Rhinoplasty Topics
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, can be performed for a number of reasons. Southern California rhinoplasty patients visit Dr. Sanders to address cosmetic issues such as a bump on the nasal bridge; to improve facial symmetry and balance; and/or to enhance airway function and improve breathing. Compared to other cosmetic surgeries of the face and body, rhinoplasty is functionally and conceptually a very complex procedure. Bumps or asymmetries of the nose can be eliminated or the bridge can be raised or lowered. Also, the tip of the nose can be turned up, turned down or reduced. The reshaping of the nose must be highly individualized so that the changes to the nose shape complement the other facial features. The specifics of rhinoplasty can vary greatly depending upon patient needs. In some cases, it is necessary to graft a bone or cartilage to the nasal structure.
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Good Candidates for Rhinoplasty
A good candidate for rhinoplasty in Los Angeles is usually someone who:
- Is in overall good health
- Is at an age where the nose has finished the majority of its growth (usually 14 or 15 years of age)
- Is unhappy with the size or shape of their nose
- Has problems breathing through their nose due to its internal structure
Types of Rhinoplasty
Each type of rhinoplasty technique has its own set of benefits and downsides. During your consultation, Dr. Sanders will make sure to take into account your needs and expectations before recommending the right approach for you. Keep reading to learn more about each type.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty procedures involve three total incisions made inside the nose, allowing Dr. Sanders to peel back the skin and to make more substantial changes to the underlying anatomy. Though it is a slightly more invasive procedure, the open rhinoplasty can often lead to more precise and significant results. Patients who wish to have more robust changes made to the size or shape of their nose will likely need an open rhinoplasty; while this option does come with scarring, it is usually so minimal as to be virtually invisible.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasties are made with just two incisions inside the nose. A slightly less invasive option, closed rhinoplasty may be a good option for patients who only need minimal work done. The recovery period for the closed rhinoplasty may be a little briefer, with somewhat less swelling involved. Closed rhinoplasty is scarring-free, and the procedure itself is less time-intensive than an open rhinoplasty.
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Choosing the Right Rhinoplasty For You
As a highly experienced nose surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Sanders performs two types of rhinoplasty: “open,” or external rhinoplasty, and “closed,” or endonasal rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made in the tissue between the nostrils. During a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are totally inside the nose. The decision of whether to have an open or closed rhinoplasty is made based on which approach is appropriate in achieving the patient’s goals for the surgery.
The goal of cosmetic nose surgery is to harmonize the nasal appearance with the rest of the face and to make the nose appear more attractive. At the same time, the airways can be improved by altering the internal nasal structures. As stated above, due to its intricate nature and the individualization required for each patient, rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures for a surgeon to perform. It calls for the highest degree of skill and aesthetic artistry. Dr. Sanders has multiple years’ experience performing the most complex rhinoplasty cases. His record of excellent surgical results attracts numerous nose surgery patients every year.
The Rhinoplasty Surgery
In an open rhinoplasty procedure, an incision is made across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils. Through this incision, the doctor will raise the skin, expose the nasal bones and cartilage and reshape these to improve the external appearance of the nose. This may involve removing bone or cartilage or adding cartilage grafts, either from the septum or the ear. At this time, the doctor may also straighten a deviated septum or make any other corrections to the internal structure of the nose that will result in improved nasal breathing. Once the changes are made, the doctor will redrape the skin and tissue over the nasal framework and close the incision with sutures. Nasal packing is not required!
In a closed rhinoplasty procedure, incisions are placed inside the nostrils, in the nostril lining. Changes to the nasal structure are made via these incision points, which are then closed with sutures once the surgery is finished.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The price of rhinoplasty varies based on the needs and aesthetic desires of the patient. During your consultation with Dr. Sanders, he will provide you with a price estimate that is based on these individual factors. Dr. Sanders also offers financing options, which create an affordable monthly payment method with low to zero interest. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanders, contact his office at (818) 981-3333.
