Rhinoplasty

Do you feel confident you’re putting your best face forward when you walk into a room? If your nose gets in the way of your best life by impeding your self-confidence, your breathing, or both, don’t hesitate to talk with Douglas Hendricks, MD, about your options for Rhinoplasty at Pacifica Cosmetic Surgery Center.

Dr. Hendricks is board certified in three types of surgery, including plastic surgery, and is dedicated to delivering beautiful rhinoplasty results to his patients. Call the office in Newport Beach, California, or book your appointment online to learn more.

What Is A Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Hendricks to reshape the nose in order to enhance its appearance or functionality. This transformative surgery is perfect for those dealing with any number of nose deformities that affect them in their day-to-day life. Some reasons people opt to receive a rhinoplasty include:

  • Their nose is too wide or narrow
  • They have a deviated septum
  • They have enlarged sinuses
  • They experienced a traumatic nose injury
  • Their nose has a visible hump
  • They have a droopy nasal tip
  • They have a bulbous nose
  • Their nose is crooked

What is Septoplasty?

Septoplasty is performed in order to correct a deviated or crooked nasal septum. The nasal septum is the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity into two halves. When the septum is deviated, it can obstruct one or both nasal passages, causing breathing difficulties and other related issues. To correct this, your surgeon will make an incision inside the nostril, and the deviated or obstructing portions of the septum will be carefully reshaped or removed to improve airflow and alignment.

What Happens During A Rhinoplasty?

To best align with your nose’s needs and your cosmetic goals, Dr. Hendricks offers two types of rhinoplasty procedures

Open Rhinoplasty: During an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Hendricks makes incisions on the exterior of your nose to perform the procedure. In some cases, especially when the tip of the nose needs to be reshaped or repositioned, an open rhinoplasty is necessary because it gives Dr. Hendricks the best view of the interior of your nose and the ability to reshape it. The incisions used during an open rhinoplasty are usually no more than 3 millimeters long and heal, so they’re virtually invisible.

Closed Rhinoplasty: If an open rhinoplasty isn’t necessary for your specific procedure, you may want to explore a closed rhinoplasty. In these instances, Dr. Hendricks makes needed surgical incisions inside your nose. That way, you have no visible signs of your rhinoplasty once you heal. It is also sometimes called a scarless rhinoplasty for this reason.

Can I have a Scarless Rhinoplasty?

You may have heard of a “scarless nose job”. While our patients eligible for a closed rhinoplasty procedure cannot see visible scars, there is truthfully no such thing as a scarless surgery. Surgical incisions always leave scars. It takes a skilled Newport Beach rhinoplasty surgeon such as Dr. Hendricks to hide them in such a way that they are not noticeable.

In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are placed inside the nose where they cannot be seen. In an open rhinoplasty, scars are carefully placed on the exterior of the nose, often making use of natural folds, creases, and underside of the nose, which present an ideal opportunity to hide the scars in a creative manner.

Rhinoplasty for Men

While nasal structures are the same for both men and women, rhinoplasty in men does have some distinct differences. In most cases, the internal and external nasal components are larger, their skin is generally thicker, and functional issues like proper airflow tend to be more common in men. In addition, men are much more likely than women to have a history of trauma, which must be taken into consideration when performing the procedure. Overall, men are seeking slightly different end results and present with different issues, and male rhinoplasty should be approached with a specific perspective.

How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take?

Rhinoplasty usually takes two hours or less to perform. Afterward, you’ll head home – wearing a splint and bandages – to relax and start the healing process. Dr. Hendricks lets you know what to expect as far as healing time based on the specific way he alters your nose during your rhinoplasty.

If you’re interested in learning more about rhinoplasty Newport Beach surgeon Dr. Hendricks would be happy to discuss the benefits during a consultation, including what the procedure can do for your breathing and appearance. Call his office or book your appointment online.

Rhinoplasty Candidates

There are several concerns that may be addressed with this procedure, including bulbous nose, wide nostrils, nose hump, crooked nose, injury correction, and functional airway problems. Our Newport Beach rhinoplasty candidates should be in generally good health and free from any chronic issues that could prevent good healing after surgery.

What concerns can Rhinoplasty address?

Whether performed for aesthetic or functional reasons, rhinoplasty can help individuals achieve a nose that not only looks attractive and balanced but also functions optimally, contributing to an improved overall quality of life. As a completely customizable treatment, rhinoplasty can improve self-confidence, reduce sinus issues, and provide long-lasting results, addressing:

  • Aesthetic Concerns
  • Dorsal Hump
  • Nostril or bridge width
  • Bulbous, under-projected, or over-projected tip
  • Nasal Asymmetry
  • Functional Concerns
  • Nasal obstruction, including deviated septum or enlarged turbinates
  • Improve sinus issues and drainage

Rhinoplasty Results, Recovery, and Aftercare

Recovery from rhinoplasty is typically relatively mild and low pain, but some tenderness and discomfort will likely occur within the first two to three days after the procedure. Icing and rest will be important during this timeframe to ensure proper healing. Most patients have some swelling that may be noticeable to them, but likely not to others, for about four to twelve weeks post-surgery. It’s important to keep in mind that it can take up to a year to completely recover and see optimal results.

