Definition

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can be used in many ways to change the appearance of the nose.  It’s used to increase or decrease the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the nasal bridge, narrow the opening of the nostrils, change the angle between the upper lip and nose, help relieve certain breathing problems, or correct an injury or birth defect.  Many people are self-conscious about their nose, and feel it’s too big or misshapen.  Nose surgery improves the appearance of the nose by making it more proportional to the patient’s face, which balances the facial features. 

The best candidate for a rhinoplasty is someone who dislikes a specific nasal feature, like a large hump on the dorsum or a broad base.  During a rhinoplasty, your surgeon can dramatically reshape your nose depending on your desires.  He or she can remove the hump along the bridge, rotate the tip of the nose either up or down, or narrow the base.  Your surgeon can also alter the size of your nostrils.  The result is a nose that appears smaller and matches your facial shape and features better.   

Often breathing problems are successfully addressed with a rhinoplasty.  A deviated septum is the most common issue and your surgeon can straighten and reshape the nasal area during surgery if you suffer from this problem.  Breathing problems can be a particular issue in Bakersfield and the Central Valley. 

Overall, this procedure is an excellent solution for those patients who are unhappy with their nose, as it produces effective, permanent results that can improve self-esteem and confidence.

Consultation

Your safety and the results of your procedure are based heavily on your honesty and frankness with your surgeon during the initial consultation.  You need to answer each question thoroughly and candidly in order to help your surgeon make the best choices for you.  Your surgeon will want to know what specific elements you dislike about your nose, and what you want changed.  Your surgeon will make suggestions but will also listen carefully to your desires and concerns.  Bringing a photo of a nose that has elements you find attractive is helpful, though it’s important to keep in mind that your surgeon cannot make your nose look exactly like any other individual’s.  You should use this opportunity to bring up any breathing problems you may have experienced that could be nose related.

All rhinoplasties require a great deal of planning by your surgeon.  Because each patient is unique, and has unique needs, your surgeon won’t use a computer to plan your rhinoplasty.  Instead, he or she will draw a custom plan by hand.  This is actually much more accurate than a computer drawn plan.  Using the angles of your nose in relation to your face, your surgeon will use these specific measurements to judge what will give you the best results.  Your surgeon will show you the plans at the consultation so you have a clear idea of what the results of your rhinoplasty will be.

About the Procedure

Typically, a rhinoplasty takes between 2 and 3.5 hours, though it can vary based upon the individual patient.  It is done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.  A numbing agent will be applied to your nose immediately after surgery to minimize discomfort.  Your surgeon will not “break” your nose during the procedure, and he or she will not pack your nose.  This will allow you to breathe more comfortably after the surgery.  Your surgeon will use dissolvable stitches to close any incisions, and you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

The initial recovery periods lasts 10-14 days.  During the first week, you will wear a splint over your nose.  There will be bruising and swelling, but much of it will subside during the first two weeks.  You can return to your normal activities after this, like jogging on the Bluffs, or enjoying an evening at Woolgrower’s.

The final results of the surgery take 6 to 12 months to fully emerge.  It’s important to know that the initial swelling subsides greatly in the first two weeks.  However, gradual and subtle changes happen after that as the contours of the nose become clearer. 

What Rhinoplasty Can Change

While your surgeon cannot make your nose look exactly like someone else’s, he or she can make many changes during a rhinoplasty that will enhance your facial harmony.  Some nasal elements that can be altered are:

• The width of your nose at the bridge
• The size of your nose in relation to your other facial features
• Your nose profile, especially if the bridge has visible humps or depressions
• The tip of your nose, whether it is unnaturally upturned, is drooping, or is too bulbous or large
• The symmetry of your nose, especially if there is a deviation

Many patients report a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem following a rhinoplasty.  They are able to engage in all kinds of activities without feeling self-conscious. 

What is the Earliest Age a Rhinoplasty Can Be Performed?

A patient can achieve the best results if his or her nose has completed the majority of its growing.  Most girls reach this point sooner (14-17 years) than boys (17-20 years).  If a rhinoplasty is performed before the nose has stopped growing, the results may change. 

Why Beautologie?

Beautologie surgeons are among the best in the industry, and Dr. Brett Lehocky, who specializes in facial surgery, has a reputation for exceptional work and attention to detail.  Prior to joining Beautologie, he worked at Loma Linda University where he treated children born with deformities like cleft palate, as well as patients who had sever nasal problems due to accidents or cancer.  Like all of our surgeons, Dr. Lehocky wants to ensure each patient’s safety and comfort.