Sculpt Your Dream Nose with Dr. Panossian in Pasadena

As the face's centerpiece, your nose balances your features. Those with an overly large or misshapen nose might feel their face appears unbalanced, or their nose draws attention for the wrong reasons. Because the nose is always visible, self-consciousness often begins in adolescence. If you're unhappy with the shape of your nose, board-certified Pasadena plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Panossian offers premiere rhinoplasty services tailored to meet your unique aesthetic needs. As an internationally recognized master of reconstructive surgery, Dr. Panossian can handle even the most complex cases. Serving individuals in Pasadena, Glendale, and beyond, our patients trust Dr. Panossian’s expertise for beautifully refined noses that enhance their overall appearance. Stop avoiding the mirror and step into the world with renewed confidence with our rhinoplasty procedure.

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Cosmetic Surgery Overview

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Welcome to Our Practice

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or reconstructing the nose for aesthetic and functional purposes, providing the patient with physical and emotional benefits. It involves altering the nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues to improve the nose's size, shape, symmetry, and overall appearance. Rhinoplasty can address various concerns, such as a prominent hump, wide nostrils, asymmetry, nasal tip irregularities, breathing difficulties, or nasal deformities caused by injury or congenital conditions.

A prominent nose is often inherited genetically and passed down through family lines. Alternatively, injury or illness can also impact the nose's appearance. Rhinoplasty stands out as a highly impactful procedure in cosmetic medicine. Even subtle adjustments, measured in millimeters, can significantly enhance an individual's appearance, regardless of their nose's original shape, size, or skin thickness. The procedure is highly customizable to suit each individual's unique facial features and desired outcomes, offering enhanced facial harmony and self-confidence.

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RhinoplastyBefore & After

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Types of Rhinoplasty

Nose jobs are not a one-size-fits-all procedure. A skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Panossian, serving the residents of Glendale, Pasadena, and beyond, understands this, offering a range of rhinoplasty procedures to correct structural defects and enhance natural beauty. Each approach is meticulously tailored to each individual’s features and needs.

  • Functional Rhinoplasty: Corrects breathing difficulties and other functional issues caused by a deviated septum, often covered by insurance.
  • Cleft Lip Rhinoplasty: This method is part of cleft palate repair surgery and addresses nose deformities resulting from a cleft lip.
  • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: Minor adjustments made with dermal fillers, suitable for correcting asymmetry, dorsal humps, and dips, but not a permanent solution.
  • Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Enhances the nose while preserving ethnic identity, focusing on subtle corrections to maintain harmony with facial features.
  • Rhinoplasty for all Genders: Tailored to match apparent or preferred gender characteristics, adjusting nasal reshaping techniques accordingly.

The Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Feeling insecure about the shape or size of your nose can leave you avoiding the mirror or insecure in social settings, diminishing your overall quality of life. Rhinoplasty offers transformative benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. Whether addressing a nasal deformity or aiming for subtle refinements, this transformative procedure promises undeniable benefits tailored to your cosmetic goals. By undergoing this procedure, individuals can experience the following benefits:

  • Improved Nasal Symmetry: Corrects asymmetry issues, ensuring balance and harmony in facial features.
  • Enhanced Nasal Proportion: Reshapes the nose to better complement overall facial aesthetics.
  • Refined Nasal Contour: Smoothes out bumps, humps, or irregularities for a more streamlined appearance.
  • Better Breathing: Corrects structural abnormalities to alleviate breathing difficulties.
  • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Achieves desired nasal aesthetics, leading to improved self-esteem and body image.
  • Corrected Nasal Trauma: Rhinoplasty repairs nasal deformities resulting from injury or trauma, restoring function and appearance.
  • Addressed Congenital Issues: Corrects congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate, improving nasal function and aesthetics.
  • Tailored Results: Individual goals and expectations are met through a customized surgical approach.
  • Long-lasting Results: Provides enduring improvements that contribute to overall satisfaction and well-being.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

Rhinoplasty is suitable for individuals of an appropriate age seeking to enhance the appearance of their nose or improve nasal function. Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty in Pasadena & Glendale with Dr. Panossian may include those with concerns such as nasal asymmetry, a prominent nasal hump, or breathing difficulties due to structural issues like a deviated septum. Symptoms that indicate a potential need for rhinoplasty include nasal congestion, snoring, chronic sinus issues, or dissatisfaction with nasal aesthetics.

