Nose Surgery

Overview

An attractive nose is one that is in harmony with the rest of your facial features. If you feel that your nose is not in balance with the rest of your face, Orange County rhinoplasty (nose surgery) may be a good option for you. Rhinoplasty is a common procedure used to reshape the nose to bring it into balance with the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty can be used to straighten the nose, make it more narrow, remove a hump, or refine the overall shape of the nose. The result of rhinoplasty is a nose that looks natural and is in balance with your other facial features.

Rhinoplasty may be "closed rhinoplasty" involving an incision made inside the nose, or "open rhinoplasty" which involves another small incision is made across the columella, the strip of tissue which separates the nostrils. The surgeon uses these incisions to gain access to the bone and/or cartilage structures inside the nose. The bone or cartilage structures of the nose may be reduced, refined, or enhanced during rhinoplasty. Enhancement rhinoplasty involves the use of tissue from the nose, tissue from another body site, or a synthetic implant.

The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.
After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
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Preparing For Surgery

The Procedure

The procedure takes between 1 to 3 hours and is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. You will have packing in your nose and a splint. After surgery, you will recover in the recovery area for approximately one hour, until you are alert enough to go home.
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The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. If the procedure is done under local anesthesia, you may eat and drink as normal. If you are having the procedure under general anesthesia, you may not have solid foods after 9pm or water after midnight, the night before surgery. You should have clean, dry hair. Wear no makeup or moisturizers on your face. You should not bring jewelry, contact lenses, or valuables on the day of surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a shirt that buttons or zips in the front (we don't want to put anything on over your head when you get out of surgery). You will need someone to bring you and take you home on the day of your procedure. If you are having local anesthesia, arrive one hour prior to surgery. If you are having general anesthesia, arrive two hours prior to surgery.
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After Surgery

For the first day or two you will rest most of the time with your head elevated (approximately 45 degree angle) to reduce the swelling. You will begin taking pain medication and antibiotics after surgery. Each time you take your pain medication, you should have a snack as the medication can be irritating to your stomach. For the first 24 to 48 hours you will have a sensitive stomach and you should eat mild foods such as you would normally eat if you had the flu (soups, crackers, etc.). Dr. Nguyen also strongly suggests Gatorade to replenish your fluid levels.
Swelling may increase over the first week and will then begin to subside. Bruising will appear over the first several days and will fade over the first couple of weeks. The splint will be removed at one week. Most patients will be able to return to work after the splint is removed. You should avoid blowing your nose and may clean your nose with a Q-Tip during this time. After several weeks, you will be able to return to most of your normal activities. Although most of the swelling will resolve within the first couple of weeks to months, it may take as long as nine to twelve months for your nose to completely heal and for all of the swelling to diminish. You may notice that the tip of your nose is hard and inflexible. This is normal and it will soften over the next several months.
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Your Results

Rhinoplasty helps to refine your nose and improve the appearance of your nose. You can expect that your new nose to look natural and be in better balance with your other facial features. You may be surprised that many people who know you well will not be able to tell that you have had surgery. They may just feel that you look "better" and be unable to explain why.
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The Cost

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation.
Rhinoplasty for Hump Removal (General Anesthesia) $4,500-$6,000
Rhinoplasty for Overall Refinement (General Anesthesia) $4,500-$6,000
Rhinoplasty Including Correction of Deviated Septum (General Anesthesia) $6,000
Rhinoplasty with Implant (Local Anesthesia) $2,500
Alar Reduction $800
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