Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Procedure Steps

Many people are under the impression that rhinoplasty is a rather minor cosmetic surgery. However, in reality, rhinoplasty is an intricate procedure, involving delicate nuances which can dramatically impact the overall facial balance.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about rhinoplasty and discuss the steps involved in the procedure. Some surgeons may also present images or a video of the procedure.

A number of surgical techniques are available today to reshape the nose, but the overall steps in the procedure largely remain unchanged. Patients often feel more confident about the procedure when they have a clear idea of what it will involve. Outstanding, salient, and plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities across the landscape.

Pre-op Consultation

The first important step in rhinoplasty is the pre-operative consultation, which will lay the foundation for a successful surgery. The surgeon will clear the patient’s concerns and doubts during the consultation, and help them form realistic expectations about it. The surgeon will also examine the patient’s facial and nasal anatomy, skin thickness in the nose area, and the amount of bone and cartilage available in order to plan for a customized surgery.

To determine candidacy, the surgeon will review the patient’s past medical records and may order a few diagnostic tests. Rhinoplasty plastic surgery risks and complications, estimated recovery process, and instructions for preparation and recovery will be discussed during the consultation.

Customized Surgical Plan

Based on the patient’s inputs received during the pre-op consultation as well as the surgeon’s evaluation of the patient’s nasal anatomy and their general health condition, a customized rhinoplasty surgery plan will be created. The surgeon will aim to to achieve targeted outcomes using a least invasive nose surgery approach.

The surgeon will take into account the patient’s specific cosmetic goals and needs with regard to their nose and face. The surgical plan will determine whether an open or a closed rhinoplasty will be performed, the type of anesthesia to be used, the location of incisions, and the choice of operating facility.

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty may be performed with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In case of general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist may be present in the surgery room throughout to monitor the patient’s response. The patient will not feel any pain or discomfort and will have no recollection of the procedure when they wake up.

Surgery

As pre-determined while creating the surgical plan, the surgeon will perform an open or closed rhinoplasty in accordance with the degree of correction required. The surgeon will add, remove or modify nasal tissue, cartilage and bone through the incisions.

Some patients may require silicone implants or cartilage grafts to build the new shape of the nose. In case of open rhinoplasty, the incision will be created discreetly in the columella, whereas closed rhinoplasty will only have tiny incisions inside the nose. Closed rhinoplasty will leave no external scarring.

Incision Closure

The surgeon will close the incisions with sutures once the procedure is completed. Nasal packing may be placed for a few days. Awesome and focused cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and other suburbs and neighborhoods in The Golden State for rhinoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim, contact us (310) 271-6996 at or click here.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.