Rhinoplasty in San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Dr. Usha Rajagopal and the medical staff at San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center are 

Bay Area leaders in rhinoplasty procedures for men and women.

Do you feel that the size or shape of your nose detracts from your natural attractiveness? Get the nasal profile and look you’ve always wanted with Dr. Usha Rajagopal.

  • 21 years of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery

  • Over 10,000 successful cosmetic procedures performed

  • Top-rated Bay Area female cosmetic surgeon (yelp.com)

  • Televised beauty and cosmetic surgery consultant (Healthline, KRON 4 News)

San Francisco board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal has over 20 years of technical experience in performing this delicate surgical procedure. An expert cosmetic surgery, Dr. Rajagopal performs rhinoplasty procedures to balance facial proportions and improve nasal shapes. Dr. Rajagopal is a leader in surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical rhinoplasty treatments: rapidly growing in popularity across the United States.

What is a Rhinoplasty?    

nose shapes rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is nose reshaping surgery to correct structural defects and harmonize proportions of the face.  Cosmetic rhinoplasty is used to alter the size, shape, and overall appearance of the nose for both functional and cosmetic reasons. 

Rhinoplasty surgery can change:

  • Width of the nasal bridge

  • Size and shape of nostrils

  • Bumps or dips along the bridge

  • Enlarged or unfavorably shaped nasal tips

  • Size in proportion to other features

  • Nasal asymmetry

Though forms of cosmetic nose reshaping have existed for thousands of years, modern rhinoplasty is still a common procedure around the world. In 2015, over 215,000 cosmetic nose surgeries were completed in the United States alone– ranking among top 3 most popular nationwide.

Rhinoplasty is considered one of the most technically challenging surgeries a plastic surgeon can perform. Due to the three-dimensional property of the nose, this procedure requires an experienced surgeon with a skilled hand and a natural eye for aesthetics. Dr. Rajagopal specializes in surgical rhinoplasty and several common facial treatments and procedures.

Is Rhinoplasty for Me?

To determine if you are the right candidate for surgery, visit Dr. Rajagopal for an in-person evaluation. You may be a good candidate for a surgical rhinoplasty if:

  • Your facial growth is complete

  • You are physically healthy (non-smoker)

  • You have a positive outlook and body image

  • Set realistic goals for the improvement of your appearance

Find out if you are the right candidate for a rhinoplasty. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal at our downtown San Francisco office at 415-392-3333.

Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos

Using 3D Vectra XT Technology for Rhinoplasty

Considering rhinoplasty surgery? …Take a glimpse into the future of your facial features.

vectra 3d rhinoplasty

 

We use the most advanced body simulation technology at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center: the 3D Vectra XT imaging system. 3D Vectra XT is a cutting-edge body scanner that takes high-resolution photos of your body and face. We use this technology to capture ultra-detailed 3D images of your real features to simulate procedures using your dimensions, shapes, and skin tones.

With our simulations, we can realistically preview how changes will appear on your body. Overlaying simulated images over your digital self shows us your look “before” and “after” surgery. We can view these results from multiple angles to see the real differences a procedure will make. With the help of the Vectra XT, we can determine what approaches are best for your individual body and give you a glimpse of what you can expect from your surgical procedure.

To learn more about our technology and our scanning process, contact San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal today.

Rhinoplasty Procedure

The rhinoplasty procedure is determined by the type of correction to be made. In most cases involving a reduction in size or shape of the nose, the removal of a hump or the improvement of an angle, incisions are made inside the nose. Working through these incisions, Dr. Rajagopal is able to cut bone and cartilage (the soft, movable tissue inside the nose) to reshape it.

To remove a nasal hump, a special file or chisel is used. A narrower nasal bridge is then formed by bringing together the bones on either side of the face. In patients in whom the size of the nasal tip is too large, cartilage is removed through the inside incision. The angle between the nose and the upper lip can be improved by elevating and trimming the septum, the dividing wall between the two chambers of the nose.

In some cases, it is necessary to narrow the base of the nose. This procedure involves removal of skin from both sides of the nostrils at the center, in order to improve the contour of the noses of some patients. It is sometimes necessary to add tissue. These procedures can last from one and a half to two hours or more, depending upon the extent of surgery.

 

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

After Your Surgery

A lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is usually removed within a week. Nasal pads may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. This packing is removed within two to three days. Before and even after the packing is removed, there is frequently some stuffiness of the nose. Most patients are able to return back to work within 10 days after surgery.

Pain connected with the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Bruising around the eyes occurs but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two to three weeks. Swelling can be reduced by keeping the head in a slightly elevated position when reclining. Cold compresses may be recommended. Some slight swelling may be present for as long as four months to a year.

How Young is Too Young for Rhinoplasty?

There isn't any age requirement for rhinoplasty. I would generally recommend waiting until a patient is at least 15 years old to operate. The patient should be in good physical health and emotionally mature. 

Social Downtime After Rhinoplasty

If you want to make sure friends and family don't notice any swelling or brusing, you should allow 2 weeks of downtime.

If you are getting your surgery On November 7th, then all visible brusing and swelling should be gone by the 20th.

How soon can I get Rhinoplasty after Non Surgical Nose Job?

If your non-surgical rhinoplasty was done with a hyaluronic acid filler, it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, and within a few weeks of that, you can have your rhinoplasty done.

If you had other fillers like Radiesse or Bellafill, I would have you wait several months and obviously let your rhinoplasty surgeon know this because the surgery can be challenging from the scar tissue left from the Radiesse or BellaFill. And could also create a more higher risk of complication because of this.