An ideal candidate for a nose job will answer "yes" to the following questions:

  • Would a more attractive nose improve my self-esteem?
  • Am I physically and mentally healthy enough to undergo the surgery?
  • Do I have realistic expectations of the changes that can be achieved?

However, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty should be made in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Panossian, who will assess your goals and concerns to determine if this procedure fits your needs. Dr. Panossian reviews candidacy on a case-by-case basis. Pregnant women, those battling cancer or another serious health condition, and people with active infections may need to postpone rhinoplasty. It is rare, however, that a person is permanently ineligible for a rhinoplasty, so please schedule a consultation with Andre Panossian, MD, if you're interested in rhinoplasty.

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What to Expect The Rhinoplasty Procedure

During a rhinoplasty procedure, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. The procedure begins with carefully planned incisions either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (open rhinoplasty), depending on the specific goals of the surgery. Through these incisions, Dr. Panossian gains access to the underlying nasal structures, including bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. We then reshape the nose to achieve the desired aesthetic or functional improvements, which may involve reducing or augmenting the nasal framework, refining the nasal tip, or addressing any asymmetries. In cases where nasal function is a concern, procedures such as septoplasty may be performed concurrently to improve breathing. Once the desired changes have been made, the incisions are meticulously closed, and nasal splints or packing may be placed to support the newly sculpted nose during the initial healing phase. Rhinoplasty procedures typically last between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the techniques employed. Advanced surgical techniques and anatomical knowledge are utilized throughout the procedure to achieve precise and predictable outcomes tailored to the individual patient's anatomy and goals.

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Rhinoplasty Recovery

After your rhinoplasty surgery, you'll be discharged once the anesthesia wears off and you're fully awake. It's important to arrange for someone to take you home or to your hotel. You may feel groggy for the next 24 hours. When sleeping, it's recommended to prop yourself up at a 45-degree angle with pillows to help control swelling. Plan to take about a week off from work or regular activities, avoiding strenuous activities for six weeks. Most patients only need pain medication or cold compresses for the first week. You'll notice the most dramatic changes in your nose during this time.

Some special considerations apply: avoid wearing glasses directly on your nose, as they may need to be taped to your forehead. Temporary nerve effects may cause itching, so avoid scratching and use a cotton swab if needed. You'll also need to refrain from blowing your nose for a week. After the initial healing period, you'll visit Dr. Panossian for a follow-up appointment to remove any nasal packing, cast, or sutures. While most swelling and bruising will subside within a week or two, it may take up to 18 months to see the final results due to the intricate nature of nasal structures and limited blood flow to the area.

Postoperative Guidelines

While the detailed protocol Dr. Panossian gives you following rhinoplasty may vary based on your individual needs, you can generally expect to receive the following postoperative instructions:

Day 1 After Surgery

  • Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
  • Apply cold compresses for the first 24 hours, avoiding direct contact with ice on the skin.
  • Begin taking prescribed antibiotics, pain, and nausea medications as needed.
  • Expect swelling to peak over the first three days, gradually improving within a week.
  • Please schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Panossian's office 5-7 days after the surgery. If applicable, nasal packing removal may be required.

Day 3 After Surgery

  • Gently clean the lower part of the nose using cotton balls or soft facial tissue soaked in warm water.
  • Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to the nostril rims once daily, avoiding the insertion of Q-tips into the nose.

Day 5-7 After Surgery

  • Nasal splints and sutures will be removed during an office visit.
  • Use a saltwater spray to irrigate the nose (e.g., Ocean Spray, available over the counter).
  • Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor inside the nose nightly for two weeks using Q-tips or a rolled tissue.
  • Tape the nose overnight to minimize swelling.
  • Avoid alcohol and blood thinners for two weeks post-surgery.
  • Resume showers, makeup, and facial creams.

Return to Activities

  • Nose Blowing: Refrain from forceful nose blowing for at least two weeks, then proceed gently.
  • Driving: Resume driving once off pain medications and comfortable with vision.
  • Exercising: Avoid contact sports and heavy exercise for at least four weeks. Also, avoid bending over for two weeks post-surgery.
  • Swimming: You may resume swimming after six weeks.
  • Sun Exposure: Use SPF 50+ sunblock to protect the nose, avoid prolonged exposure, and wear a hat when possible.
  • Foul Smell in the Nose: Some patients may experience this temporarily, resolving over time.
  • Stiff Upper Lip and Smile: Improvement will occur as scars and the nose soften, typically over several months.
  • Flying: While there are no strict guidelines, it's generally recommended to avoid traveling by plane for at least seven days after surgery due to air pressure concerns.
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Why Choose Dr. Panossian?

