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Nose Surgery in Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Surgical Partners specialize in rhinoplasty, commonly called nose jobs or nose reshaping. If you are interested in Southern California rhinoplasty surgery, we invite you to call us at 805-682-7222 to schedule your consultation or email us for more information.

Our noses are the centerpiece of our faces and play an important role in our self image. If you are displeased with the shape of your nose you may be a candidate for nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) if your nose is cosmetically unattractive or is not consistent with other facial features. In addition to the cosmetic indication, Rhinoplasty may also be chosen to correct the abnormalities of the nose as a result of birth defects, injury, or disease.

Before rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty patient shown before surgery with large nose, nasal hump,
enlarged tip and nose that hangs slightly where it meets the upper lip.

At Aesthetic Surgical Partners, Rhinoplasty enables our patients to enjoy a more attractive nasal shape and to have a nose that is in better proportion to other facial features. Rhinoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis in Santa Barbara under general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will decide which of the following techniques should be used:

  • STANDARD (CLOSED) RHINOPLASTY: Incisions are made inside the nostrils. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped to improve the external contour.
  • OPEN RHINOPLASTY: Frequently used for difficult or larger noses. Involves one external incision across the space between the nostrils. Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are reshaped under direct vision.
  • TIP-PLASTY: If only the nasal tip is abnormal, it may be corrected with either a standard or open approach.
  • Large nostrils may be reduced through tiny incisions at the outer base of the nostrils with either type of rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty incisions
Incisions are made inside the nose to provide access to cartilage
and bone which can be cut and reshaped to alter the external
appearance of the nose. The bridge of the nose can be narrowed
by moving the bone inward, as shown by the arrow.

The patient goes home with an external cast or splint in place. The nose may be packed for 24-48 hours as bleeding can be very common. Patients should keep their heads elevated for the first 2-3 days as much as possible. The cast or splint is usually removed in 7-10 days. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. The majority of swelling and bruising subsides progressively over 2-4 weeks. External sutures (if any) are removed in 4-6 days. Internal sutures will dissolve on their own.

Nose-shape improvement
Areas where cartilage and bone have been readjusted
to improve the shape of the nose are shown.

The semifinal result of a nose reshaping procedure is evident in 3 months. The final result is evident in 12-14 months. An additional procedure that may enhance the result is a chin enlargement. If you need to improve your breathing, correction of a deviated septum (Septoplasty) may also be appropriate.

postoperative patient
The postoperative patient with smaller nose, a straight nasal bridge,
better defined nasal tip and an improved angle between nose and upper lip.

Rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance if being done for cosmetic reasons. If however, the nasal deformity is due to recent injury, insurance coverage may be available. Pre-authorization information can be obtained from your insurance company.

The specific risks and the suitability of nose reshaping for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Illustrations courtesy the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

For more information about rhinoplasty - nose reshaping: