Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that our world-class surgeons perform at our accredited surgery center. At Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons typically perform nose jobs using general anesthesia but sometimes use local anesthetic and IV sedation instead.

During your rhinoplasty, your board-certified surgeon will make hidden incisions within your nostrils. In some cases, they will place a small “nick” in the skin at the upper nose near the corner of the eye. 

More complex nose surgeries often require an incision at the base of the nose called the columella. This procedure is called “open rhinoplasty” because it allows your surgeon to elevate the nasal skin to directly view the interior of the nose and make necessary corrections. It is a preferred technique because it greatly increases the surgeon’s ability to achieve the best possible result and avoid the need for revision surgery. The scar heals very well, and it becomes nearly invisible over time. 

Wide noses may require narrowing the base using small incisions (Weir incisions) in the groove where the nostril meets the cheek. This technique allows surgeons to position the base closer together. 

More complex nose corrections may require grafts. With this rhinoplasty technique, plastic surgeons often use cartilage and bone grafts within the nose (septum). Cartilage from the ear, rib, hip, or outer portion of the skull are other possible grafts. Synthetic nasal implants may be used to build up portions of the nose as well.