At Andre Panossian MD, we understand the emotional weight of undergoing a nose job in the Pasadena & Glendale, CA area. Thankfully, Dr. Panossian's expertise spans aesthetic refinement and reconstructive precision, ensuring a beautiful result with improved function. Labeled by Maxim Magazine as the “go-to” plastic surgeon in LA for rhinoplasty, Dr. Panossian is a trusted expert. Whether you want to enhance your nasal appearance or address medical concerns, our practice offers compassionate, personalized care backed by years of experience. Take the first step towards achieving your ideal nose shape by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Panossian today.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

What is the difference between rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation?

Will I get my preferred results from a nose job surgery?

Is rhinoplasty painful?

How long does rhinoplasty take?

What conditions does rhinoplasty treat?

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

What can I expect during my rhinoplasty consultation?

What are the risks and potential side effects of rhinoplasty?

What is the difference between rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation?

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to enhance the aesthetic nasal appearance. Patients may choose a nose job because they feel they have an undesirable nose size and shape or their nose does not harmonize with their other facial features. On the other hand, facial rejuvenation is typically performed to correct signs of aging like lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. The nasal tip can also appear droopy as we age; in these cases, rhinoplasty may be incorporated into a facial rejuvenation treatment plan to meet the patient's beauty goals.

Will I get my preferred results from a nose job surgery?

Dr. Panossian will inform patients of any known limitations of their planned rhinoplasty. To help patients visualize how they may appear after the surgery, he can provide results from former patients and explain how each part of the nose can be altered. Results may not be exact, but plastic surgery is a fine-tuned hybrid of science and art, and Dr. Panossian can meld the two to achieve a very attractive nose for each patient.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

While it is normal to experience some discomfort following surgery and during the early phase of the healing process, patients can take many steps to mitigate pain. Medications that help control swelling, infection, and pain may be administered during the procedure or prescribed before the rhinoplasty surgery date. Patients are encouraged to gently apply a cold compress as needed, to lie down with their heads elevated, and to avoid looking down and bending over for the first week to help relieve any pressure and to manage pain better. Pain tolerance varies from patient to patient, but the operation is generally tolerated well.

How long does rhinoplasty take?

A rhinoplasty procedure can take one to three hours, depending on the complexity and techniques used. Simple procedures can be completed in about an hour, while more complex ones may take up to three hours. The surgeon's expertise and the patient's needs also affect the surgery length. Patients should discuss the duration and details of their procedure with their surgeon during the consultation.

What conditions does rhinoplasty treat?

Rhinoplasty, performed by Dr. Panossian, addresses a range of nasal conditions, including nasal obstructions, crooked nose, saddle nose deformity, deviated nasal septum, asymmetric or wide nostrils, pollybeak nose, dorsal hump, droopy or bulbous nasal tip, nasal valve collapse, upturned nose, and birth deformities. Through precise surgical techniques, patients experience both functional improvements and desired aesthetic enhancements.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

Dr. Panossian's rhinoplasty costs are tailored to reflect the personalized care and expertise integral to the procedure. Factors influencing cost include procedure complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location. Additionally, costs may vary based on patient needs, goals, and surgical techniques employed. It's essential to consider additional expenses like anesthesia, facility fees, preoperative tests, and postoperative care. During the consultation, Dr. Panossian provides a comprehensive overview of the financial investment required to achieve the desired results.

What can I expect during my rhinoplasty consultation?

During your rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Panossian at Andre Panossian MD Plastic Surgery, located conveniently in the heart of Pasadena, you can expect a thorough assessment of your health status and aesthetic goals. Dr. Panossian will review your medical history and discuss your desired outcomes. Based on your unique anatomy and preferences, he will recommend suitable treatment options, including alternative procedures or additional surgeries. Dr. Panossian will outline a preliminary treatment plan and explain the two main rhinoplasty techniques: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision in the columella, while closed rhinoplasty accesses nasal structures through internal incisions. The choice between techniques depends on your goals and nasal anatomy.

What are the risks and potential side effects of rhinoplasty?

When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Panossian, rhinoplasty risks can be minimized but not eliminated. Potential side effects include bruising, swelling, tingling sensations, pain, nasal congestion, infection, and the need for revision surgery. Dr. Panossian ensures thorough preoperative assessments and detailed discussions to mitigate these risks and achieve optimal results.

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