Rhinoplasty in San Francisco

Nose reshaping, medically known as rhinoplasty, can make a significant difference in the balance of the facial features and help patients who feel self-conscious about the shape of their nose. By performing rhinoplasty in San Francisco, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can decrease or increase the size of the nose, reduce the bridge or tip of the nose, and even change the shape of the nostrils. Rhinoplasty is a special focus of Dr. Kenneth Bermudez, and he boasts a large number of nose surgery patients who are extremely satisfied with their results. If you would like to learn how rhinoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic dreams, please read on.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Candidates for rhinoplasty should be at least 16 years old and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. During the rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez makes incisions either along the outside or inside of the nostrils. These incisions are very discreet, and there should be no visible scarring. Then, Dr. Bermudez separates the nasal bone and cartilage and reshapes them in accordance with the desired outcome. The incisions are then closed, and a splint is applied to the area so that the nose will retain its new shape. Sometimes, pieces of gauze must be packed into the nostrils for a short time in order to keep the septum in place and to control any residual bleeding. A rhinoplasty procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Nose Surgery Recovery

Patients can expect to swell, bruising, and some bleeding to be present after nose surgery in San Francisco, and the head will need to be elevated for the first day following the procedure. Pain and discomfort can be managed with medication. Nasal packing is generally removed after a few days, and the splint and stitches are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery. Most of our patients can return to normal daily routines about a week after their rhinoplasty procedures.

Rhinoplasty Risks

Although problems with rhinoplasty surgery are rare, they can occur. Risks associated with the procedure include:

  • Blood collecting under the skin (hematoma)

  • Excessive bleeding

  • Numbness

  • Scarring at the base of the nose

  • Bursting of small blood vessels on the skin’s surface

  • Permanent nerve damage

  • Under- or over-correction, requiring secondary (revision) rhinoplasty

  • Reaction to anesthesia

  • Infection

Patients must also keep in mind that the desired effects of a rhinoplasty procedure may not be visible for weeks, and the final result can take 6 to 12 months to appear. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will explain all the aspects of rhinoplasty and what you can expect during recovery in your initial rhinoplasty consultation at our plastic surgery practice.

Rhinoplasty Benefits

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can significantly improve the look of a patient’s face to meet his or her aesthetic goals. Some of the benefits of rhinoplasty include:

  • A better balance of facial features

  • Correcting damage caused to the nose from an injury

  • Restored symmetry

  • Decreased or increased nose size

  • Easier breathing through the nose

  • Deviated septum relief

Rhinoplasty can solve a host of nasal problems, both aesthetic and functional. It is a procedure that has been proven effective and satisfactory many times over, and one that Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has made a special focus at his practice.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

After rhinoplasty, will I still look like myself?

The goal of rhinoplasty is to bring better proportion to your face by making subtle changes to your nose shape. That goal, along with Dr. Bermudez’s reputation for creating natural-looking results through his plastic surgery procedures, will ensure that you will look like yourself—only a better version of you—after your rhinoplasty procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns about the rhinoplasty procedure, feel free to discuss them in a private consultation with Dr. Bermudez. He will be happy to answer any questions and go through the details of the surgery to ensure that you are completely comfortable and that your aesthetic goals are met.

What type of scarring can I expect from rhinoplasty?

Since Dr. Bermudez uses very small incisions discreetly made along the inside or outside of the nostrils, there will be no noticeable scarring after your rhinoplasty procedure.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

Since anesthesia will be used during the procedure, you should feel no discomfort. After your surgery, you may experience some slight discomfort for the first few days of your recovery. Dr. Bermudez will prescribe you pain medication to use, if needed, to ensure that you are comfortable.

What should I expect when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty patients should expect some swelling and discomfort for the first few days after surgery. Your nose will be bandaged, and a splint will be placed on your nose to keep the new nose shape and protect it as it heals. There may also be slight bruising around the nose and under the eyes; this can easily be covered with makeup and should clear up within the first week. Patients can take the prescribed pain medication for any discomfort.

Most patients are able to return to work one week after surgery, and to strenuous exercise 2-3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Bermudez will provide more detailed post-surgery instructions in your one-on-one consult before surgery.

When will I start to see my rhinoplasty results?

As you recover from surgery, you will gradually see your new nose shape appear. This will happen over time, as patients gradually see an improvement in their nose’s appearance. You will get a good idea of what your new nose shape will look like after six weeks, or when most of the swelling has fully dissipated. However, the final results may take 6-12 months to appear.

How long will my rhinoplasty results last?

Though your natural-looking rhinoplasty results will be permanent, you may experience some changes to your nose’s appearance over time due to aging. Nonetheless, these changes will not undo the effects of your surgery, and you will continue to enjoy a more balanced-looking nose for the rest of your life.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of rhinoplasty surgery varies, depending on the doctor's skills and how complicated the surgery is for each individual patient. However, rhinoplasty generally costs around $11,200.

What should I keep in mind when looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon near me?

When looking for a surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty, you should keep in mind that not all surgeons are alike. For example, cosmetic surgeons are medical doctors with only supplemental education and training in cosmetic surgery. By contrast, a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez has completed at least six years of specialized training in plastic surgery on top of his medical school education. It also means that he or she has completed plastic surgery residency training for a minimum of three years.

The accreditation of being “board certified” also means that the plastic surgeon has been vetted by the leading organization in the field, the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This board honors only the most conscientious plastic surgeons with this title—surgeons who are dedicated to the utmost level of patient care and safety. Board-certified plastic surgeons are also known for their ability to achieve the most natural-looking results with their skills. For these reasons, we recommend choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez to perform your rhinoplasty procedure.

Do you rhinoplasty before and after photos?

Check out Dr. Bermudez’s natural-looking results in his rhinoplasty patient photo gallery.

Contact Dr. Bermudez Today

As a leading nose surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Bermudez has helped numerous patients improve both their appearance and self-confidence through advanced rhinoplasty procedures. In order to achieve a more harmonious facial appearance, he sometimes recommends that patients combine rhinoplasty with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, brow lift or ear surgery in San Francisco. In addition, Dr. Bermudez is renowned as a gifted San Francisco facelift surgeon who can help patients achieve a rejuvenated yet natural-looking facial appearance. To learn more about these procedures and how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please contact the offices of Kenneth Bermudez, MD today.