Rhinoplasty in Los Alamitos, CA

A rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping surgery to improve the appearance and/or function of the nose. There are several approaches to rhinoplasty used to balance the proportions of your nose for a cosmetic improvement. Other approaches can correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects or trauma from an injury. The goal of rhinoplasty is to create a balance of the facial features and sometimes to restore obstructed airways. Los Alamitos, CA triple board-certified plastic surgeon William P. Aiello is an experienced nose and facial surgeon. He performs rhinoplasty surgery with a conservative approach to allow for soft and natural results. Although rhinoplasty consists of delicate changes, results tend to be very dramatic. Nose surgery at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center can be recommended to make a nose appear smaller in size or change a nose that is wide, too large, or misshapen. The objective is to allow for a more aesthetically appealing nose that meets your cosmetic desires and functions well. Read more below for information on rhinoplasty before you contact Ocean Plastic Surgery Center to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Adults and teenagers over 16 years of age are candidates for nose surgery. If you find yourself frustrated with the appearance of your nose and have distinct issues you hope to improve, enhance, or correct, this procedure may be the right course of action. It's very important that expectations are understood as your nose and facial profile will be altered. Furthermore, facial growth and maturity should also be complete before having this procedure. This will be addressed during your consultation, especially for adolescents. The most common concerns Dr. Aiello addresses with rhinoplasty are:

• Nose size in relation to facial balance
• Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
• Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
• Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned, or hooked
• Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
• Nasal asymmetry

Most rhinoplasty surgeries are straightforward in their approach. However, there is occasionally a need for cartilage grafting or nasal implants to correct depressions and acquired deformities.

Nose surgery is performed while the patient is under sedation, such as general anesthesia, and is an outpatient procedure. This treatment is done via different surgical methods, depending on what is being addressed. Dr. Aiello performs rhinoplasty using either a closed procedure or an open procedure. In a closed procedure, incisions are hidden inside the nose; in an open procedure, an incision is made across the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through these incisions, the soft tissues that cover the nose are gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose. The nasal features are repositioned, and the skin is draped over the newly structured framework. Stitches are positioned either on the inside portion of the nose or within the natural external fold.

Upon completion of your nose surgery, you will rest comfortably in the recovery space, and then our nurses will release you to recover at home. The nose and the surrounding area will be swollen, bruised, and sore for the first few days. In almost all patients, there is some discoloration beneath the eyes in addition to the nose. Consistently using cold compresses and inflammatory medications can assist with these effects. Your post-op check-up with Dr. Aiello will be scheduled within 72 hours after surgery to assess your healing progress. It takes around 2 – 4 weeks to look normal following nose surgery during which time strenuous exertion should be avoided. It can take up to a year for your new nose to be fully refined.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty varies based on what technique is used and how complex your procedure is. Before estimating costs, Dr. Aiello will listen to your concerns and goals to help develop your custom treatment plan. When this is done, he can discuss costs for the facility, anesthesia, and more. For your best results, it's important to focus on selecting an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Aiello, instead of the lowest cost. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Ocean Plastic Surgery Center accepts several payment methods, and our office can help you find low-interest financing.

Will my insurance cover functional nose surgery?
Although rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons is not paid by insurance, functional rhinoplasty that is medically necessary to improve your breathing may be covered. If you may be applying for reimbursement from your insurance, please tell Dr. Aiello in your consultation. We can help you submit any needed information and paperwork to your insurance to process your claim.

Will rhinoplasty change my face too much?
The most common request in our practice is to have the most natural-looking nose possible. Gone are the days of "smaller" noses, "cute" noses, and "dainty" noses, but what defines "natural" in a rhinoplasty result? What makes one person’s nose look obviously altered and another’s more refined and balanced with his or her facial features? The single most important factor contributing to a natural appearance following rhinoplasty is maintaining nose/face harmony. Simply put, at the end of the procedure, does the nose look like it belongs on a particular face? If the answer is yes, the results will be very natural looking! Your entire face should look more balanced after rhinoplasty, but you should still look like you!

Why was I told I should also have a chin implant?
The proportions of your face determine how large or small your nose appears. The distance between your eyes, the size of your lips, and the size and shape of your cheekbones all contribute to the appearance of your nose. However, the facial feature that most affects the appearance of your nose is your chin! If you have a chin that recedes or simply doesn’t protrude very much, your nose will appear larger and more dominant on your face. This is especially noticeable in your profile. About 30% of our rhinoplasty patients also have a chin augmentation and sometimes liposuction under the chin to balance their facial features.

How long will it take to see my final outcome?
While the initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it is true that it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time, you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. That being said, most patients feel very happy with the look of their outcomes at 3 – 4 months after surgery.

Nose surgery is a great option to address the displeasure you might feel when looking in the mirror at your appearance. If you're dissatisfied with the size and shape of your nose or suffer from breathing problems, nose surgery may help. Nose surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure with very high success rates. Dr. Aiello aims to improve your nose so your entire face appears more attractive and proportionate. Even minor adjustments can lead to an impressive difference. We encourage you to get in touch with Ocean Plastic Surgery Center in Los Alamitos, CA and schedule an appointment.