unique as fingerprints. However, some individuals might have congenital anomalies that affect the nose’s function and appearance. These can range from underdeveloped nasal structures to clefts and other genetic factors. Rhinoplasty isn’t just about cosmetic improvement but restoring normalcy for these individuals. Furthermore, traumatic injuries sustained during childhood or later in life, such as fractures or burns, can distort the nasal anatomy. Rhinoplasty offers a solution to reconstruct the nose, making it functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Chronic Sinusitis

A condition often overshadowed by its symptoms – recurring nasal congestion, persistent headaches, and facial pain. Chronic sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that lingers for 12 weeks or more, even with treatment attempts. In some cases, the root cause of this inflammation might be a structural abnormality in the nose, like nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Combined with other surgical interventions, Rhinoplasty can effectively address the anatomical causes of chronic sinusitis, providing long-term relief to sufferers.

The Aesthetic Appeal

Understanding the Desire for Change

Before diving into the specifics of the procedure, it’s essential to understand the driving factors behind the desire for an altered nose. For many, it’s not about adhering to society’s beauty standards but about realizing a vision they’ve always had for themselves. It could be to rectify a feature they’ve always been self-conscious about or to make subtle refinements that bring out their best features.

The Bridge, Tip, and NostrilsThe Bridge: The central structure is often the first thing people notice. A hump, depression, or asymmetry can significantly impact one’s profile. Refining the bridge can lead to a more streamlined and harmonious look.
The Tip: As the most protruding part of the nose, the tip plays a vital role in the overall nasal aesthetic. Adjustments can range from reducing its size, making it more defined, or lifting it slightly to achieve the desired angle.
The Nostrils: While seemingly minor, the shape, size, and positioning of the nostrils can make a significant difference. Adjustments can provide a more balanced appearance, whether too broad, narrow, or uneven.

Harmonizing with Other Facial Features

It’s vital to remember that the nose isn’t an isolated feature. Its shape and size can influence how we perceive other facial attributes, such as the eyes, lips, and chin. A well-performed rhinoplasty ensures the nose complements and balances other facial features, leading to harmony and symmetry.

The Emotional Impact of Aesthetic Adjustments

Beyond the physical, the emotional and psychological boost that many individuals experience post-surgery is undeniable. Confidence in one’s appearance can radiate self-assuredness and positivity in daily interactions, career endeavors, and personal relationships.

The Pre-Surgery Consultation

Understanding the Purpose of the Consultation

The consultation is not a mere formality. It’s a personalized session to address your unique concerns, aspirations, and anatomy. This meeting ensures that you and your surgeon are on the same page before embarking on this transformative journey.

Your Motivations and Goals

Your reasons for seeking rhinoplasty are deeply personal. It might be an aesthetic desire to reshape what you’ve always perceived as an imperfect nose or a medical necessity due to breathing complications. The surgeon will want to understand:

Why have you chosen to undergo rhinoplasty now?
What are your primary concerns about your current nasal shape or function?
How do you envision your nose post-surgery?

This conversation helps in setting the right foundation for a satisfactory outcome.

Medical History and Potential Risks

It’s imperative to be transparent about your medical history. Past surgeries, allergies, medications you’re taking, and health concerns will be discussed. It helps minimize complications and aids the surgeon in tailoring the procedure to your specific needs.

Visualizing the Desired Outcome

How do you envision your post-surgery nose? What changes are you hoping to achieve? The surgeon will guide you through potential results using photographs, anatomical references, and often computer-aided simulations.

Delving into the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Open Rhinoplasty

What it involves: As the name suggests, the open approach offers a more “open” view of the nasal structures. A small incision is made on the columella, the skin between the nostrils, allowing the surgeon to peel back the nasal skin.
Benefits: The clear visibility of the nasal anatomy means surgeons can work with precision, especially for complex reshaping tasks. It’s often chosen for surgeries that demand detailed work, like significant tip reshaping or cartilage grafting.
Considerations: While it allows for a comprehensive view and detailed work, there’s a slightly more pronounced healing period due to the external incision. However, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, the scar typically becomes faint and barely noticeable over time.

Closed Rhinoplasty

What it involves: Contrary to the open method, closed rhinoplasty involves incisions made solely inside the nostrils. It means there’s no external scar, and the changes are made through these internal incisions.
Benefits: One of the most significant advantages is the absence of any visible scarring. The recovery time might also be slightly shorter, with less noticeable swelling. It’s an excellent option for those requiring minor adjustments or keen on a quicker recovery.
Considerations: While the absence of external scars is appealing, it might not be suitable for intricate surgeries where the surgeon needs a more unobstructed view. The internal approach might limit the surgeon’s visibility and access to specific nasal structures.

