Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)

Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty Surgeon in San Francisco Bay Area in Walnut Creek - Dr. Joseph Mele

Rhinoplasty is a commonly requested plastic surgery procedure at the San Francisco Bay Arearea office of Dr. Joseph Mele. Since the nose is the most central feature of the face, a nose that is too small, too large or misshapen can make you feel extremely self-conscious.

Thanks to rhinoplasty, Dr. Mele and his experienced San Francisco Bay Area staff can reduce the size of an overly large nose, enlarge a small nose and eliminate abnormalities in misshapen noses. Rhinoplasty surgery can dramatically improve overall appearance and significantly increase self-esteem.

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Mele will spend time discussing your expectations and the rhinoplasty procedure to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable going into your rhinoplasty (nose surgery), Dr. Mele uses state-of-the-art computer simulation during your consultation to facilitate comunication, and help make certain that you are fully informed before surgery. Making certain expectations match results helps assure that you will be satisfied with your results. Our San Francisco East Bay Area, Walnut Creek office is relaxing, and our friendly support staff will instantly put you at ease.

Pictures of Rhinoplasty with Chin Augmentation

Your Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Procedure

Every rhinoplasty surgery is different. At our East Bay Area, Tri Valley, Walnut Creek office, each surgery is customized to best meet your objectives and goals. During most rhinoplasty procedures, Dr. Mele will remove or rearrange nasal cartilage and if necessary, reposition the bone to reshape the nose. The goal of nose surgery is to achieve a proportionate, natural-looking nose that is in harmony with the other features of your face.

The term rhinoplasty encompasses a wide variety of surgical procedures and non-surgical approaches. Below are a few examples of what can be accomplished with cosmetic surgery of the nose:

  • Reduction of a Dorsal Hump: one of the more common reasons to have nasal surgery is to reduce the dorsal hump. The dorsal hump is a bump located on top of the nose caused by excess bone or cartilage. A small incision is made, often inside the nose, and the excess is removed. Sometimes, after larger reductions, the nose needs to be narrowed, and the nasal cartilage and bones can be brought together.

  • Reduction of the Nasal Tip: When the nasasl tip is large, it can give a boxy or bulbous appearance to the nose. Nasal tip surgery can reduce a large tip, and give a refined appearance. By providing enhanced definition of the tip, the entire nose appears smaller. By bringing the nasal tip into proportion with the rest of the nose, a more pleasing appearance can be created. The nasal tip can be addressed through open rhinoplasty to help improve the symmetry nasal cartilage, or via closed rhinoplasty depending on the correction needed.

  • Rotation of the Nasal Tip: When the nasasl tip is droopy, it can give a sad or hooked appearance to the nose. Nasal tip surgery can rotate the tip of the nose up, providing enhancement of the profile. By bringing the nasal tip, a more youthful appearance can be created. Care is taken not to over-rotate the tip; however, as this can expose too much of the nostrils.

  • Reduction of the Nasal Base: For patients with wide nostrils, reduction the width of the nasal base may be desired. Small Weir Excsions can be made along the edge of the ala, the skin around the sides of the nostrils. Further reduction of the nasal width can be achieved with a spanning suture. It is important to consider exactly what about your nose you would like changed, so that you can get the most from your Rhinoplasty Consultation appointment.

  • Nasal Augmentation: A flat nose can be corrected with nasal augmentation. A nasal graft, or nasal implant, is placed below the skin of the nose to augment the nasal bridge. This provides an enhanced, stronger nasal profile.

  • Post-traumatic Deformities (Fixing Broken Noses): Nasal fractures are one of the most common facial fractures. A fractured nose can give a flattned appearance, or result in a nose that is no longer in the midline. Adjustments can be made to a broken nose in the week after injury, or can be delayed 6 weeks to allow the boney fragments to unite. Repair of nasal deformities after trauma is directed toward restoring the normal anatomy, and the approach needs to be individualized.

  • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Dermal fillers, more commonly used to reduce facial lines or for lip augmentation, can be used to reshape the nose also. Small changes can be made rapidly, and with minimal downtime, when nasal depressions are present, or minor nasal augmentation is desired.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation

For more information about rhinoplasty in the San Francisco Bay Area, or other procedures offered at our practice such as breast implants, BOTOX® injections , or tummy tuck, give us a call or contact our plastic surgery practice today.