The nose is the center point of the face and nasal size and shape are a key part of the facial appearance. The nasal shape should enhance your other facial features in a harmonious way and balance your facial proportions. The nose is also essential for breathing, comfort, function, and quality of life.

Rhinoplasty surgery, commonly called a nose job, is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. During rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped to improve its appearance and function. The nose is a complex three-dimensional structure that is not only the external nose we see but also has a large internal component that affects your breathing. Tiny differences in nasal shape, even as small as 1 millimeter, can make a large change in nasal shape or function. As a result, rhinoplasty surgery is an extremely meticulous procedure. Dr. Caceres performs rhinoplasty with the utmost finesse and precision and his comprehensive approach allows him to achieve the best possible results.

CANDIDATES FOR RHINOPLASTY

Good candidates for rhinoplasty have finished their facial growth. Girls should typically be at least 15 or 16 years old; boys should be at least 17 or 18. Patients considering rhinoplasty should be in overall good health and not smoke. It is important that candidates have realistic expectations about what rhinoplasty can do.

RHINOPLASTY RESULTS

Rhinoplasty surgery can and should address every problem part of the nose to achieve the best appearance and function. Some of the common changes that are made with rhinoplasty include:

Remove a hump Modify the bridge Refine or rotate the tip Straighten the nose

Repair an injury Open breathing passages Increase or decrease the overall nasal size

THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE

Rhinoplasty is usually performed in an operating room under general anesthesia to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable. The procedure can last a few hours but most patients go home the same day. To modify the shape of the nose, the underlying structure of cartilage and bone is usually accessed through small incisions inside the nostrils and just beneath the tip. The nasal structure is then meticulously reshaped to achieve the desired results. Oftentimes the nasal septum or nasal turbinates will be addressed to improve nasal breathing. A splint or cast is often placed on the outside of the nose. There is usually some drainage from the nose for a few days after surgery. Discomfort is generally mild and can be treated with oral pain medication.

RECOVERY FROM RHINOPLASTY

Most patients go home on the same day of the surgery. There is usually some drainage from the nose for a few days after surgery. Discomfort is generally mild and can be treated with oral pain medication. Bruising or swelling of the nose, cheeks, eyes, and upper lip can occur but are temporary. Most patients return to work in about a week. Nasal shape and swelling continue to improve over time. About 80% of the nasal swelling goes away in the first two months and a small amount can last up to 1 year.