For patients in San Diego who are unhappy with the size, shape, or proportions of their nose, a rhinoplasty may help. At the Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kaweski has years of experience providing patients with the subtle changes they desire to their noses so they feel better about their facial appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

The benefits of rhinoplasty are numerous. For patients who want to use rhinoplasty for cosmetic needs, the benefits include:

  • Reducing the size of the nose by removing cartilage and bone for a sleeker, more refined appearance.
  • Increasing the size of the nose by adding in grafts or implants for a shapelier look.
  • Altering the nostrils to be larger (which can enhance breathing) or smaller (to reduce a constant flared look).
  • Changing how the nose slopes or projects, which can be useful in balancing out the other facial features.

Not only can rhinoplasty improve your appearance, but it can also provide several medical benefits as well. These include:

  • Repairing the septum or using grafts to help you breathe easier.
  • Fixing a nose that’s been previously broken to help reopen the nasal channel and eliminate blockages.
Patient 1a Rhinoplasty Before and After

View Before & After Photos

Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

In general, the San Diego patients who make the best candidates for rhinoplasty include those who:

  • Are in good overall health.
  • Have a cosmetic or medical issue with the nose, such as the nose being too big or having trouble inhaling through the nose.
  • Do not smoke, as smoking can interfere with the surgical and healing process.
  • Are older than 16, as the nose may still be forming in people younger than this.
  • Are realistic about the potential results.

Of course, just because a patient ticks all the above boxes doesn’t mean they are a candidate. Patients who are interested in getting rhinoplasty will need to consult with Dr. Kaweski first before scheduling their procedure. At this initial consultation, she will be able to examine you to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery.

Since rhinoplasty is such an individualized procedure that can accomplish a lot of things, Dr. Kaweski will work with you one-on-one to learn about your goals and devise a treatment plan that helps you meet these goals. This ensures that you are happy with the end result and can walk away with a nose you love.

Our Rhinoplasty Process

Your nose is a prominent feature, so achieving the right facial balance is essential. Prior to rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Kaweski will conduct a thorough consultation to understand your desired goals. After an initial exam, photographs of your nose will be taken from multiple angles, and a digital image will be created. This allows you to see the various options and how changes to your nose will affect your appearance. Once you and your doctor decide on the desired outcome, a detailed surgical plan can be created.

Dr. Kaweski will then discuss recommendations for an open or closed procedure, review the changes to your nose, and explain what you can expect from surgery and recovery. She is happy to go over any questions or concerns you may have to help you feel as confident and comfortable as possible about your upcoming procedure.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Before surgery begins, general anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free. Dr. Kaweski will either make an incision at the base of your nose (open rhinoplasty) or inside your nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) and begin the reshaping process. This may involve trimming away bone or cartilage or adding additional tissue to achieve the desired look.

Following surgery, a splint will be applied to your nose to help hold the desired shape and offer protection as it heals. You will wear this splint for about a week, along with gauze under your nose, to stop any bleeding. Swelling and bruising can take two to three weeks to diminish. Remember that it can take up to a year for the changes to your nose to become permanent, though the difference will be noticeable after surgery once the swelling goes down.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

A rhinoplasty is a very personalized procedure, meaning that estimating the average cost can be difficult. Many factors go into the end price, including whether you are having an open or closed rhinoplasty, whether you are having the rhinoplasty done for cosmetic or medical reasons, and whether or not you’re having any nostril work done.  To get an estimate of what a rhinoplasty costs, please click here.

To know an exact amount you can expect to pay, we urge you to schedule an initial consultation. After examining you, Dr. Kaweski can provide a much more accurate estimate of what a rhinoplasty will cost.

If patients are on a budget, they’ll be pleased to know that Dr. Kaweski accepts credit cards. She also offers several financing plans to help patients space out their payments. Learn more about our financing options by clicking here.

What Is the Recovery With Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to return to your home immediately afterward (though you will need someone to drive you because of grogginess after the sedation). You will have an outside splint or two inside splints placed to help stabilize the nasal tissue. These splints are usually in place for about a week. There will be a small drip pad under your nose which you can change with gauze as needed.

Bruising and swelling of the nose and under the eyes is common and expected, and you can reduce this by sleeping upright and using cool compresses four to six times a day. While it may be tempting, you should not blow their nose for at least two weeks after surgery, as this can disrupt healing.

You may apply Vaseline to the outside of the nose to act as a humidifier to keep the air moist. Also the nose may be gently cleansed with a moist wash cloth.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Will a Rhinoplasty Hurt?

The rhinoplasty itself will not hurt, as you will be thoroughly sedated and unable to feel what’s going on. There will be some soreness and discomfort when you wake up, however. This pain should begin to go away about three days post-surgery and, in the meantime, can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications.

What Is the Ideal Nose Shape?

There is no ideal nose shape! It all depends on what a person likes as well as what their existing facial structure looks like. While many San Diego patients want to go as small as possible, this doesn’t always look the best if it doesn’t balance well with their other facial features. Dr. Kaweski will take the time to thoroughly examine your facial profile and then make a professional recommendation for your ideal nose shape. Also a computer generated model of your desires will be made to help you determined what can be done.

What’s the Difference Between an Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are just two different ways to approach the procedure.

  • In an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Kaweski will make incisions externally along the nostrils and fold the skin of the nose upward to gain access to the inside of the nose. This procedure offers easier access to the inside of the nose.
  • In a closed rhinoplasty, Dr. Kaweski will make all incisions inside of the nose, eliminating any external scarring. It’s harder to access the inside of the nose, so this technique is better for smaller tweaks.

Excellence in Rhinoplasty in the San Diego Area

Through her extensive training and experience in plastic and craniofacial surgery, Dr. Kaweski understands the intricacies of performing rhinoplasty. Small changes can have a major impact on how your nose looks and functions. She will work closely with you to create a personalized plan and help you achieve your goals.