RHINOPLASTY

Are you looking for a trusted rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeon in the Bay Area? Dr. Evan Ransom is a renowned San Francisco rhinoplasty specialist who performs different forms of nose job surgery.

Rhinoplasty is the surgical modification of the shape of the nose, also known as “nose job surgery” or nose reshaping. This procedure uses a wide variety of approaches and techniques involving the internal structures of the nose to affect aesthetic improvements in the external appearance. Some common goals include removal of a bump (“dorsal hump”) on the bridge of the nose, reduction or modification of the nasal tip cartilages, narrowing the width of the nose, making the nostrils smaller, and lifting a droopy or hanging tip of the nose.

In the majority of cases, rhinoplasty is used to make the nose smaller or more refined (“reduction rhinoplasty”). Less commonly, rhinoplasty can also be used to make the nose larger (“augmentation rhinoplasty”) or to fix breathing problems or trauma (functional rhinoplasty). For patients who have breathing problems in addition to cosmetic concerns, a combined functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty can be performed. When a patient has undergone a prior rhinoplasty, but the results were unsatisfactory in some way, a revision rhinoplasty can be performed.

CHOOSING AN APPROACH

San Francisco Rhinoplasty can be performed either “open” (using an external incision) or “closed” (using incisions only on the inside of the nose). This choice is dictated by the specific goals of the patient, as well as any functional or anatomic issues that would require a specific approach. In addition, most revision rhinoplasty (sometimes called “secondary rhinoplasty”) requires an open approach due to the complex nature of this procedure and the need to provide internal support for the nasal structures (see Revision Rhinoplasty section).

Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision placed in the columella (the bottom of the nose or the skin between the two nostrils) and allows complete exposure of the nasal cartilages and bones. This facilitates precise assessment of the internal issues with the shape of the nose, as well as accurate diagnosis of functional problems. For the Bay Area rhinoplasty patients desiring significant change to the tip of the nose, an external approach is preferred – this allows Dr. Ransom, San Francisco rhinoplasty specialist, to reduce the size of the cartilages, make the two sides of the nose symmetric, and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape for the tip. Examples of problems that San Francisco Rhinoplasty Surgeon Dr. Evan Ransom can address via an open rhinoplasty approach include a “bulbous” or “boxy” tip, asymmetric tip cartilages, a crooked or twisted nose, and a nose that is too long (“hook” nose) or “droopy” (hanging columella or excessive columellar show).

Closed rhinoplasty, sometimes called scarless rhinoplasty, eliminates the incision in the columella and places the remaining incisions between the nasal cartilages inside the nose. This technique is very useful for the Bay Area rhinoplasty patients with concerns about the bridge of the nose (nasal dorsum or “dorsal hump”) but who desire minimal or no change to the nasal tip. Narrowing of the nasal bones can also be performed easily through an open or closed approach. Septoplasty can be performed during any San Francisco rhinoplasty and can help to straighten a crooked nose, improve your breathing, or reduce snoring.

Rhinoplasty Recovery - Dr. Evan Ransom

RHINOPLASTY RECOVERY

Recovery from closed rhinoplasty is generally very quick. In most patients, the majority of the swelling in the nose lasts for a few days to a week. Typically, San Francisco Bay Area rhinoplasty patients will have a flexible plastic cast on the nose for about a week. All the sutures in closed rhinoplasty are dissolvable, so no suture removal appointments are needed. Recovery from open rhinoplasty is similar to closed rhinoplasty, though the swelling of the nose may last for a few more days. Dr. Ransom, San Francisco rhinoplasty expert, does not use any nasal packing, which allows the patient to breathe normally after the surgery and significantly reduces postoperative discomfort. San Francisco rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures may be combined with other aesthetic facial surgery or non-surgical treatments. Please visit the photo gallery for examples.

