What Is Rhinoplasty?
More commonly known as a "nose job," rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 352,000 Rhinoplasties were performed in the U.S. in 2020 alone. This made it the most frequently performed plastic surgery of the year.
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that alters the nose's size, shape, or anatomy to improve its appearance or resolve certain breathing issues. This may involve adding or removing cartilage, shaving down bone, or changing the size and shape of the nostrils.
Why Do Patients Seek Rhinoplasty Procedures?
Patients most often seek rhinoplasty procedures for two reasons. The most common is that they are unhappy with the appearance of their nose. Many patients want to remove a large bump along the bridge. For other patients, the width may be their concern. They may feel that the tip of their nose is too large or too small. Some patients seek rhinoplasty to improve the asymmetry of the nose. These are just some of the common aesthetic issues that patients seek to improve with rhinoplasty.
A non-cosmetic reason patients seek rhinoplasty is for breathing difficulties. Structural abnormalities like a deviated septum can lead to difficulty breathing in some patients. Altering the anatomy of the nose can relieve these issues and increase the nose's functionality. Dr. Cat explains the importance of rhinoplasty here:
"It is one of the surgeries that really helps balance a person's face. Oftentimes the nose overwhelms other beautiful features like eyes and lips, so rhinoplasty allows those features to take the front stage. In addition to my plastic surgery training, I trained in head and neck surgery, so I specialize in fixing the external cosmetic aspects of the nose while also preserving and improving the internal anatomy to help with breathing."
What Changes Can Be Made to Your Nose?
Patients often ask us what specific changes are possible with nose reshaping surgery. The answer depends on your anatomy, but common modifications include reducing or increasing the overall size of the nose, smoothing a dorsal hump on the bridge, refining a bulbous or wide nasal tip, narrowing the nostrils, straightening a crooked nose, and correcting asymmetry. Functional concerns can also be addressed during the same procedure. For example, a deviated septum that causes breathing obstruction can be corrected through septoplasty performed alongside cosmetic changes.
In our experience, patients get the best results when they bring reference photos to their consultation and have an open conversation about realistic expectations. Dr. Cat uses digital imaging to help patients visualize potential outcomes before committing to surgery. Every nose is unique, so the surgical plan is always customized to complement your facial proportions and personal goals.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Nose Reshaping
Selecting a qualified surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make in this process. Board certification in plastic surgery is a strong indicator that a surgeon has completed rigorous training and meets high standards of patient safety. You should also look for a surgeon with specific experience in nasal surgery, since the nose involves complex anatomy where even small adjustments make a significant difference. One common question we get is how many procedures a surgeon has performed. Experience matters because it builds the judgment needed to handle different nasal structures and patient goals.
Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients, read reviews, and pay attention to how comfortable you feel during the consultation. Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained in both head and neck surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery, giving her a deep understanding of both the aesthetic and functional aspects of nasal anatomy.
The Rhinoplasty Process
If you are interested in having a rhinoplasty, it is crucial to understand everything the process entails. Below, read about each step involved in a rhinoplasty procedure, from consultation to recovery.
Preparation
Before having any plastic surgery procedure at Dr. Cat's office, you'll need to have a consultation visit her. During your consultation, Dr. Cat will assess the current anatomy of your nose and discuss your desired outcome. The natural anatomy of your nose and the results you want to achieve help her determine whether you will benefit from this procedure.
To ensure rhinoplasty will produce the best possible outcome, Dr. Cat will perform a comprehensive facial evaluation. This includes digital photographs and computer imaging to determine how your nasal anatomy can be altered to give you the desired results. She encourages patients to bring pictures of noses they like or wish to emulate.
If Dr. Cat determines that you are a candidate for Rhinoplasty, you will need to have a complete medical physical to ensure your good general health before the procedure. Rhinoplasty involves general anesthesia, so Dr. Cat makes sure patients don't have any underlying health issues that may cause complications.
Rhinoplasty is not recommended for smokers, as it leads to wound healing complications. This is why Dr. Cat requires rhinoplasty patients to stop smoking anywhere between two months to one year before surgery. To minimize excess bleeding, you will also need to stop using aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, and herbal medications two weeks before your procedure.
Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Cat uses a 3.5X microscopic examination device to provide the most precise and symmetrical results. During the procedure, a discreet incision is made inside the nose, and the skin is then gently lifted back to give surgeons access to the bone and cartilage. Dr. Cat then alters the bone and cartilage according to your desired results. This may involve reshaping the cartilage and shaving down the prominent bone. Patients with breathing difficulties may need their deviated septum straightened, as well. Once alterations are complete, the skin is gently laid back in place, and the incisions are closed. The entire procedure can take anywhere between three to five hours.
