Rhinoplasty San Mateo & Redwood City

Redefine your profile with balanced, natural nose refinement.

Harmonize Your Features, Enhance Your Breathing, and Renew Your Confidence

The nose has a profound impact on both our self-image and how we're perceived by others. When it's well-shaped and in harmony with the rest of the face, it enhances our appearance without drawing attention. But if it feels out of proportion or interferes with breathing, it can overshadow both comfort and confidence.

At Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Mateo, we specialize in custom rhinoplasty procedures designed to refine nasal structure, restore function, and help you feel aligned with your true self, both aesthetically and physically. Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most intricate and challenging procedures in plastic surgery. That’s why it’s important to trust your care to Dr. Jacqueline Cheng—a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with 24 years of experience and advanced training from some of the world’s foremost rhinoplasty experts.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty—commonly referred to as a "nose job"—is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance, function, or both. As mentioned, it’s one of the most complex and personalized surgeries in facial plastic surgery.

Rhinoplasty can address:

A bump or hump on the bridge
A wide, flat, or crooked nasal structure
A bulbous or drooping nasal tip
Uneven or oversized nostrils
Nasal asymmetry
A hooked or overly long nose
Breathing problems, such as a deviated septum

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Enhances balance and proportion across the face
Refines the shape of the nasal bridge, tip, and nostrils
Improves breathing and airflow
Restores confidence and comfort in your appearance
Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results
Can be combined with other facial procedures for greater harmony

Rhinoplasty Before & After

View More Rhinoplasty Results

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

There are two main surgical approaches, depending on your needs and goals:

Open Rhinoplasty

An external incision is made at the base of the nose (columella) for full visibility and access. Ideal for comprehensive or structural corrections.

Closed Rhinoplasty

All incisions are hidden inside the nostrils. Best for subtle aesthetic refinements and faster healing.

Drs. Cheng will determine the right approach to create a result that is natural, harmonious, and individualized.

Please note: All rhinoplasty procedures are performed at our fully accredited surgical suite in Saratoga, ensuring the highest standards of safety, precision, and comfort throughout your surgical journey.

Schedule A Consultation

Am I a Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you:

Are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or symmetry of your nose
Have difficulty breathing through your nose
Are in good physical health and a non-smoker
Have realistic expectations
Are at least age 15 (girls) or 18 (boys), with fully developed nasal bone structure

During your consultation, our surgeons will conduct a detailed evaluation to develop a personalized surgical plan.

What to Expect: Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies slightly by individual and technique, but most patients heal smoothly with guidance from our expert team.

Immediately After Surgery

Return home the same day with a companion
Swelling and bruising peak during the first week

1–2 Weeks

Sutures and splints removed within 5–7 days
Most patients feel confident returning to public life within 10–14 days

4–6 Weeks

Resume exercise and full activity gradually
Swelling continues to subside

6–12 Months

Final nasal contour becomes fully refined as residual swelling disappears

We provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule regular follow-ups to ensure optimal healing.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in San Mateo?

The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on:

The complexity of aesthetic or functional correction
Whether revision work is needed
The surgical approach used

During your consultation, we will provide a transparent, personalized quote and discuss whether insurance coverage may apply for breathing-related corrections.

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is among the most technically demanding plastic surgeries—and requires both anatomical mastery and artistic vision. With over 50 years of combined experience focused exclusively on the face, Drs. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng are trusted experts in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery. What sets us apart:

Double board-certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Head & Neck Surgery
Advanced experience in functional and revision rhinoplasty
Specialized care for ethnically diverse and Asian facial anatomy
Private, accredited surgical suite in San Mateo
Highly personalized care and exceptional safety standards
Trained by the world’s leading rhinoplasty experts in residency
Voted the Best Plastic Surgeons in the Bay Area in 2025 by the readers of the Mercury News

FAQ Rhinoplasty

Will insurance cover my rhinoplasty?

Will insurance cover my rhinoplasty?
If your procedure involves functional corrections—such as repairing a deviated septum—your insurance may cover part of the cost. While we’re happy to provide the necessary documentation, you’ll need to submit the claim directly to your insurance provider.

What type of anesthesia is used?

What type of anesthesia is used?
Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of your procedure.

Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer for enhanced balance and facial harmony.

Will there be visible scarring?

Will there be visible scarring?
Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars. In open rhinoplasty, the small incision under the nose typically fades to near-invisibility over time.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most patients describe recovery as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Discomfort is well-controlled with prescribed medication, and congestion is usually the most noticeable symptom.

Ready to Breathe Better and Feel More Beautiful?

If you’re living with a nose that feels out of harmony—or you’re struggling with daily breathing challenges—rhinoplasty at Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Mateo and Palo Alto offers a highly customized, transformative solution. Trust your face to rhinoplasty surgeons who blend surgical mastery with compassionate care.

Schedule your private consultation today and discover the lasting confidence that comes from a beautifully balanced nose.