If you’re considering rhinoplasty, more commonly known as “nose job”, then you’re in good company. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva of LEA Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is proud to offer patients beautiful rhinoplasty results in Newport Beach, CA.
What is Rhinoplasty?
The rhinoplasty procedure changes the shape of the nose to improve a patient’s facial aesthetics and, in some cases, correct breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alter the bone and cartilage as well as the skin of the nose, creating permanent cosmetic improvement while ensuring optimal nasal function.
Why Choose Rhinoplasty?
Common motivations for seeking nose surgery include a range of medical and cosmetic reasons. Some patients have both cosmetic and functional concerns, which can be addressed in a single surgical procedure.
Most Rhinoplasty patients in Orange County seek out rhinoplasty mainly to improve their appearance. Patients with noses that have bumps, wide nasal tips, or other asymmetries often turn to rhinoplasty for correction. Surgery done for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance.
Individuals who have difficulty breathing through their nose may also consider getting a nose job. Nasal obstruction from a deviated septum or another structural issue can cause sleep problems, including snoring and sleep apnea. Breathing problems can also make exercising painful, difficult, or even dangerous. When performed for medical reasons, rhinoplasty may be fully or partially covered by insurance.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
People who are self-conscious about their nose or who have medical conditions that mostly affect cosmetics are often good candidates for the procedure.
Most rhinoplasty Newport Beach and Orange County patients are typically unhappy with the way their nose looks or have some nasal deformity they wish to correct. Prospective patients must have a fully mature nose, which typically occurs in the mid-teens. Patients under the age of 18 must have parental approval in addition to Dr. Ho Taghva’s recommendation.
Ideal candidates are non-smokers and people who are in good general health. Patients who are interested in rhinoplasty at our surgery center should have realistic expectations for what surgery can do for them. Scheduling a consultation with our plastic surgeon is important to ensure that your expectations are in line with what is possible to achieve with plastic surgery.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation
A rhinoplasty Newport Beach consultation is a crucial part of the surgical planning process. During this initial visit, Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva will gather as much information as possible, including what your expectations and goals are for surgery.
One of the most important parts of this consultation is the physical examination of the nose. The doctor will evaluate the bones, cartilage, and your ease of breathing. You can also bring in digital photographs and with computer imaging, you will be able to get an estimate of what your new nose may look like.
During this visit, you will discuss your medical history so you should have a list of any current medications you are taking. Bring in any images you have of how you would like your new nose to look. The doctor will be able to tell you if your expectations are realistic.
Once she has evaluated your candidacy, the doctor may recommend additional or alternative treatments depending on your goals. These may include procedures such as chin augmentation, which can help balance out the facial features and enhance the overall results of rhinoplasty.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
In preparation for a nose job at our Orange County surgery center, Dr. Ho Taghva may ask for lab tests. You may need to adjust or paused certain medications and supplements prior to surgery. Patients should stop smoking at least several weeks before the rhinoplasty procedure as smoking can slow the healing process. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications as they can increase bleeding.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Dr. Ho Taghva typically performs rhinoplasty surgery in Newport Beach on an outpatient basis. On the day of the surgery, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be administered. The type of anesthesia to be used will be discussed during the consultation.
The surgeon might use a closed approach or an open approach. A closed rhinoplasty means that the doctor will hide the incisions inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty requires an external incision across the skin separating the nostrils.
Once the doctor has made the incisions, she will be able to access and adjust the tissues. The skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage is raised slightly so that the nasal structure can be reshaped.
Reshaping the nose involves repositioning or reducing bone, cartilage, and skin. If you want your nose to be smaller, the physician will have to remove more bone or cartilage. Otherwise, cartilage grafts are needed to build up areas of the nose. The surgeon often takes this cartilage from the septum (the partition in the middle of the nose) or ear.
When a deviated septum is the issue, we correct it by straightening the nose and reducing the projections inside the nose. A deviated septum is often the cause of breathing problems, which should dramatically improve after rhinoplasty.
Once the surgeon shapes and sculpts the structure of the nose according to the patient’s goals, then she drapes the skin over the nose and close the incisions.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty Surgery
After Nose Surgery
Right after surgery, bandages and a splint will be placed over the nose to support the new structures and to encourage proper healing. Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the first few days following surgery are completely normal. Patients should take prescribed medications as directed to alleviate pain and to help reduce swelling.
After surgery, some patients wake up with a sore throat and feel drowsy. This is expectable. It is important to eat something soft and to drink a lot of water following surgery to flush out the anesthetic and to start feeling better as quickly as possible.
In the days after surgery, patients should sleep with the head propped up and use a neck pillow. This will help minimize any possibility of bumping the nose while it is in the initial healing phase. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for several post operative weeks and should plan to take a couple of weeks off from work.
First Week After rhinoplasty
After the first week of surgery, the bruising should subside significantly. At this point, patients will have an appointment scheduled to take the cast off. Expect to see your nose swollen, preliminary results won’t be visible for at least 4-6 weeks. Time is the most important healer and it is important to be patient. In some cases, it can take up to a year for full results, especially in the nasal tip.
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What Are the Possible Side Effects or Risks of Surgery?
While all surgeries have risks, rhinoplasty risks are generally low. Risks include numbness, infection, bleeding, breathing problems, nasal septum perforation, and visible scarring. Experienced plastic surgeons know how to keep these risks to a minimum. Patients of reputable rhinoplasty surgeons like Dr. Ho Taghva rarely require a revision rhinoplasty.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva?
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva is one of the top Rhinoplasty surgeons in Newport Beach and Orange County. Patients from all over the country and those local to Southern California, including Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, travel to LEA Plastic Surgery for a nose job in Newport Beach. Some patients even travel internationally for her expertise.
Due to her many years of experience performing nose jobs, Dr. Ho Taghva is familiar with the delicate complexities of the nose and facial features. She is an exceptional Rhinoplasty surgeon who is:
- Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Received additional post-residency training in Korea for Asian Aesthetic Surgery
- Experienced in a diverse range of surgeries including both Western and Asian rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast lift, full facial rejuvenation, facelifts, and endoscopic brow lifts
- Understands both Western and Asian cultural background
- Highly skilled in cosmetic surgery and provides natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals, add beauty, and bring facial harmony while preserving unique aesthetics
- Keenly attuned to the delicate complexities of the nose and facial features
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoplasty
Our Newport Beach nose job patients often choose to combine rhinoplasty surgery with other procedures so that they only have to go through one recovery. Common surgeries performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty include chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, and facial liposuction.
Rhinoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure at a medical clinic or hospital. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva performs the rhinoplasty procedure at LEA Plastic Surgery, a highly regarded medical facility in Newport Beach, CA as an outpatient procedure
The physician can use either general or local anesthesia. While she can use both types safely, the doctor will discuss which is best for you during the initial consultation.
If you live near Newport Beach, CA, LEA Plastic Surgery offers rhinoplasty among its services, and is conveniently located at 20360 SW Birch Street Suite 180 Newport Beach, CA 92660