Choosing the Right Approach

The selection between open and closed rhinoplasty isn’t merely a matter of personal preference. It’s a collaborative decision made after thorough consultations, where the nose job patient’s desires and the surgeon’s expertise come into play. Factors like the current nasal structure, the extent of required changes, and even the surgeon’s training and comfort level with each technique can influence the choice.

Risks and Complications of Rhinoplasty

Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Prolonged swelling or discoloration
Asymmetry or undesired results
Breathing difficulties
Infection
Scarring

The Rhinoplasty Cost: Investment in Your Self-Image

Factors Influencing the Cost

Geographic Location: Much like real estate, the cost of medical procedures can largely depend on ‘location, location, location.’ Major metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living might have pricier surgical fees. Conversely, smaller cities or towns might offer more affordable rates.
Surgeon’s Expertise: Renowned surgeons, especially those who have established a niche in rhinoplasty, often charge higher fees. Their vast experience, proven track record, and specialized skills can translate to premium pricing.
Procedure’s Complexity: Not all nose jobs are the same. Some require a slight tweak, while others might need extensive reconstruction.

Understanding the True Value

When weighing the cost, looking beyond the price tag is essential. A successful rhinoplasty can offer:

Boosted Self-Esteem
Improved Physical Health
Long-Term Satisfaction

Who Is The Best Candidate For Mommy Makeover Rhinoplasty?

One of the first things we look for when determining who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty is the medical history and current health of the individual in question. When you come in for your initial consultation, we strongly recommend listing all medications and nutritional supplements you are taking.

Certain medications can cause contraindications during the Rhinoplasty procedure. Furthermore, the side effects of medications may remain after you have stopped taking the drugs. Therefore, we also need to know about any medications you have taken in the past two weeks.

If you are taking medications because your primary care physician advised you to, ask him or her if it is safe for you to stop taking them for a couple of weeks before and after your procedure.

People With No Heart Conditions

As with most cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures, you must be free from heart conditions to be considered a good candidate for this procedure. For example, heart disease or a history of heart attacks or strokes will preclude you from this procedure.

If your heart isn’t healthy, you can’t safely be put under general anesthesia, and your body may not respond well to sedation. Furthermore, people with heart conditions like heart disease often take NSAIDs or other blood-thinning medications daily out of necessity.

For example, baby aspirin is often recommended for individuals with high blood pressure who have a family history of heart attacks. For their safety, they can’t stop taking these medications, but they also can’t undergo the procedure safely while taking these medications.

People With No Lung Conditions

To be considered a good candidate for this cosmetic surgery, it is also important that your lungs are healthy. Lung conditions that may preclude your candidacy for this procedure include lung cancer, COPD, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

If you have a breathing problem, see your primary care physician immediately to have your lung health tested before you consider this procedure. Strong lungs are required to be put under general anesthesia safely.

People Who Are Not Pregnant or Nursing

It’s important to understand that you shouldn’t consider plastic surgery if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy takes an incredibly large toll on the body. However, a lot of energy is required during the recovery process.

To ensure there are no side effects from the anesthesia and you recover as quickly as possible, do not consider this procedure if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.

Again, you should not consider this procedure while breastfeeding due to the incredible amount of energy required to breastfeed a child and recover from a procedure. If you’ve had a child recently and are currently nursing, we recommend that you wait until you’ve stopped lactating to consider this procedure.

People Who Don’t Smoke

Something else we look for when assessing who is a good candidate for this nose surgery is whether a potential candidate smokes. To be considered a good candidate for this procedure, you must be able to go 12 weeks without consuming any nicotine.

You mustn’t consume nicotine in the first six weeks before your procedure because nicotine elevates your blood pressure. This may affect how your body is affected by anesthesia. Not consuming nicotine in the six weeks following your procedure is just as important.

Nicotine and all the other chemicals in cigarettes dip, stress out your body, elevating your blood pressure. Among other side effects of smoking, recovery is slowed significantly when your body is stressed.

People Who Can Pause Alcohol Consumption

It’s also crucial that you don’t drink alcohol in the six weeks leading up to the procedure to help ensure that your blood pressure falls within a healthy range when administered anesthesia. It is also very important because adequate hydration is one of the most critical preparation steps, and alcohol dehydrates the body significantly.

There are also several reasons why you can’t drink alcohol within the first six weeks following your procedure. Its effect on your blood pressure is the primary reason.

However, it’s important to understand that alcohol dehydrates your blood pressure. It’s a poison that your body eliminates as efficiently as possible by increasing urination and flushing out the alcohol, water, and micronutrients in your body.

People With Realistic Expectations About the Procedure

Another thing we look for when identifying a good candidate for this procedure is the expectations of the individual in question. What will happen during your procedure depends on the goals you are trying to achieve, but some parts of the procedure are universal.

For example, we will administer general anesthesia to numb your entire body and put you to sleep or local anesthesia and a sedative to numb your face and induce sleep. We will also sanitize the skin on and around your nose and use sterile equipment in a sterile room to eliminate the risk of infection during the procedure.