Common Questions

Is it possible to reduce the profile of my nose as well as get rid of the hump? (Photo)

A rhinoplasty procedure can both reduce the profile of your nose and the dorsal hump. In addition, a rhinoplasty can be used to balance facial proportions if that's what you desire. This surgery is complex given the three dimensional nature of the nose. Your nose should look consistent from multiple angles. 

This requires your surgeon to be equipped with a strong aesthetic vision as well as the proper technology. Your facial profile can be scanned and predicted results rendered digitally with a 3D imaging scanner. Your surgeon must be highly skilled and experienced in rhinoplasty. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a full consultation to begin this process. Good luck. 

I have a bulbous nose. What are my options for getting a smaller more defined nose(tip as well)? (Photos)

A rhinoplasty procedure can solve both these issues and also balance facial proportions. Nose surgery is complex given the three dimensional nature of the nose. Your nose should look consistent from multiple angles. This requires your surgeon to possess a strong aesthetic vision and the right technology. Your face and nose can be scanned, and simulation resulted can be rendered digitally with a 3D imaging scanner. Your surgeon must be highly skilled and experience in rhinoplasty. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a full consultation and evaluation of your goals. 

Why Does the Skin Thicken After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Skin thickening happens because each time you repeat rhinoplasty surgery, scar tissue builds up after each rhinoplasty surgery.

Has it clearly been determined that it is excess skin and not too much or too little cartilage or bone? The appearance of “thicker skin” could be part of the cartilage or bone left.

Steroids can help with swelling. Steroid treatments should be done with caution soon after surgery. Keep in mind that a common side effect of steroid treatment is thinning out the skin too much.

Also consider taping the nose right after surgery and for 4-6 weeks following the surgery. Though, taping is used more to control swelling than scar tissue growth.

For other readers keep in mind that each time you go in for a rhinoplasty it becomes more and more difficult to perform the surgery and more and more unpredictable.

Can Rhinoplasty Surgery Make my Breathing Worse?

There's always a possibility it could make the breathing work. Generally, a qualified plastic surgeon should understand how to avoid making it any worse.

For normal nose breathing, there are two areas that could restrict or decrease air flow. One is the internal valve and the other is the external valve. The internal valve is more commonly effected during nose surgery, especially when someone has a very large hump removed. The internal valve isn't kept open with spreader grafts that could sometimes create breathing problems.

The second is the external valve, your nostrils. If for some reason the patient has nostril collapse or very thin nostrils, it could cause breathing problems. If the surgeon identifies this before surgery, he / she could take care to decrease breathing problems

Again, these are rare situations and nowadays we treat them prophylactically, but in rare situations it could make breathing worse. 

Am I a good candidate for tip plasty? (Photos)

I actually think that your features are balance and you are quite pretty, we usually talk about the tip and the projection of the tip. We can also talk about the nasal width, your nostril and nasal tip seem proportion to your tip and to the rest of your nose. Overall all of that is very well balanced with your face, I would say esthetically I wouldn’t touch your nose.

Asian Nose Job for More Defined and Built Up Nose?

It depends on how defined and bulit up. Generally, if a patient wants a very well defined tip or bridge , there may not be enough cartilage, and may require an implant. There are some side effects of implants. Both the silicone implant and the PTFE implant have the risk of the body rejecting it. 

Generally, we try to avoid having an implant for the tip, and built the tip up with their own tissue. It can be a combination of these those things.  But if the patient wants a more subtle look, we can avoid the implant all together and use their own cartilage either from the nose or the ear to give the patient a very natural looking nose. 

Reviews

Zia A. (yelp.com) – Malibu, CA  4/23/16

Dr. Rajagopal (and her staff!) are phenomenal at what they do. I have been to her SF office twice for nonsurgical rhinoplasty and am genuinely thrilled with the results; she understood precisely how to shape my nose to produce the most natural and beautiful end-result. Admittedly, I feared she may have injected too much product into the tip of my nose on my second visit– but just as she predicted, once the swelling went down two days later, the look was PERFECT.

She is not only a talented and attentive physician, but a supportive and warm individual. I am extremely satisfied with my results and intend on staying with her in the future. I highly recommend her for nonsurgical rhinoplasty– she truly is the best.

Samantha D. (yelp.com) – Palo Alto, CA  4/14/08

I would LOVE to recommend Dr. Rajagopal to anyone looking for an attentive, professional and skilled Plastic Surgeon. I talked to quite a few doctors when I was looking for a rhinoplasty and she was the best listener, and educator, to help me with what I was looking for.

Her office staff couldn’t have been nicer either, so friendly in everything from scheduling apts to walking me through pre-op on the phone the night before, to their bedside manner in recovery room and way the treated my fianc while he waited for me. I feel like the service from and skill of Dr. Rajagopal was the best, I love my new nose

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

 

Rhinoplasty Procedure Cost

View San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center’s pricing chart for cost of this procedure and other affordable treatments and procedures.

Why choose Dr. Rajagopal and the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center for your rhinoplasty?

  • Practice Led by Board Certified Female Surgeon

  • 21 Years of Cosmetic Surgery Experience

  • Friendly and Professional Female Staff

  • Reliable, Positively Reviewed Results

  • Affordable Pricing and Financing Options

If you have any questions regarding Rhinoplasty or wish to schedule a consultation with Usha Rajagopal, MD in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Laser Center at 415-392-3333.