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If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, or you would like to breathe more freely, a rhinoplasty in Santa Monica with Dr. Luis Macias can help.


What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is designed to reshape the nasal structure and create a more balanced and attractive face. Also known as nose surgery or a “nose job,” the procedure can be life-changing for patients of many ages.

Benefits of Nose Surgery

For those who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty can provide some or all of the following benefits:

  • Enhanced nasal shape and overall appearance
  • Improved facial harmony
  • Alleviates breathing problems
  • Improved facial symmetry
  • Corrects nasal bumps and humps
  • Straightens out crooked nasal bridge
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Reduces snoring
Dr. Macias talking about the common questions of Rhinoplasty

Common Questions for Rhinoplasty

Am I a Candidate For Rhinoplasty?

Adults who would like to improve the appearance of their noses could be good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery. Ideal candidates for nose surgery in Marina del Rey should:

  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Have a fully developed nose
  • Have the desire to adjust the size and/or shape of their nose
  • Have realistic expectations for the procedure
  • Be a non-smoker or willing to temporarily quit
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Smiling middle aged woman tying up hair

Types of Rhinoplasty

Depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient, Dr. Macias offers several different types of rhinoplasty:

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as liquid rhinoplasty, is performed with the use of injectable dermal fillers. Typically, fillers made from hyaluronic acid will be injected in and around the nasal area to add volume and improve symmetry. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a popular choice for patients who don’t feel ready or are physically unable to undergo invasive surgery. However, the results of the procedure are temporary and generally only last for around six months..

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is a procedure used to correct or improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty procedure. In some cases, patients may be unsatisfied with their nasal appearance after undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. Additionally, some patients encounter breathing problems after they undergo a rhinoplasty procedure. In these cases, Dr. Macias can perform revision rhinoplasty to correct the aesthetic and/or functional issues.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a rhinoplasty technique used to correct a deviated septum. The septum is the bone and cartilage that divides the space between the nostrils. When the septum is crooked, that’s known as a deviated septum, and it can cause breathing issues and increase the risk of sinus infections. During a septoplasty procedure, Dr. Macias straightens out the septum by trimming, repositioning, or replacing bone and/or cartilage. This procedure can both alleviate breathing problems and improve the appearance of the nose.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

When you undergo traditional rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Macias will perform either an open or closed rhinoplasty. Although these two techniques can both be very effective for enhancing the nasal appearance, they are a bit different:

Open Rhinoplasty:

During an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Macias makes two incisions inside the nose as well as one additional incision connecting them across the columella. This third incision is called a trans-columellar incision, and it allows the surgeon to open the skin of the nose and view the entire nasal structure. This allows for increased precision during the procedure and makes it easier to utilize certain techniques, such as cartilage grafting. Open rhinoplasty is typically the preferred choice for patients seeking major changes to their nasal structure.

Closed Rhinoplasty:

Like open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty involves two small incisions inside the nose. However, with closed rhinoplasty, there is no trans-columellar incision. Although this limits the amount of work that can be done during the procedure, it also reduces the likelihood of there being visible scarring and minimizes the amount of swelling after the surgery. Closed rhinoplasty is often a good choice for patients who require only subtle changes to the nasal structure and appearance.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Dr. Macias performs rhinoplasty procedures in the operating room under general anesthesia. The procedure time is generally two to three hours, but it may vary depending on the extent of the surgery. To begin, Dr. Macias will create an incision either inside the nose or along the columella, which is the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Through those openings, he will raise the cartilage and bones and gently reshape the nasal structure. This may involve removing bone or cartilage, or grafting cartilage to the area. If you have a deviated septum, he will straighten it to improve breathing. Dr. Macias will then close the incisions and place splints and gauze in the nose to promote healing.

Recovery After Rhinoplasty

After your rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll likely be kept for a couple of hours of monitoring. After that, you’ll be able to return home, but you’ll need someone else to drive you and, ideally, stay with you for the first night or two. Dr. Macias will give you thorough instructions to ensure that your healing process goes smoothly.

For the first week of recovery, you’ll need to rest frequently, but you should start taking light walks around the house as soon as you feel up to it. To minimize your swelling and bruising, you may want to periodically apply a cold compress to your face and sleep in an elevated position. After about one week, you should be able to start gradually resuming light activities around your home.

Most of our Santa Monica patients can resume their normal routines and return to work approximately 10 to 14 days after rhinoplasty surgery. After three weeks, you can resume light to moderate exercise, but you’ll want to wait at least four to six weeks before partaking in strenuous physical activity.

FAQ Rhinoplasty

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

The cost for a rhinoplasty in Santa Monica may vary on a number of factors including how long the procedure may take and anesthesia fees, please set up a consultation with our team at Aesthetic MdR to receive your personalized quote.

What are the risks?

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, nose surgery is very safe. Though risks are rare, they may include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection, poor scarring, nasal septal perforation, an undesired cosmetic outcome, and more.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

If your rhinoplasty is being performed purely for cosmetic reasons, your health insurance will be unlikely to assist with the cost. However, if the procedure is being done to correct significant breathing problems, your insurance provider may be willing to step in and help.

Will scars be noticeable?

If you undergo open rhinoplasty, there may be a bit of visible scarring after the procedure. However, Dr. Macias will make the incisions as small and inconspicuous as possible, and your scarring should mostly fade over time.

How long does rhinoplasty take?

The length of rhinoplasty can vary quite a bit, but on average, the procedure usually takes between one and three hours.

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