Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, nasal reshaping, or septorhinoplasty, is a form of plastic surgery that can improve the appearance of the nose. It can also treat function problems, correcting structural abnormalities to enhance the ability to breathe through the nose. It involves a surgeon making alterations to the cartilage, bone structure, and nasal skin to create a patient’s ideal nasal contour.
Before and After Photos
Patients in the Orange County and Los Angeles areas seek Dr. Michael J. Yoo, M.D. for their rhinoplasty procedure because of his expertise and years of experience. This procedure can restore aesthetic balance and symmetry to the face, open up the nasal airways, and ultimately improve quality of life. For more information, call (949) 861-3340 (Newport Beach), (424) 209-9925 (Beverly Hills)or visit our contact page.
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About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is widely regarded as the most challenging procedure in the field of aesthetic surgery. This complex operation requires an intricate understanding of internal nasal anatomy, 3-dimensional shapes, different tissue types (skin, cartilage, mucous membranes), and long-term healing effects. (1) It is a highly detailed and technical surgery and is a direct reflection of a surgeon’s aesthetic ideals. That is why choosing a renowned plastic surgeon like Dr. Yoo is a wise choice for your aesthetic journey.
Dr. Yoo’s Personal Approach to Rhinoplasty
The objective of rhinoplasty is not to draw attention to the nose itself, but to divert attention to the eyes – what one normally focuses on during a conversation. While his primary goal is to create a subtle and natural appearance, the result of a well-performed rhinoplasty can be dramatic concerning the improved balance it brings to the individual’s facial aesthetics.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty surgery can be a primary or secondary operation. A primary operation refers to a patient’s first nasal surgery. Surgeons performing a primary operation aim to enhance all functional and aesthetic concerns in a single procedure. Patients receive secondary operations when they are not satisfied with the outcome of their initial nose surgery, or if unforeseen complications have arisen. Dr. Yoo is highly skilled at performing rhinoplasty on patients undergoing nose surgery for the very first time, as well as fixing any issues or concerns rhinoplasty patients may have as a result of a previous surgery.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Aside from bringing attention to the eyes, rhinoplasty can provide other benefits as well. It can alleviate patients of both functional and aesthetic problems that they have with their nose. Receiving the benefits of this treatment can improve one’s self-esteem and help them feel confident about their appearance.
Functional Improvement
The most common functional problem with the nose is a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a condition where the cartilage and bone that divide the nasal cavities are crooked or off-center, blocking the nasal passageway and making it hard to breathe. This condition can be present from birth or occur after injury to the nose. Dr. Yoo can include reparative nasal surgery, otherwise known as septoplasty, in a rhinoplasty procedure to correct this condition. Not only will breathing become easier, but septoplasty also has the added benefit of producing a straight and symmetrical nose. (2)
Aesthetic Improvement
There is no such thing as the “perfect nose”, but characteristics that people consider ideal are straightness, symmetry, and being “not too big yet not too small.” A rhinoplasty procedure with Dr. Yoo can reduce the bump on the nasal bridge (dorsal hump), narrow the nasal bridge, widen the nasal bridge, adjust the size of the nostrils, and much more. By addressing nasal aesthetic concerns and enhancing the nasal profile, Dr. Yoo can bring symmetry and balance to the face.
Who is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Ideal candidates for nose surgery are in good health and experience one or more of the following cosmetic issues:
- Nose width at the bridge is too wide or too narrow
- Size and position of the nostrils are too wide or too narrow
- Bumps or depressions on the bridge of the nose
- Nasal asymmetry
- A deviated septum (obstructed nasal airway)
Your face should be finished developing before you receive rhinoplasty. This typically occurs in the post-teenage years. Some potential candidates may be hesitant to undergo nose surgery if they are concerned that it will alter their ethnic identity. Rest assured that Dr. Yoo has many years of experience performing Ethnic Rhinoplasty, a specialized technique that enhances the look and functionality of the nose while keeping true to the patient’s unique ethnic appearance.
Personal Consultation
Consulting with Dr. Yoo at his Orange County office is the first important step of your nasal surgery journey. Given the delicate nature of this procedure, he likes to thoroughly discuss the procedure in a step-by-step manner. At this time you will share your nasal concerns regarding aesthetics and functionality, as well as your desired outcome. He will perform a thorough exam, taking into consideration your nasal structure, overall facial structure, and skin quality. Afterward, he will offer his expert opinion on which nose surgery technique will work best for your specific case. Since each patient’s anatomy differs, he will develop a customized surgical plan for you. He will also provide preoperative and postoperative instructions tailored specifically to optimize your results. At the end of your consultation, you can ask questions about pricing and insurance questions.
