Rhinoplasty Surgery in Santa Monica, CA

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Good candidates for nose surgery are unhappy with some aspect of their nose’s appearance or function. You should also be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about the results. Nose surgery can be performed at any age, but it is usually recommended to wait until the nose has reached its adult size and shape. Those with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or respiratory problems, may not be suitable candidates. Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder should be carefully evaluated or referred for psychiatric assessment, as this condition can affect postoperative satisfaction and is considered a contraindication for rhinoplasty. Consulting with a qualified facial plastic surgeon will help determine if rhinoplasty is right for you and ensure that your goals match what the cosmetic surgery can achieve.

Rhinoplasty Surgery for Teenagers

Teens can be candidates for rhinoplasty surgery, especially if they experience unnecessary teasing at school because of their noses. The nose must be fully developed, which occurs around age 16 for girls and 17 years for boys. During their consultation, your teen will be evaluated by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chia Chi Kao. Rhinoplasty can also help teens with breathing problems due to structural nasal obstructions.

How Is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?

The first step of all nose reshaping surgeries is the consultation. Your rhinoplasty consultation is the time for you to express your concerns and goals and have your candidacy confirmed.

During your consultation, Dr. Kao will review your medical history and evaluate your nasal anatomy, including your external nasal anatomy and internal nasal anatomy. He will answer your questions and share his qualifications, experience, credentials, and before-and-after rhinoplasty photos. This will help you feel confident in your choice and ensure that your surgeon can deliver the rhinoplasty results you desire. At this stage, Dr. Kao will also discuss the various rhinoplasty techniques available and explain how selecting the appropriate surgical technique is essential to address your unique nasal anatomy and achieve your specific aesthetic goals.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that Dr. Kao typically performs under propofol sedation. Long-acting local anesthetic injections are administered to minimize postoperative pain and improve patient comfort. During this plastic surgery procedure, the outer nasal tissue layer is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage structure. The surgeon carefully works with the cartilage underneath to reshape the nose. Depending on the correction needed, Dr. Kao either removes, adds, or reshapes the cartilage to improve the appearance of your nose.

Cartilage is often taken from the nasal septum to shape and mold the new contours of the nose. However, if there is not enough cartilage available from the septum, ear cartilage may be used. Once Dr. Kao has sculpted your new nose, the tissue layer is redraped, and your incisions are closed. Nasal packing and splints are applied to help support your new nasal structure.

Rhinoplasty Techniques

• Open Rhinoplasty: The open rhinoplasty utilizes an incision at the outer base of the nose between the nostrils. Although the open rhinoplasty technique may result in minor visible scarring, it provides your plastic surgeon with better visibility to adjust the underlying nasal structures.
• Closed Rhinoplasty: With a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions inside the nasal cavity. The closed rhinoplasty technique prevents any visible scarring and leaves the patient’s nose looking untouched, which is why it is Dr. Kao’s preferred technique.
• Septoplasty: A septoplasty is a functional rhinoplasty technique performed on patients with a deviated septum. A deviated septum is a structural abnormality of the cartilage that separates your nasal passages. Deviated septums are a common cause of breathing abnormalities. Nasal reconstruction can improve breathing function and reduce congestion.
• Revision Rhinoplasty: Revision rhinoplasty is performed to address concerns following a previous nose surgery. Patients may seek rhinoplasty revision to correct breathing difficulties, refine cosmetic results, or fix structural issues that were not resolved or were caused by the initial rhinoplasty surgery. Because revision rhinoplasty cases are often more complex, they require a careful, individualized approach. Dr. Kao draws on his extensive experience in revision rhinoplasty surgery to restore both function and balance to the nose.

Dr. Kao prefers to perform the closed rhinoplasty technique whenever possible. Instead of using general anesthesia, Dr Kao uses local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation to provide relaxation without full unconsciousness. This is a more difficult and time-consuming technique since it involves working through a small incision about the size of a keyhole.

Dr. Kao’s primary goal is to ensure that each patient’s nose appears natural and untouched, with no visible scarring. The majority of Dr. Kao’s rhinoplasty procedures are performed using the closed technique. Only on rare occasions will the open rhinoplasty technique be used, such as when an extensive nasal tip reconstruction is needed.

Maintaining Balance

As part of cosmetic nose surgery, Dr. Kao focuses primarily on creating a symmetrical and well-proportioned nose. While many surgeons mainly target the bridge and length of the nose, Dr. Kao also looks at other nasal features to ensure a natural appearance. He looks at the shape of the nostrils and how they relate to the nasal tip to correct notched or flared nostrils.

Dr. Kao also utilizes techniques to maintain or create nostrils that are proportionate to the rest of the nose and face. He also works to improve the functional part of breathing. His meticulous attention to detail allows him to create a better balance between the size and shape of your nose and your other facial features. Improving nasal function is also a key aspect of achieving a balanced and functional nose.

What Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

Following your rhinoplasty surgery, you will experience bruising, swelling, and redness during your recovery period. Some patients experience minor discomfort associated with swelling and nasal packing. Patients may experience moderate pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It may take some time to adjust to this nasal obstruction, which is necessary for recovery. Oral medication will be prescribed to control any associated pain.

All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to stay at an aftercare facility. KO’AN Recovery Center is a post-surgical aftercare facility situated just across the street from Dr. Kao’s surgical facility within a federally and state-licensed healthcare center.

For several days following your nose job, you will need to rest with your head elevated to minimize swelling. You should not engage in any physical activities during this time. Your surgical packing will be removed after four to seven days. Nasal splints, if placed, will be removed after seven days. Dr. Kao prefers to tape the nose with skin-colored paper tape for a week or two after the removal of the splint, depending on the amount of tip swelling.

Most patients can return to work within two weeks of their nasal surgery. You can resume strenuous physical activities, including your regular exercise routine, after three to four weeks, but only with clearance from Dr. Kao. By this time, most major swelling should have subsided. In cases requiring a revision rhinoplasty procedure, minor swelling can last for up to a year and may slightly affect the overall appearance of your nose. While initial healing takes weeks, it can take up to a year for the nose to heal completely.

You should not expose your nose to direct sunlight for several months following your nose job. This is to ensure the best healing possible. Due to weak nasal structures, if the nasal bones are moved, you may not be able to wear glasses for several weeks after your procedure without special support.

When Will I See My Rhinoplasty Results?

While it may take up to a year to see the final results of your nose job surgery, you will see subtle changes within three to four weeks as swelling and bruising subside. Over the next few months, your new nose contours gradually become more obvious, revealing your final results between six months and one year.

How Much Does a Rhinoplasty Cost in Santa Monica, CA?

The cost of rhinoplasty in Santa Monica, CA, varies depending on the technique used, as well as surgical, facility, and anesthesia fees. Additional factors include the surgeon’s expertise and location. You will receive a detailed nose job cost for your procedure during your Santa Monica rhinoplasty consultation.