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Your nose is the most noticeable feature of your face, so it's natural to feel self-conscious if it doesn't seem proportional to your other features. While many people are born with this trait, others may notice changes to their nose caused by injury or aging. In today's world of video calls and selfies, having a nose that you feel is “too much” can limit your overall confidence. At Illuminate Plastic Surgery, our team of highly skilled San Jose and Palo Alto rhinoplasty surgeons, with decades of experience, believe that nose reshaping isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about having highly personalized options that bring harmony with your unique facial features. We take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and expectations, so you can look and feel your best for years to come.
The characteristics of your nose are shaped by a combination of bone structure, cartilage framework, and the skin that covers it. If your nose appears too wide, long, or uneven, it is important to recognize that these characteristics are often influenced by genetics.
Some patients notice changes after a broken nose or trauma, leading to uneven healing of bone or cartilage. Others deal with a deviated septum, which can affect both the look and function of the nose. Regardless of the reason, Illuminate Plastic Surgery offers safe cosmetic procedures that can reshape a bulbous or misshapen nose, improving both its appearance and function.
Nose reshaping is an umbrella term that encompasses any procedure designed to bring your nose into better proportion with the rest of your face. At Illuminate, this may mean surgical rhinoplasty or non-surgical dermal fillers.
Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job,” is one of the most frequently requested plastic surgery procedures worldwide. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or with a tiny external cut (open rhinoplasty) to lift the skin. Then, they reshape the bone and cartilage to reduce bumps, refine the tip, narrow the bridge, or correct asymmetry. Rhinoplasty also creates functional improvements, such as correcting a deviated septum or a nasal septal perforation. These adjustments not only improve breathing but also support the nose’s overall structure, resulting in a natural-looking outcome.
Non-surgical nose reshaping uses injectable fillers, typically hyaluronic acid, to smooth a nasal hump, lift a drooping tip, or enhance symmetry. Performed in the office under local anesthesia or numbing cream, this procedure improves the nose's appearance without altering its size or cartilage. Many patients choose it for immediate results and minimal recovery time.
A bulbous tip nose has a rounded, swollen, or fleshy tip. Reshaping involves trimming, reshaping, and repositioning cartilage to create a narrower, more defined appearance.
A bridge that is too wide or flat may overshadow other facial features. Reshaping reduces and narrows the width of your nasal bridge.
This is a bump or protrusion on the bridge of the nose. This can be corrected by surgically smoothing the excess bone and cartilage. In some cases, a straighter appearance can be achieved by using fillers in the areas above and below the bump.
If your nose is not aligned along a straight vertical line down the center of your face, surgery can reshape the bone, cartilage, and connective tissues. In cases of a deviated septum, surgery can also significantly improve your breathing.
When your nostrils seem wide or uneven (a different shape or size than the other), small amounts of excess tissue can be surgically removed to reduce the width or adjust the shape.
A nasal tip that points downward instead of being neutral or upturned often makes your nose look more "hooked" or longer. Surgery corrects a droopy nose tip by permanently rotating the tip upward, while fillers can be strategically placed for a temporary lift.
At Illuminate Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of nose reshaping procedures designed to enhance your confidence in photos and social settings, while in some cases, also improving your breathing. Our patients report the following benefits:
Most healthy adults unhappy with the shape or size of their nose, or those who could benefit from improved breathing, are good candidates for nose reshaping. You should be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking before surgery and during recovery. During your initial consultation, we will help you set realistic expectations that align with your desired results. Some nose reshaping methods pose risks for patients with health issues like poor healing, scarring, or other concerns. Thick skin can also impact results, but we will be sure to inform you of limitations before any procedure.
During your initial consultation at our San Jose or Palo Alto office, we’ll take photos and use imaging tools to help you visualize your results. We’ll also thoroughly review your medical history and address any potential concerns. Additionally, we’ll suggest other treatments or procedures that can further enhance your final outcome. Before surgery, you may need lab work and will be advised to avoid certain medications. We also ask you to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. For dermal fillers, preparation is minimal; however, avoiding alcohol or blood-thinning supplements helps reduce the risk of skin discoloration or other issues, such as swelling.
Surgical rhinoplasty may be performed under either general or local anesthesia. Our surgeon alters your nasal structure by reshaping the cartilage and bone. Depending on whether open or closed rhinoplasty is selected, the incisions are either concealed inside the nostrils or placed discreetly at the base of the nose. Surgical rhinoplasty typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to complete. Afterwards, you will likely experience swelling and bruising, however, keeping the head elevated reduces pressure and speeds recovery.
This non-surgical treatment is performed in the office using topical numbing agents. The doctor injects filler into specific areas of the nose to smooth out irregularities, improve symmetry, or refine minor concerns. The entire procedure lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with only minimal swelling afterward.
Rhinoplasty permanently reshapes the nose, with results that gradually improve as swelling decreases. Although healing takes time, your final outcome is a natural-looking result that balances both the appearance and function of your face. Our patients often find that features like the eyes or lips become more noticeable once the nose is refined. Filler results become visible right away. They can also give the appearance of smoother lines and improved balance, but need to be refreshed approximately once a year to maintain the effect.
You will wear a small splint and experience swelling and bruising in the first week. Pain is manageable, and scarring is minimal due to small, precise incisions. Bruising and swelling typically improve within two to three weeks, but exercise may take six weeks or more to return to normal. Subtle changes occur for months as the nose heals and finalizes its shape.
Most patients experience only slight swelling or mild skin discoloration for a few days. Makeup can typically be applied right away, and normal activities can be resumed on the same day.
At Illuminate, we blend advanced training with a highly personalized approach to care. Our team of rhinoplasty specialists are experts in structure, aesthetics, and creating natural-looking results. From your initial consultation to aftercare, we are committed to supporting you throughout your entire journey.
Since there’s no “one size fits all” approach to nose reshaping procedures, costs differ from patient to patient. Permanent surgical methods are more complex and tend to cost more than non-surgical dermal fillers. Filler treatments are less expensive but require repeated visits to maintain results. We will always provide a comprehensive quote prior to any procedure.
Fillers offer a more affordable option for smoothing bumps and minor reshaping. However, you will need to consider the costs of maintenance through repeated visits. Surgical rhinoplasty is the only reshaping method that provides true size reduction and permanent results.
Surgical rhinoplasty permanently reshapes the bone and cartilage framework. Filler results last from six months to 18 months.
Most patients can resume normal activities within two weeks after rhinoplasty, although swelling may last for several weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activity for about six weeks.
Dermal fillers are the least intrusive option, with no incisions and minimal swelling.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
