Best Rhinoplasty in San Francisco, CA

The most common approach to a nose surgery is called an open rhinoplasty, which takes place through a tiny horizontal incision across the vertical strip of soft tissue that separates the nostrils. Guided by the patient’s wishes, the surgeon will carefully reshape the bones and cartilage to perform the cosmetic correction. Another approach is called a closed rhinoplasty, and as its name suggests, all the incisions are inside the nostrils.

An open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon more control, visibility and precision than a closed rhinoplasty. In contrast, closed rhinoplasties typically entail a shorter operating time, less swelling and a shorter healing process. However, most patients are more concerned with their ultimate result than with how much swelling they had to deal with, so ask your surgeon which approach will deliver you the best outcome.

Communication of Expectations

The skill set of the best nose job doctor is important. However, an important part of this process is the communication of patient expectations and the doctors understanding – a mind meld of sorts. A feature that is helpful is to view potential results is using computer morphing. Your cosmetic surgeon would take a picture of your nose and then using computer modification, provide pictures of what he or she “think” you want based on you consultation. While these potential patient outcomes are helpful, they do not guarantee an expected result. They do provide a pathway for the patient to see potential outcomes of their planned rhinoplasty.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Here is a general overview of some different types of rhinoplasty surgery doctors can perform:

• Cosmetic Rhinoplasty is an umbrella term to describe any kind of rhinoplasty that has the express purpose of enhancing or reshaping the look of a patient’s nose. Health insurance companies generally classify cosmetic nose jobs as elective, though some people may find their insurance will cover part or all their expenses.
  
  Consulting a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to determine all your options – not only for how rhinoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, but whether your insurance might help defray the costs of the procedure.
• Reduction Rhinoplasty is for patients who feel their nose is disproportionately larger than the rest of their facial features, and who are seeking a more balanced face. Since many people are self-conscious about the size of their nose, reduction rhinoplasty is one of the most common forms of nose surgery for both men and women.
  
  In a reduction rhinoplasty, many patients choose to reshape the tip and/or the bridge of their nose. For instance, a patient with a bulbous tip or a bumpy bridge of their nose may seek out a reduction rhinoplasty.
• Augmentation Rhinoplasty is to increase the proportion of the nose. This procedure is understandably less popular than reduction rhinoplasty, but is still an option for patients who feel their noses are too small as a result of their unique genetic makeup.
  
  In addition, some patients who have previously had a rhinoplasty done may be dissatisfied with the results if the surgeon who performed their initial nose job removed too much cartilage or tissue, and they may choose to get a follow-up surgery to revise those problems.
• Revision Rhinoplasty is a follow-up operation that seeks to correct any problems or complications arising from an original nose job that had less-than-ideal outcomes. The goal of revision rhinoplasty procedures is to return the nose to a more aesthetically pleasing shape, as well as to ensure the airways continue to function properly.
• Functional Rhinoplasty – Whether they were born with physical deformities or experienced an accident or injury to their nose later in life, some people have difficulty breathing through their noses due to blocked nasal passages. These people may seek a rhinoplasty to restore the proper function of their airways and sinuses, so they can enjoy a better quality of life.
  
  Even if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, many of these patients choose to have some additional cosmetic enhancements as the “silver lining” of having to undergo surgery.
• Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping – There are also makeup techniques and minimally invasive options that provide an alternative for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery.
  
  A liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical option that provides temporary reshaping by using injectable dermal fillers to make small adjustments that contour the nose.
  
  Though the results of the procedure are not as dramatic or long-lasting as what you can expect to achieve with nose surgery, liquid nose jobs have become increasingly trendy among patients who only have minor complaints about the proportions of their nose and want to avoid the costs and recovery time associated with a full surgical procedure. The rise of Instagram, Snapchat and “selfie culture” is also driving the popularity of this procedure.**

How to Find the Best Cosmetic Surgeon

Because rhinoplasties require an artistic flair, a steady hand and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and respiratory function, nose job surgeries are one of the most complex and individualized procedures cosmetic surgeons perform. That’s why it’s essential to find a qualified cosmetic surgeon with plenty of experience in performing rhinoplasties.

To get the best outcome from your nose job and find a surgeon you can trust, questions to ask include:

• How many years have you been doing nose jobs?
• Can you show me before-and-after photos of patients whose facial features are like mine?
• Are you board-certified to perform cosmetic surgery?
• Am I a good candidate for a nose job?
• What is the cost of a nose job?
• Do you offer any financing options?
• Where and how will you perform my surgery?
• What risks should I be aware of?
• How would you handle complications that arise during or after the surgery?
• Where will this procedure be performed?

While every patient has different reasons for desiring to alter the size, shape or proportion of their nose, everyone shares the same goal of having a nose that complements their face and functions perfectly well.

With more than two decades of experience as a surgeon, author and lecturer, Dr. Michael Kulick, MD, is one of the most respected and sought-after providers of nose surgery in San Francisco. To discuss Dr. Kulick’s approach to nose jobs, as well as rhinoplasty costs at his San Francisco practice, schedule a consultation.

* Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, March 2018

** Source: New York Post, Aug. 11, 2017

Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.