Facial Plastic Surgeon / Procedures / Nose / Rhinoplasty San Francisco / Rhinoplasty FAQ
FAQs
If you are considering undergoing nose surgery, you likely have many questions. We have assembled the most common questions we get asked by patients to help you understand the basics. Dr. Elyassnia has garnered a reputation as one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in San Francisco due to his surgical talent, artistry, and the ability to sculpt a new nose shape that appears natural and enhances your other features in the most aesthetic way.
A rhinoplasty in San Francisco is a surgical procedure often referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping.” It is performed to correct cosmetic or functional problems with the nose – or both. Of all facial surgeries, rhinoplasty is one of the most complex. The interior structure of the nose must be corrected, and may include resculpting the bone, cartilage, or both, removing excess, reshaping the nose bridge to remove a hump, narrowing or building up the nose bridge, correcting a droopy or bulbous tip, or improving the appearance of large or overlong nostrils to create a more pleasing facial appearance.
It is critical that your surgeon has high-level skills and deep experience in rhinoplasty. The procedure must be customized in every case – there is no one-size-fits-all nose! The skill with which your surgery is performed is extremely important – we know, as Dr. Elyassnia is often called upon to perform revision surgery to correct a poorly-performed rhinoplasty that has left the nose misshapen, the structure collapsed, or other problem.
Nose reshaping surgery must be carefully planned and executed so the result is balanced with your other features and enhances your other features. This is where Dr. Elyassnia excels and what has led to his reputation as the top rhinoplasty surgeon in San Francisco.
It is important that a person undergoing the procedure is old enough that nose growth has stopped, which is usually about fourteen years old for girls, and a bit later for boys. Other than that, there are no age restrictions for rhinoplasty San Francisco.
Several points are covered in your initial consultation, the first of which is determining if you are healthy enough to undergo facial surgery – most people are, but some may have a physical condition or illness that could make the procedure riskier.
We will perform a full health history, including whether you have experienced any trauma to the nose, the types of medications you may take, allergies, illnesses, or health conditions that could be a problem. We will perform a full examination of your nose structure, your facial proportions, and take digital images of your face to create modifications to evaluate what changes will be most attractive for your unique facial structure. We answer all questions and concerns about the procedure and take the time to educate our patients, so they have realistic expectations about the surgery and recovery.
Once you are under anesthesia, whether local along with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, your inner nose structure is accessed through incisions made within the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or in the columella, the strip of cartilage and tissue between your nostrils (open rhinoplasty). Open rhinoplasty allows for greater access and the incision, once healed, is virtually invisible.
The inner structure of the nose is then corrected, whether by removing excess cartilage, reshaping the nasal bone structure, or adding structure. Some patients need the nostril shape corrected in a rhinoplasty, which will be done in the same surgery. If you have a deviated septum that affects healthy breathing function, this can be corrected as well. The surgery typically requires about three to four hours to complete.
The most dramatic benefit our patients tell us is how much better they feel about themselves. An increase in feelings of confidence and self-esteem can be life changing. Other benefits include a more balanced, attractive facial appearance and improved breathing function.
Any nose structural issues can be corrected with a rhinoplasty, including a droopy or bulbous tip, a nose that appears pointed or sharp, a hump on the bridge, a flat bridge, wide nostrils, long nostrils, a crooked nose, or nose that has been damaged by any trauma.
The recovery is usually not as difficult as people expect. You will feel like you have a stuffy nose or a sinus headache, and your nose will be swollen beneath the bandages. It is normal to have bruising beneath the eyes, which typically is gone within about a week. You will need to keep your head elevated during healing, including during sleep hours, and avoid any contact with the reshaped nose so it can heal properly and quickly.
Plan on having a friend or family member drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first night. You will feel extremely tired and will just want to rest – the best thing for you. Patients with little children who could bump or jar the nose should have help caring for them. Most people are comfortable returning to work in one to two weeks – everyone heals at a different rate.
Any stitches are removed about a week after the procedure. We carefully monitor the healing progress of our patients and will schedule a post-surgery appointment soon after your rhinoplasty. We are always available if you have questions or concerns, and you will be provided with full, clear, aftercare instructions for you to follow.
We will fully review all medications and vitamin and herbal supplements you take, as some can lead to excessive bleeding. Any changes to your medication schedule will be discussed with your doctor.
To see the final result of a rhinoplasty requires patience! While your nose will appear normal within a few weeks, some swelling may persist for a year or longer. This residual swelling is usually not noticeable by others.
As the weeks and months pass, the refined, corrected nose appearance is achieved. The residual swelling of a rhinoplasty is the result of edema – the body’s natural response to trauma. The tissue collects and then sheds watery fluid as it heals. Most of the edema, about two-thirds, is resolved in the first month, with about 95 percent resolved in six months, and most people see any residual swelling fully resolved within a year. Take note that it is likely only you who will notice residual swelling – and your newly sculpted nose will already be an enhancing your other features – it can be life-changing.