DECIDING ON THE RIGHT NOSE FOR YOU

San Francisco Rhinoplasty Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Ransom works with each individual patient to create the nose that he or she wants. Different noses work for different faces, and Dr. Ransom is sensitive to patients’ personal preferences and sense of identity. Dr. Ransom is experienced at helping nasal surgery patients of all ages and types. Our goals are to provide natural-appearing enhancement of the nose, in harmony with the other facial features, while preserving or improving the nasal function (breathing). Undergoing rhinoplasty is a very personal decision and requires a true understanding between the doctor and the patient.

This philosophy is especially important in what is often called ethnic rhinoplasty. So-called “ethnic rhinoplasty” is a surgical procedure designed to reshape a non-Caucasian nose, and deals with the anatomical issues specific to these noses. This procedure can be performed either “open” (using an external incision) or “closed” (using incisions only on the inside of the nose). Most ethnic rhinoplasty requires an open approach due to the complex nature of this procedure and the need to provide internal support for the nasal structures. Ethnic rhinoplasty details can be discussed with Dr. Ransom during your confidential consultation in his office in the Bay Area.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

Undergoing rhinoplasty is a very personal decision and requires a true understanding between the doctor and the patient. It’s also a procedure that calls for a highly skilled surgeon. San Francisco Rhinoplasty Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Ransom is experienced at helping nasal surgery patients meet their goals and fulfill their dreams of being more comfortable and confident. He cares about your San Francisco rhinoplasty being successful every bit as much as you do and is known for the personal approach he takes toward every procedure. Take the first step in reaching your goals and join us for a rhinoplasty consultation at our office in the Bay Area today!

WHO IS A CANDIDATE?

Anyone who wants to change the shape of their nose is a candidate for San Francisco rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). Examples of problems that are frequently addressed in cosmetic rhinoplasty include buy anavar a “bulbous” or “boxy” tip, an asymmetric tip, a crooked or twisted nose, a wide nasal bridge, overly broad or flared nostrils, a short or flat nose, and a nose that is too long (“hook” nose) or “droopy” (hanging columella). Narrowing of the nasal bones can also be performed easily through an open or closed approach. Septoplasty can be performed during any rhinoplasty and can help to straighten a crooked nose, improve your breathing, or reduce snoring in some cases.

In addition, patients with a history of nasal trauma (for example, an untreated fracture), or significant functional concerns (breathing problems), may choose rhinoplasty as a surgical remedy for these issues. Finally, patients who have had a previous rhinoplasty but were left unsatisfied by the aesthetic result or have had functional issues may be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty.

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nose job make your nose smaller?

Yes, rhinoplasty can make the nose smaller. In fact, this is the most common reason for seeking a nosejob.

Can I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty?

For the first two weeks after a rhinoplasty surgery, it is important to sleep on your back with you head elevated. This will help to limit swelling and improve overally recovery.

Can nasal bone be shaped?

Yes, the nasal bones can be shaped. This is performed with surgical instruments such as rasps (files) and osteotomes (chisels). There are also drills and other devices that can be used to alter the shape or position of nasal bones.

Can nasal polyps change shape of nose?

Yes, in extreme cases of nasal polyposis, the position of the septum or the shape of the external nose can be altered by polyps internally.

Can rhinoplasty help sinus problems?

Yes, rhinoplasty can help with sinus problems if the problems are related to poor nasal drainage or reduced airflow. Allergies or chronic infection are immunological problems and require medical therapy instead of or in addition to surgical procedures.

Can you die from rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that has risks, though the risk of death is vanishingly small.

Do nose jobs last forever?

The changes that are made to the nose during a rhinoplasty are permanent. However, the nose will change over time due to the healing and aging processes.

Do spreader grafts widen the nose?

Spreader grafts are needed to support the weak middle third of the nose, particularly when the bridge height is significantly reduced or the nasal bones are short. Whether or not these grafts cause the external appearance of the nose to be wider depends on the placement and sizes of the grafts, as well as other surgical maneuvers that are performed at the same time.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.