In Marin County & Walnut Creek
Rhinoplasty SF Bay Area
The nose is the center of the face, and it can be the source of self-consciousness for many people. Rhinoplasty has the ability to unite the features of the face and improve your confidence. In 2020, nose reshaping was the most common cosmetic procedure, with over 352,000 surgeries performed.
What is a Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also known as a "nose job," is a cosmetic procedure that alters the nose's appearance to better balance the facial features. These alterations can include size, shape, and the overall nose structure. There are several different types of rhinoplasties that Dr. Rankin can perform. These different types of rhinoplasties include:
The goal of rhinoplasty for men is different compared to women. While a smaller nose and lower profile are typically desired in women, a straight, strong nose bridge (dorsum) is more appropriate for men.
Preservation rhinoplasty is a technique used to minimize trauma to the nasal skin while preserving most of the structures and ligaments of the nose to create natural, durable results. The downtime and swelling can be minimized, particularly in patients that have thicker skin.
Ethnic rhinoplasty is simply an appreciation of the fact that a "beautiful" nose is different around the globe. The goals and techniques used to refine the features of your nose should not sacrifice the characteristics of your heritage. Ethnic rhinoplasties aim to enhance rather than change the appearance of your face.
While revision surgery is typically more complex than the original procedure, it can help if you have previously had nose surgery and are interested in correcting a new or remaining deformity.
Not all nose surgery requires addressing the underlying structure of the nose. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, we can work with your dermatologist or Moh's surgeon to replace the soft tissue lost during cancer resection.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty
Dr. Rankin can perform rhinoplasty either "open" or "closed." In an open procedure, a small incision is made across the columella – the skin between the nostrils. A closed procedure involves incisions inside the nose for even less scarring. Dr. Rankin performs both methods depending on which type of rhinoplasty you need and serves patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Marin County.
The procedure varies in length, but every procedure is unique. Typically, rhinoplasties take between three to four hours. A primary rhinoplasty, or the first nasal surgery, is typically shorter than a revision rhinoplasty.
At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we recommend all rhinoplasty surgeries take place in an accredited surgical facility with general anesthesia. Rhinoplasties are typically an outpatient procedure at our Greenbrae or Walnut Creek surgical center so that you can go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
Typically downtime is one to two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, depending on the extent of the procedure. There can be some swelling and bruising that migrates into the lower eyelids. You will have a small splint on your nose and one inside your nose for the first week. After the first week, a few small sutures will be removed.
You can enjoy the new shape of your nose when the splint is removed, and you will notice a gradual improvement in the shape and detail of the nose for up to a year after the procedure, as swelling continues to decrease with time.
Almost anyone in good health can be an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty. The minimum age for having a rhinoplasty is roughly fifteen for girls and sixteen for boys because the nose's shape, size, and structure need to mature before a rhinoplasty can be performed.