Conveniently located to serve San Diego

Enhance the appearance or improve the function of your nose with rhinoplasty in San Diego. This surgical procedure not only addresses cosmetic concerns but also helps correct nasal deformities that hinder proper breathing.

At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, close attention is given to the physical structures, symmetry, and functionality of your nose to achieve the best results possible.

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can address cosmetic and functional concerns involving the nose. Since the nose is the most prominent facial feature, bringing it into balance with the rest of the face can significantly enhance your natural facial contours. Double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Balikian frequently performs rhinoplasty for San Diego patients to help them breathe better and love the way they look.

Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

A consultation with Dr. Balikian in San Diego is necessary to find out if rhinoplasty is a good option for you. In general, candidacy for rhinoplasty requires that you are in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and are a non-smoker (or willing to stop smoking as directed before, during, and after surgery).

Rhinoplasty candidates must also have a fully matured nose. The nose does not reach its final natural shape until a person’s teenage years. The nose stops changing around the age of 14 for girls and around the age of 16 for boys.

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation

The first step in your rhinoplasty journey is a consultation with Dr. Balikian. He will examine your facial contours, proportions, and skin when determining if rhinoplasty is a good option for you. He will also ask you about your medical history, including allergies and past procedures, and your treatment goals.

If you are a good candidate for nose surgery, he will work with you using computerized imagery to refine the look you desire. With this visual representation, he can choose the best approach for your surgery. Other aesthetic procedures may also be recommended in conjunction with your nose surgery for improved results.

Dr. Balikian will go over the full details of the surgical procedure, including all preparation steps and aftercare directions, in order to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the process. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have in our San Diego office.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

This outpatient procedure begins with the administration of a general anesthetic. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Balikian will begin the surgery.

Depending on your treatment goals and the information you provide in your consultation appointment, Dr. Balikian will perform either an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty. Dr. Balikian is highly trained and experienced in both types of rhinoplasty, and he will use his expertise to determine which approach will get you the best results.

  • Open rhinoplasty (external rhinoplasty) – Open, or external, rhinoplasty begins with a discreet external incision on the line of skin that separates your nostrils. The skin of the nose is then lifted. This approach allows Dr. Balikian to benefit from having visual access to the treatment area as he makes your desired alterations. Once the nose has been reshaped, the skin is carefully positioned to ensure natural-looking results and external sutures are placed. In complex cases requiring ultra-precise work, an open rhinoplasty may be the optimal approach.
  • Closed rhinoplasty (endonasal rhinoplasty) – The closed, or internal, technique allows Dr. Balikian to re-contour your nose without opening the treatment area. Incisions inside the nostrils provide access to the nasal tissues that need to be reshaped. Dr. Balikian’s extensive training and experience in facial plastic surgery allow him to make precise alterations using this method. Closed rhinoplasty patients will not have any external post-surgical marks and generally have shorter recovery times than open rhinoplasty patients.

Once the surgery is complete, Dr. Balikian will place a splint to support your new nasal structure. Bandages are also applied to further protect your nose and promote optimal healing. You will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Dr. Balikian’s approach to rhinoplasty does not require that you have your nose packed for your surgery. As a result, his patients have a more comfortable recovery. Dr. Balikian will monitor your healing progress and provide personalized guidance throughout the process.

Rest is a key component to healing, so plan to take time off work and avoid vigorous activities after your rhinoplasty.

Swelling is an inevitable part of nose surgery recovery due to the sensitive nature of the nasal tissues. In most cases, swelling decreases significantly in the first month after your surgery, revealing your new nose shape. It can take up to a year for swelling to diminish entirely, at which point you will be able to enjoy your final results.

Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Artistry. Excellence. Compassion

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Balikian is an experienced, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon. He is double board-certified both in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Balikian belongs to a very select group of elite cosmetic surgeons with at least six years of specialized surgical training exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck.

Read More
  • ABFPRS logo
  • ABOHNS logo
  • ACS logo
  • Castle Connolly logo
  • 10 Best Plastic Surgeon
  • Best of 2023 - Ranch & Coast
  • Columbia University logo
  • National Academy of Plastic Surgeon's 2024 Top 10 list!

Dr. Balikian and his team exceeded my expectations!

starstarstarstarstar

Dr. Balikian and his team exceeded my expectations! I was so nervous to get this procedure done, but his staff took the time to comfort me when I was scared and explained everything step by step. I am so thankful for Dr. Balikian! I still look like me, but I like my nose now! Subtle change that made a world of difference in my confidence. Thank you Dr. Balikian and staff!

businessman in suit with crossed arms

Rhinoplasty Cost in San Diego

The total cost of Rhinoplasty surgery is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery.

Book A Rhinoplasty Consultation

If functional or cosmetic issues with your nose are interfering with your ability to live your best life, it is time to learn more about rhinoplasty in San Diego. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Balikian.

Related Links