To schedule your consultation, call (949) 861-3340 (Newport Beach), (424) 209-9925 (Beverly Hills) or fill out this form.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Depending on your nasal anatomy and your desired outcome, Dr. Yoo will perform your rhinoplasty procedure with a closed or open approach.
For a closed approach, he makes the incisions inside the nostrils to prevent visible scarring. For an open approach, he makes the incision on the thin bridge of skin between the nostrils, called the columella. This external incision heals extremely well with Dr. Yoo’s meticulous care and will be virtually unnoticeable after a few months have passed.
The closed approach is useful for small modifications to the nasal bridge, whereas the open approach gives wider surgical access to the entire nose, including the nasal tip. Dr. Yoo personally prefers the open approach in patients who desire a full rhinoplasty procedure that includes tip work, as it provides him the greatest exposure to the nasal framework and the greatest accuracy and precision in making the desired modifications.
Dr. Yoo performs rhinoplasty on an outpatient basis with his patients under general anesthesia. The operation generally takes two to three hours to complete. After your surgery, we will transfer you to a comfortable recovery room. After a couple of hours of attentive monitoring by our friendly nursing staff, you will be free to return home to rest and recover.
Recovery
After your procedure, it is important to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Gentle ice packing also helps with swelling and bruising and should be done frequently during the first week after surgery. You can expect your swelling to decrease significantly over the following three to four weeks and will continue to improve with time thereafter.
For the closed rhinoplasty approach, the sutures are generally absorbable and need not be removed. We simply apply a thin film of antibiotic ointment to the inside of the nostrils to cover the incisions. For the open rhinoplasty approach, we use fine sutures to close the small, external incision and remove them after six to seven days. While the sutures are in place, we will have you apply the same antibiotic ointment several times daily. You should also periodically clean the incision line with diluted hydrogen peroxide. This prevents crusting and clotting and helps with the healing process.
If Dr. Yoo surgically narrows your nose or reduces a hump, he may place a splint on the bridge to help mold the area and minimize swelling. He also places internal nasal splints inside of the nose if major septal work is performed. We typically remove both within five to seven days.
Results
It is important to note that while some of the improvements of rhinoplasty are immediately apparent, healing is a gradual process that varies from patient to patient. Your final aesthetic results may be hidden by swelling for several months. The results of your rhinoplasty procedure will be permanent.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Rhinoplasty can bring beautiful harmony and balance to the entire face, and there are some procedures that, by accompanying them with nose surgery, can provide greatly enhanced results.
Blepharoplasty
As Dr. Yoo says, the goal of rhinoplasty is to provide results that naturally bring attention to one’s eyes, so what better complementary procedure could there be than eyelid surgery? Blepharoplasty is a popular plastic surgery procedure that removes lax skin and fat deposits from around the eyes to create a youthful, alert appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Another complementary procedure option is dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are injectables that can bring youthful volume to the face and improve facial contour by adding volume and reducing wrinkles. Dr. Yoo can inject them in the cheeks or lips for added fullness, and can also fill deep creases around the eyes and nose, further enhancing the patient’s visage.
To learn about the other procedures Dr. Yoo offers, visit our blog.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Newport Beach?
The cost of your rhinoplasty procedure will be based on the details of your procedure plan, such as the techniques and types of anesthesia that Dr. Yoo utilizes. To learn more about how much rhinoplasty costs with Dr. Yoo, call one of our two locations listed below or contact us online.
- Newport Beach: (949) 861-3340
- Beverly Hills: (424) 209-9925
FAQ
Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Rhinoplasty may be covered by your insurance provider if you have functional problems that need to be addressed, such as a deviated septum. If your goals are mainly aesthetic, your procedure may not be covered.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Like all major surgeries, surgeons administer their patients with anesthesia to prevent any discomfort. Patients may feel discomfort during recovery, but prescription medication or Tylenol can alleviate this side effect.
Does rhinoplasty leave visible scars?
The less intensive “closed approach” involves surgeons making the incisions inside the nose, so there is no visible scarring. The more comprehensive “open approach” involves small incisions along the bridge of the nose. This creates small scars that are partially hidden by the natural shape of the nose, and they tend to fade over time.
References
- Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/
- Altidor A, Ferri FA, Fadi Bakhos, Mascaro-Pankova A. Functional Rhinoplasty. Cureus. Published online September 26, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45993