Does Insurance Cover Rhinoplasty?

If the nature of the surgery is purely cosmetic, insurance does not cover rhinoplasty. Insurance may cover the procedure if it is done to correct a deviated septum and in certain limited circumstances. Your first step is meeting with Dr. Hendricks, a triple-board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in cosmetic procedures for the face and body. He conducts an examination of the nasal structures to determine if the procedure is medically necessary. This is information you may use to pursue insurance reimbursement related to the cost of your Newport Beach Rhinoplasty surgery.

RHINOPLASTY frequently asked questions

A “nose job” is a surgical nose reshaping procedure that is often done for cosmetic reasons, such as removing an unsightly large dorsal hump, making a large nose smaller, or lifting a drooping nasal tip. However, it may also be used to repair a broken nose after an accident or injury, as well as improve breathing that is obstructed by a deviated septum.
The rhinoplasty downtime is generally one to two weeks.
While bruising mostly subsides in the first two weeks after surgery, any bruising that remains may be concealed with makeup when the physician indicates it is safe to do so. Most patients feel comfortable with resuming limited social activity approximately seven to ten days after surgery.
Any postoperative bandages, including a nose splint, are placed at the conclusion of surgery. Dr. Hendricks will advise when these may be removed at a follow-up appointment shortly after the procedure.
All surgery has a degree of discomfort. Most patients find that rhinoplasty pain is quite easily tolerated. Dr. Hendricks will discuss the pain management strategy that is most suitable for the type of surgery you received. This may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, which should be procured prior to surgery day so that you have access to them immediately following surgery, as needed.
Yes, there are non-surgical options for rhinoplasty that can enhance the appearance of the nose without traditional surgical procedures. Often referred to as a “liquid rhinoplasty,” this minimally invasive procedure involves the use of dermal fillers to sculpt and improve the shape of the nose. Non-surgical rhinoplasty can be an excellent choice for individuals seeking minor cosmetic enhancements to their nose without the commitment, downtime, and potential risks associated with the traditional surgical procedure.
The cost of rhinoplasty can vary depending on the technique used and the scope of the surgery, along with what issues specifically need to be addressed. If you are undergoing septoplasty or if part of the reason for your surgery is for functional reasons, medical insurance may cover part or all of the cost of the procedure.
Small (>3 mm), carefully placed incisions are made either inside of or around the nose. Cartilage and tissue are removed and sculpted to improve the cosmetic defects that were discussed during the consultation, keeping your aesthetic preferences in mind.
Bruising and swelling are a common response to any surgery. Bruising tends to occur near the nose and under the eyes in the case of rhinoplasty procedures. You may be instructed on how to apply ice to the area to alleviate bruising. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to avoid damaging the nasal structures as they heal. Sleeping on your back, with your head elevated, is generally advised during the initial recovery period. Aftercare instructions are provided to each patient. Dr. Hendricks and his staff are pleased to answer any questions you have, both before and after surgery, to ensure your comfort and safety.

Most patients can return to work just one to two weeks after facelift surgery. For individuals that work from home (telecommuting), it may be possible to resume work duties sooner.

Strenuous activities should be avoided for about six weeks following the procedure. Any activities that may damage the nose, particularly during the first several months of the procedure, should be avoided. This includes ball sports and extreme sports
No. A rhinoplasty is a one-day procedure. This means there is no need for an overnight hospital stay. Patients can return home after they feel comfortable doing so. You’ll have time to awaken and recover in a recovery room attended by a nurse until you are ready to go home. It is normal to feel groggy for up to 24 hours after surgery. Since general anesthesia is administered, a friend or family member should be present to drive you to and from the surgical appointment.
In most cases, the results from rhinoplasty are permanent since the surgical alterations made are permanent. However, the length of time that results appear optimal can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the surgical technique used, individual healing processes, lifestyle choices, and when signs of aging begin to occur. In general, the procedure can provide long-lasting results, and many individuals enjoy the benefits of the procedure for a lifetime.
These are both potential options to transform the appearance of the nose. The best way to determine your optimal treatment is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hendricks. He can review your facial anatomy, discuss your specific aesthetic goals, and decide which procedure will most effectively and safely help you meet those goals.

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