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Your nose is the centerpiece of your face. It also can be a common source of anxiety when you are unhappy with its size or shape. The good news is that if you’d like to improve either your appearance, your breathing, or both, you have excellent options at Illuminate Plastic Surgery. Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 213,000 people have a rhinoplasty each year. Illuminate’s facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto & San Jose, Dr. Brittany Leader specializes in rhinoplasty and her artistic eye combined with experience and world-class techniques can help you to realize a nose that fits with your ideal image. Read on to learn more about this life-changing procedure and schedule a consultation with Dr. Leader for yourself.
1.5-3 Hours
2 Weeks
1
Outpatient
Rhinoplasty is a common surgical procedure used to sculpt, refine the shape of the nose and balance the face. At Illuminate in Palo Alto or San Jose rhinoplasty can also treat certain medical conditions, such as a broken nose, blocked airways, or deviated septum. Performing this procedure for cosmetic reasons involves a combination of art and science, offering natural-looking results when performed with the finesse of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Brittany Leader at Illuminate Plastic Surgery.
There are two basic types of rhinoplasty which vary by the type of incisions that are used to perform the surgery. In an open rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon will make incisions on the inside of your nose and on the outside across the fleshy part between your nostrils. The second type of rhinoplasty, termed closed rhinoplasty, involves incisions that are made inside the nose only. The surgeon will then lift the skin and reshape the bone and cartilage underneath it. Depending on your rhinoplasty goals, you can expect an improvement in your nose’s appearance and function.
Patients will choose to have a rhinoplasty to correct various cosmetic or functional concerns. A Palo Alto or San Jose Rhinoplasty can also have profound psychological benefits for patients who have always desired a more refined appearance.
Common conditions treated through rhinoplasty include:
You likely are, if you are in good general health and a nonsmoker. It is best to wait until you are at least 18 years of age to have a rhinoplasty in San Jose or Palo Alto, after the growth of your facial features have matured and are stabilized.
This is the single most important decision you will make when you decide to have a rhinoplasty procedure. For great, long-lasting results, don’t settle for less than the best. Dr. Brittany Leader has trained under some of the world’s top plastic surgeons and has helped many individuals to experience greater self-confidence and satisfaction with their new nose. Before scheduling your rhinoplasty Palo Alto & San Jose facial plastic surgeon Dr. Leader will review your medical history and perform a thorough examination of the inside and outside of your nose. In addition, she will photograph your face at multiple views and with several expressions, to fully analyze your facial anatomy. Listening to your concerns, she will determine a surgical plan designed for your personal goals. It is best to arrive makeup-free for your visit.
Dr. Leader performs rhinoplasty procedures at our state-of-the-art AAAASF-certified operating facilities in Palo Alto and San Jose. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with triple-board certified anesthesiologists. Your surgeon will use techniques best suited for you to carefully augment your nose into its new form. Once the procedure is finished, a splint or cast will be placed over the nose to maintain compression for about one week.
The first few days after rhinoplasty can be uncomfortable. You should anticipate facial swelling and bruising, and you will feel congested. The splint that was applied after surgery will be removed at your one-week follow-up appointment. It is recommended that you abstain from strenuous exercise and sleep with your head elevated for two or three weeks post-procedure to help reduce swelling. The quicker you alleviate the swelling, the sooner you should be able to see your final result. Dr. Leader may also recommend lymphatic massages to reduce swelling faster. While it may be difficult, it is important to try to avoid crowded places or rambunctious children and pets that may accidentally bump your nose in the healing process, as this can lead to complications.
If you have a rhinoplasty procedure to aid with breathing problems, you should experience better breathing as soon as the splint is removed. Your breathing will continue to improve as your healing progresses and swelling subsides. At two weeks post-procedure, you should be ready to go out in public without obvious signs of swelling. If you have any residual bruising, you may use makeup to cover it. At three months, most of the swelling will have disappeared, and you will have a much better idea of your rhinoplasty results. You may love the sight of your new nose at this point, but be ready to love it more when 90% of residual swelling subsides by the six-month mark. Final results are seen at approximately one year.
Illuminate’s trusted rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Brittany Leader performs individualized rhinoplasty procedures using world-class techniques to achieve exquisite results. She combines her elite surgical training and skill with a commitment to your safety and satisfaction. Call us today to schedule a personal consultation.
The majority of patients tolerate rhinoplasty well. One day after surgery, most patients rate their discomfort as “mild to moderate.” Your doctor will prescribe medication as needed and when appropriate to ensure your comfort.
All surgeries come with some risks, which will be discussed with you during your pre-operative visit. For rhinoplasty, these risks may include:
If your surgery is performed for a medical reason, such as to improve your breathing, your insurance may cover part or even all of your costs. But if your procedure is cosmetic, your insurance will not pay.
The cost of a Rhinoplasty can range from $21,000 to $30,000,, depending on the complexity of the individual case. The price includes all fees, such as anesthesia, facility fees, and all follow-up appointments needed. Some patients opt to pay for the procedure over time in small monthly increments by financing through CareCredit and Alphaeon.
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.
