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The nose is the central and perhaps the most defining feature of the face. If you like your nose, you will feel self-confident. If you dislike your nose, you will feel as though everyone notices and judges it. Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty) is one of the most common elective surgeries performed today and can have a dramatic effect on your appearance and self-confidence while restoring easy breathing.


What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for what is typically referred to as a “nose job,” or “nose reshaping.” Considered one of the most difficult of all facial surgeries, the procedure involves removing or adding to the nose bridge, reshaping the nose tip, narrowing nostrils, and an array of other delicate strategies to create a more balanced, harmonious, and attractive facial appearance.

Our nose surgery in San Jose can correct a number of different issues, such as:

  • A bump or hump on the nose
  • A flat nasal bridge
  • A bulbous and/or wide nasal tip
  • A long or wide nose
  • A hooked nose
  • An asymmetrical or crooked nose
  • Indentations on the nose
  • Large nostrils
  • Breathing problems such as a deviated septum

Rhinoplasty Before & Afters

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What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?

There are two main rhinoplasty techniques – open and closed. Closed nasal surgery does not require an external incision but is a technique utilized for refining the nose.

The surgeon does his or her work through the nostrils only. The external or open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the tissue between the nostrils (the columella). The scar is small and hidden underneath the nose. This approach is utilized if more extensive corrections are required.

Rhinoplasty San Jose

What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?

  • Helps reshape and refine the nasal tip, bridge and nostrils
  • Improves harmony and balance among the facial features
  • Enhances self-confidence and boosts self-image
  • Natural-looking outcome that is customized to your tastes
  • Long-lasting results
  • Can improve breathing and sleep

I adore Dr Cheng she is amazing. She does not rush does not try to up sell. She is very caring. I will never go anywhere else but to her.

- Dora L.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who is dissatisfied with the shape or appearance of their nose or who has breathing function problems is a likely candidate for rhinoplasty. However, other factors may impact your candidacy, and only an in-person consultation will ensure this procedure is right for you. For those who desire a rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons, we recommend that you wait until your nasal bone is fully grown. For girls, this is usually at around age 15, and for boys around age 18.


RHINOPLASTY RECOVERY TIMELINE

You need to plan for recovery from a rhinoplasty, so the process is smooth, rapid, and comfortable. The process unfolds as follows:

  • A few hours after your surgery, you can go home in the care of a friend or relative. You will not be able to drive right away.
  • For 2 weeks, bruising and swelling are common. It will take many months and even up to one year for your nasal tissues to mature and reveal their final shape. But it’s important to realize that within a short time (one to two weeks), the swelling will not be as noticeable, and you can reappear confidently in public. You can take pain medication, and we recommend sleeping upright for a few weeks to minimize the swelling.
  • Splints on the outside of the nose, and sometimes on the inside, will support the new structure for about a week during the healing process. Packing of the nostrils is not usually necessary, but some patients might need it for a few days.
  • Some minor bleeding from the nostrils is normal for the first week. It is important to avoid rubbing or blowing your nose for seven to ten days. You should be able to wear eyeglasses after a few days to a week, but Dr. Cheng will give you specific instructions depending on your specific surgery.
  • Most people take 10 days off from work (or school) after rhinoplasty. Slow walking is usually resumed a few days after the procedure, but contact sports must be avoided for up to six months if your bones have been repositioned.
  • We will remove your sutures in about a week. We will also see you for postoperative examinations to ensure you are healing well.

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Jose?

Out of all cosmetic surgeries available today, rhinoplasty is the most nuanced and difficult procedure to perform well. The importance of seeking out a true master of the art can’t be overstated.

Double board-certified in head and neck surgery and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Drs. Elbert and Jacquline Cheng are two such masters. With a combined two decades of hands-on experience in the operating room, they have seen and experienced it all and perfected their procedure and skills in order to produce the best and most natural results possible.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Will insurance cover my nose surgery?

While rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure for the majority of patients, if you have a breathing problem, a portion of your surgery might be considered medically necessary. In that case, some insurance carriers may cover part of the cost of the procedure.

What are the potential side effects of rhinoplasty?

As with all surgical procedures, you can expect a few short-term side effects and potential risks. Our doctors take all necessary precaution to ensure you don’t suffer from any complications, however the following are some potential risks: Discoloration, swelling, numbness, itchiness, or discomfort of the nose. Allergic reactions to anesthesia, infections, scarring, or labored breathing, which can be corrected through revision rhinoplasty.

What is the legal age for rhinoplasty?

As with all surgical procedures, you can expect a few short-term side effects and potential risks. Our doctors take all necessary precautions to ensure you don’t suffer from any complications, however, the following are some potential risks: Discoloration, swelling, numbness, itchiness, discomfort of the nose, allergic reactions to anesthesia, infections, scarring, or labored breathing.

Can rhinoplasty be combined with any other treatments?

Some patients decide to have a facelift, chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, forehead lift (brow lift), or eyelid surgery at the same time as their rhinoplasty for a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face.

Is the procedure painful?

Each rhinoplasty treatment is performed so you are comfortable and free from pain or discomfort, with the right amount of anesthetic administered. Relatively minor procedures may require a local anesthetic. However, we may use a general anesthetic for those who are more sensitive and for more extensive nose reshaping surgeries.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Our Palo Alto rhinoplasty procedure can be performed under local anesthesia if your surgery does not require repositioning bones. If the procedure involves breaking bones, then you will be given the option of general anesthesia.

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