Before and After
Dr. Sanders and his team have performed rhinoplasty procedures on countless men and women throughout the Los Angeles area, helping them achieve beautiful and balanced results. Feel free to browse these before and after photos from past patients to get a sense of how impactful a rhinoplasty procedure can be.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
After surgery, you may experience mild discomfort in the nasal area, and possibly a headache, for the first day or two. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help with the discomfort during this time, after which an over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient to reduce mild discomfort. Bruising and swelling of the nose and sometimes eyes after surgery is also common and should subside within the first two weeks. There may also be nasal congestion as a result of swelling. You will have a cast on your nose as it heals, which the doctor will then remove, along with sutures, about five days after surgery. You can usually return to work at that point, and resume exercise two weeks after surgery.
Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
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How Can Rhinoplasty Correct Nose Insecurity?
It’s no secret — many people in the Los Angeles area are unhappy with the way their nose looks. Whether their nose is too big, too crooked, too wide, or too bulbous for their liking, people often turn to rhinoplasty to help them regain their self-confidence. In fact, more people turn to rhinoplasty than any other cosmetic surgical procedure (other than liposuction and breast augmentation).
By working to straighten a crooked nose; refining the tip, bridge, or nostrils; or reducing the overall size of the nose, Dr. Sanders can use rhinoplasty to assist his patients in feeling and looking their best. He’ll take into account each person’s unique look to ensure their results fit the angles and size of their face for a natural appearance.
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Will Rhinoplasty Affect My Voice?
Even patients in the Los Angeles area who aren’t professional singers may have concerns about whether or not a rhinoplasty will alter how they sound. While some studies do show that people became slightly more hyponasal after a rhinoplasty, most patients had no change in vocal function.
Luckily, because Dr. Sanders is an extreme professional in the way he handles rhinoplasty, changes to the voice are rare. If patients have concerns about preserving the way they sound, he will avoid making any changes to the nasal air passage as well as intubation during surgery, as these are two of the main factors that can lead to voice changes. Because of this, he’s never had any patient complaints about vocal changes after a rhinoplasty, even after treating professional vocalists.
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What Problems Can Rhinoplasty Correct?
Rhinoplasty is a useful tool for a number of medical and cosmetic issues with the nose. Primarily, it can be used to help patients:
- Change the size or angle of the nose, especially when a nose is too wide or crooked. Many patients use this to balance out their facial features.
- Refine the bridge, tip, or nostrils, especially if there is a noticeable dent, hump, or bulbous shape to the nose or the nostrils look constantly flared.
- Improve the ability to breathe, as sometimes, enlarged turbinates, collapsed nasal valves, or a deviated septum can block the flow of air through the nasal passages.
- Repair the nose after an injury or accident, especially after the nose has been broken.
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Can a Rhinoplasty Reshape My Nostrils?
Yes, it is entirely possible for patients to have a rhinoplasty to reshape the nostrils. A rhinoplasty can be used to fix nostrils that are:
- Too wide and look like they are always flaring.
- Too narrow and don’t let enough air into the nose.
- Have notches or overhands that prevent the nose from being well defined.
To fix a nostril that’s too wide, Dr. Sanders will remove select tissue from the nose and then use a suture to help cinch them closer together, resulting a scar hidden in the nasal crease. To make the nostrils wider, he will use a strut to help stretch out the opening. Notches can be corrected with the use of cartilage grafts. A more symmetrical appearance almost always results.
Other Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
In addition to helping many Encino rhinoplasty patients achieve a more refined nose and facial profile, Dr. Sanders can also improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagging skin with a facelift. His extensive cosmetic surgery experience and skill has helped Encino facelift patients look fresher and rejuvenated. Visit the facelift pages to learn more about the procedure. Other facial rejuvenation procedures Dr. Sanders performs more often include eyelid surgery, neck lift and forehead lift in Los Angeles. Please explore the respective procedure pages to learn more about these sophisticated treatments offered by Dr. Sanders.
Are you unhappy with the size or shape of your nose? A rhinoplasty procedure helps balance the appearance of your nose shape with the rest of your facial features, resulting in a subtle, natural enhancement of your entire face that still reflects your own personal beauty.
Find out more during a private, personalized consultation with Dr. Sanders. To schedule this consultation, contact Dr. Sanders’ office at (818) 981-3333.