Dr. Cat may perform either an open or closed approach depending on the complexity of the changes needed. In an open procedure, a small incision is made across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, allowing full visibility of the nasal framework. A closed procedure keeps all incisions inside the nostrils, which means no visible scarring. Both techniques allow Dr. Cat to reshape bone, cartilage, and soft tissue to achieve the desired result. The choice between open and closed depends on factors like the degree of correction, whether the tip needs significant reshaping, and the patient's nasal anatomy. During your consultation, Dr. Cat will recommend the best approach for your specific goals.
Recovery
Dr. Cat uses a gentle approach to ensure that your rhinoplasty recovery is as painless and straightforward as can be. Most patients find that any pain or discomfort can be managed with medication like Tylenol. There will be bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes in the days that follow your surgery. Many patients can return to work after the first week.
Dr. Cat will send you home with a lightweight splint to maintain the nose's new shape as it heals. There may also be nasal splints applied to protect the septum. These splints can usually be removed after the first week. Some swelling may remain for several weeks. This means patients should avoid sports or any other activity that may result in the nose being bumped or hit. Most patients see the final results of their rhinoplasty around three to four months after surgery. It is crucial to avoid any trauma to the nose during recovery.
Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping: Is It an Option?
Not every patient needs surgery to address their concerns. Non-surgical nose reshaping, sometimes called a liquid nose job, uses injectable dermal fillers to smooth bumps on the bridge, lift the nasal tip, or improve symmetry. The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes, requires no anesthesia, and involves minimal downtime. Results are visible immediately and typically last 12 to 18 months.
However, fillers can only add volume; they cannot reduce the size of the nose, narrow the nostrils, or correct structural issues like a deviated septum. We typically find that non-surgical options work best for patients who want subtle refinements or who want to preview changes before committing to surgery. It is worth noting that fillers near the nose carry specific risks, including vascular occlusion, so this procedure should only be performed by a highly trained injector. During your consultation, Dr. Cat can help you determine whether a surgical or non-surgical approach best fits your goals.
What to Expect During Your Recovery Timeline
Understanding the full recovery timeline helps patients plan ahead and set realistic expectations. During the first week, you will wear a nasal splint to protect the nose and support its new shape. Most patients experience swelling and mild bruising around the eyes, which typically fades within 10 to 14 days. By week two, most people feel comfortable returning to work and light daily activities. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to prevent increased blood flow to the nose, which can worsen swelling.
We recommend sleeping with your head elevated for the first two weeks to help reduce fluid buildup. While the nose will look noticeably improved within a few weeks, subtle swelling in the nasal tip can take up to a full year to fully resolve. Patience during this period is key, and Dr. Cat's team provides detailed aftercare instructions to guide you through each stage of healing.
Risks and Potential Complications
Like any surgical procedure, nose reshaping surgery carries certain risks that patients should understand before moving forward. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, numbness around the nose, and asymmetry. Some patients experience difficulty breathing through the nose after surgery, though this is uncommon with an experienced surgeon. Scarring is typically minimal, especially with a closed approach where incisions remain inside the nostrils. In rare cases, a small blood vessel may burst, leading to a condition called septal hematoma, which requires prompt treatment.
Skin discoloration, swelling that persists beyond the expected timeline, and the need for revision surgery are also possibilities. Dr. Cat minimizes these risks through meticulous surgical technique and thorough preoperative planning. We always encourage patients to discuss their full medical history, including any medications or supplements, during the consultation so we can reduce the chance of complications.
Long-Term Results and What to Expect
The final results of nose reshaping surgery become fully apparent once all swelling has subsided, which for most patients takes about 12 months. The good news is that results are permanent. Once the nasal bones and cartilage have healed in their new position, the shape of your nose will remain stable over time. Natural aging will continue to affect the skin and soft tissue of the face, but the structural changes made during surgery hold up well for decades.
In our experience, patients who follow their postoperative care instructions closely and protect their nose from trauma during the healing period achieve the most satisfying long-term outcomes. It is also important to have realistic expectations going in. The goal is a nose that looks natural, balanced, and harmonious with the rest of your facial features. Dr. Cat takes a personalized approach to ensure results that patients feel confident about for years to come.
According to a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, patient satisfaction rates following nose reshaping surgery exceed 80% when performed by a board-certified surgeon with specialized nasal surgery experience.
Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills
Dr. Cat Begovic is a leading provider of rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills. As a board-certified plastic surgeon trained in head and neck surgery, Dr. Cat uses a gentle, advanced nose surgery technique during rhinoplasty that gives the patient their desired result with minimal pain. She works directly with each patient to ensure that their rhinoplasty helps them feel like the best version of themselves. If you are interested in rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, call us today to schedule a consultation.
