Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles

During nose surgery, the majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils, known as the columella to perform an open rhinoplasty.  Certain amounts of bone and cartilage are then removed or rearranged to provide a newly shaped nose.

If the patient has a deviated septum where cartilage and/or bone causes an obstruction inside the nose a septal surgery, called septoplasty, is simultaneously performed.  Many times a deviated septum can cause breathing and sinus issues in patients.  The septoplasty addresses the breathing issues by removing portions of cartilage and/or bone that are causing the obstruction.

Once the cosmetic or functional changes are made, the incisions are then closed with fine suture, followed by placement of a splint to the outside of the nose. The splint helps retain the new shape while the nose heals.

This is a common question that many patients ask about when they come in the office.

There are two common rhinoplasty techniques, the open or closed approach.  If the patient only requires minor work done, then the closed approach can be used, where the procedure is done through the nostril with no outside incisions.

If more extensive work is required on the nose then an open rhinoplasty approach is needed.   In the open approach, a small v-shaped incision is made to the comeulla, the cartiliage in between the nostrils, in order to access the nose.   This type of v-shaped incision is not apparent to the eye.

We advise our patients to not exercise or exert themselves for approximately four weeks after surgery.

Besides exercise, this also includes lifting anything heavy or bending down past your waist.   The goal is to not strain yourself while you are healing.