Your nose will only be broken during your procedure in sporadic cases, such as after severe trauma from a sports injury or motor vehicle accident. If you wish to augment your nose, cartilage is usually removed from your nasal septum, but it can also be taken from your rib, ear, or another part of your body.

People With Realistic Expectations

Yet another thing we look for in an individual considering these types of surgical procedures is realistic expectations about the results. During your initial consultation, we will provide a more in-depth explanation of the results you can expect. If you have concerns about the structure of your septum, those can be addressed during the procedure.

However, most people seek this Rhinoplasty procedure to augment the size of the nose or enhance the appearance of the nose. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with Before-and-After pictures of work we’ve done in the past for people with similar starting points and end goals to you.

However, you must understand it can take up to 14 months for your skin to heal and cartilage to settle, so you can’t expect to see your ideal results immediately after the procedure.

People Who Understand the Recovery Process

As important as it is to under what to expect during the procedure and from the results, it is also crucial that you have realistic expectations about the recovery process. Your recovery won’t be painful or uncomfortable because you can take certain painkillers to ensure your comfort throughout your recovery process.

However, you can expect to feel drowsy for the first 24 hours post-op and within 24 hours of taking prescription narcotics. And while, depending on your job, you will only need to take a week or two off after your procedure, you must listen to your body during the first six weeks post-op.

Do not rush into exercise, especially vigorous, and rest whenever you feel tired. Explain to your supervisor that you can return to work but may need more breaks than usual. Also, be ready to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of protein and fiber.

People Whose Facial Growth Is Complete

Good female candidates for this procedure are at least 18, and good male candidates are at least 23. At this time, the face stops growing, so we can assess the permanent structure of your face.

It’s important not to undergo this procedure too soon if you want to increase the size of your nose because it may grow as your body continues to develop.

People Who Wish to Increase the Size of the Nose

Remember, waiting to undergo this procedure until your face has finished growing is important. If you’re afraid your nose is too large, your face may grow, and your nose may appear proportionate to the rest of your facial features.

If, however, you’re afraid that your nose is too small and you undergo this procedure too early, you may need a follow-up procedure after your face has finished growing and your nose is once more disproportionately small.

As stated previously, there are several ways to augment the nose. Usually, cartilage is removed from the nasal septum and added to the exterior of the nose. However, there are other parts of your body that cartilage can be harvested from if it can’t be harvested from the nasal septum without compromising the structure of your nose and affecting your ability to breathe.

People Who Want to Reduce the Size of the Nose

While most people who seek this procedure wish to augment the size of the nose, you may also be considered a good candidate if you are concerned about your nose looking too large for your face.

For example, you may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are concerned about the width of your nose’s bridge, the length of your nasal tip, or the size of your nostrils.

Discover If This Is the Ideal Nasal Surgery for You Today

If you are concerned about the function or appearance of your nose, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. However, this procedure is not the ideal solution to every nose-related problem, and not everyone is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Schedule an appointment to determine if this is the ideal procedure for you.

Whether you are concerned about your nose’s size, shape of the nose, or function, we can help you improve your self-confidence and quality of life.

What Are The Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure Results?

Just as no two people are alike, no two rhinoplasty surgeries are alike. We do not use a cookie-cutter approach, but he looks at each rhinoplasty patient individually. He will listen to your goals for the surgery and plan the best approach that improves the appearance of your nose. We will give you the most natural results while restoring balance and harmony to the face.

Rhinoplasty can be made through an open or closed approach. The open approach requires that a small incision is made across the nose, while the closed approach is a surgical procedure that is performed inside the nose.

What Is a California Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

First, it’s essential to understand that it can take up to a year for the swelling to subside completely and the final shape of your new nose to emerge. Most patients will see a gradual change in appearance over the first few weeks as the tissues heal and the swelling continues to disappear.

The soft tissues of the nose tend to hold swelling longer than most other places on the body, so even though you will see a marked difference after three to four weeks, your final nose contour may take several months to appear.

For most rhinoplasty patients, the surgical site will be packed or splinted on the inside, and the nose will be covered with bandages on the outside to provide protection and support to your new nose shape. This dressing will typically need to be kept in place for one week, and your surgeon will then remove the dressing and any stitches.

Pain and swelling will be most pronounced in the first-week post-surgery, and you will likely have some bruising and tenderness on your cheeks and under your eyes for a week or two, but this typically heals.

In addition, your surgeon will give you specific and detailed post-operative instructions. This includes post-op care, medication schedules, and concerns to monitor. Following these directions will give you the best possible outcome.

Making the Right Decision

While opting for the most affordable option might be tempting, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime transformation for many. It’s not just about changing a part of your face; it’s about ensuring the change is safe, lasting, and aligns with your vision. Thus, while budgeting, always prioritize the surgeon’s expertise, the facility’s quality, and your comfort over the cost.