The nose dominates the center of your face. It is often a concern for our patients because of its shape, size and associated breathing problems. Nose surgery, technically called rhinoplasty, reshapes and restructures their noses to improve appearance and functionality.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Sasaki will evaluate the structures of your nose that influence your outcome. These important structures include the quality of your skin, location and shape of cartilages, and prominence or deficiency of bones. The anatomical reasons for your difficulty in taking air easily through nostrils will be thoroughly discussed and may involve a significantly deviated septum, enlarged turbinates (scrolls of vascularized bones), or polyp growths. The doctor will also examine other facial features such as the shape of your face and chin to harmonize best your nose to other facial characteristics.
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are seeking improvements, not perfection. For younger patients, rhinoplasty is usually considered once they have completed their growth-spurts after 18 years of age.
Rhinoplasty may be performed in our office surgical suite, an outpatient surgical center, or a hospital. The selection of facility is dependent on many factors, including the complexity of your case, comfort, and safety.
Dr. Gordon H. Sasaki
Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Few plastic surgeons can match Dr. Sasaki's combination of expertise, compassion, and experience. He's a distinguished educator and a renowned innovator whose work and research have influenced a generation of plastic surgeons. Dr. Sasaki will work with you to make the improvements you desire.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
An augmentation rhinoplasty is one that adds structure to different parts of the nose to provide a more shapely result. The structural material may be obtained from your own cartilage (obtained from the nose or ear) or selected from a number of foreign body implants. Dr. Sasaki will discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each material. These additions can be placed on the bridge, tip, columella, or base of the nose.
Sculpting Rhinoplasty
A sculpting rhinoplasty is one that selectively removes or repositions portions of the supportive framework, such as the nasal bones or cartilages, to obtain the desired appearance. The nature of the sculpting depends on your problem (shape, breathing). The surgical procedure is tailored to the areas of concern that may include the bulbous tip, malpositioned tip, angle of the nose to upper lip, shape of the bridge, and width of the nose and nostrils. At times, the significantly deviated septum needs to be set in its midline position, the enlarged lower turbinates reduced or the space-occupying nasal polyps removed to improve the flow of air with normal breathing.
The surgical incisions may be within the nose, inside each nostril or across the base of the columella. Dr. Sasaki will describe which approach is preferred to obtain the optimal result. Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or more, depending on the complexity of your problem.
Rhinoplasty Recovery & Results
When rhinoplasty is completed, there may be an external splint or internal packing to maintain its new shape. These dressings are usually removed within a few days or up to a week. If bone work is included, there may be swelling and bruising around the eyes. Most patients are up and about within a few days. Dr. Sasaki and his staff will carefully explain your procedure and answer your questions and concerns. At your preoperative visit, your pain and antibiotic medications will be prescribed. Dr. Sasaki will assist you with more specific guidelines for return to normal activities.
Are you ready to discover all the ways Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center in Pasadena can enhance your appearance and confidence? Request a consultation using our online form or call for an appointment.