Rhinoplasty

At Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa, we can help you find the perfect nose that is not too large or wide. Our practice is led by Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson– experienced plastic surgeons in Northern California who perform this surgery with a conservative approach to allow for the softest and most flattering results. Although rhinoplasty consists of delicate changes, they can be quite dramatic. Get more information on rhinoplasty by contacting us online or scheduling your consultation by calling (707) 537-2111. We happily serve the residents of Santa Rosa, CA, and the surrounding locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

A rhinoplasty involves surgical changes to the internal structures of the nose, and the outer skin is completely preserved. Since ancient times, people have studied how to reform this unique part of the body. (1) Rhinoplasty can fix a variety of aesthetic problems, including unwanted nose humps, over or undersized nostrils, an overly rounded or overly pointed nasal tip, or a too-narrow or wide nasal bridge.

Surgeons work to precisely manipulate the cartilage, bone, and other soft tissue structures to achieve customizable results that patients can love for a lifetime. Rhinoplasty can repair tissue damage and other abnormalities that often cause air circulation issues. Most often, these are caused by deviated septums or a wide nasal bridge relative to the rest of the face. A deviated septum causes asymmetry in the fossae (internal nostrils), restricting airflow to one side. Patients with this nasal characteristic may also develop postnasal drip, a condition where excess mucus builds up in the throat from the nasal cavity, causing a persistent “tickle” in the throat that won’t go away. A wide nasal bridge relative can indicate a congenital or genetic characteristic that needs addressing.

If you’re unhappy with your nose or are experiencing health difficulties, a septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, or any variation of rhinoplasty may be exactly what you need to feel and look your best. Candidates should be at least 16 years old– the age when the nasal bones have reached full maturity. Your surgeon will evaluate your overall health and rule out any conditions that need addressing. Ideally, you should be a non-smoker, but your surgeon will consider you if you are willing to quit for a period of a few weeks. Finally, you should have realistic expectations and no issues related to body dysmorphia.

Though you will see improvements within a few days of your surgery, your nose will continue to change throughout recovery. At first, you will experience tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the eyes, but doctor-approved medications and cold compresses can alleviate these side effects. Your surgeon will place a cast or split to provide the nose with the support it needs during this critical healing period. They may also fill the nose with gauze to provide more structure from the inside as well. Since you will still be affected by the sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to take you home.

After about 2 days (or more, depending on your healing and type of rhinoplasty), your surgeon will direct you to remove the gauze. After removal, you should take extra care to keep your head elevated– this will prevent nose bleeds. An essential part of recovery is to avoid sneezing and blowing your nose while the nasal tissues are still sensitive and repairing themselves. After about 1 to 2 weeks, your surgeon will then remove the splint. You will likely feel well enough to go back to work, so long as it isn’t labor-intensive. At a follow-up appointment, your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to go back to the gym and/or sports. Within 6-12 months, all of the swelling will be gone. Because the cartilage of the nose has poor vascularization, it takes several months to attain the final look.