Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is done to change the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty (also known as a nose job or septorhinoplasty) offers the promise of enhancing the shape and size of various areas of the nose. Leading the way in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in Walnut Creek, Dr. Christian Conderman of Conderman Facial Plastic Surgery specializes in primary and revision rhinoplasty. His expertise lies in delivering results that are not just visually appealing but also tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Rhinoplasty surgery isn’t just about changing the nose; it’s about boosting your self-assurance and transforming the way you face the world. In fact, rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures with over 45,000 surgeries done in 2023 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Understanding Rhinoplasty
One allure of rhinoplasty is that it can benefit a broad spectrum of individuals, both men and women, who find themselves dissatisfied with specific aspects of their nose’s size, shape, or width. It’s common for people to have particular concerns they’d like to address, such as a noticeable hump on the nasal bridge or the feeling that their nose is disproportionately large in relation to their other facial features.
However, rhinoplasty isn’t just about aesthetics. Rhinoplasty surgery can also be done to improve nasal function (breathing). The procedure can be performed to correct asymmetrical nostrils and structural issues resulting from accidents or congenital problems. Furthermore, rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty can be done to help patients after prior nasal surgery (e.g. deviated septum surgery, septoplasty, turbinate reduction) that did not lead to adequate improvement in the quality of their breathing (see below).
The Power of Septorhinoplasty and Nasal Valve Repair
A common reason for seeking out a specialist in nasal surgery is difficulty breathing through the nose. Structural defects in the nose or damage to the nasal passages can lead to breathing difficulties. Oftentimes, this can be due to a deviated nasal septum (the internal dividing partition consisting of bone and cartilage that separates the nose into the right and left nasal passageway). A septorhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that combines a septoplasty (deviated septum repair) with nasal surgery to re-shape the nasal bones and/or address external causes of nasal obstruction (e.g. nasal valve collapse). Dr. Conderman believes in addressing both internal and external causes of nasal obstruction to have the highest likelihood of success for improvement in nasal breathing issues.
In addition to a deviated septum, many patients suffer from nasal valve collapse/incompetence. The nasal valve is the narrowest portion of the nasal airway and may contribute to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Nasal valve problems can develop as a result of prior surgery, nasal trauma or may be due to a patient’s inherent anatomy (poor structural support of the nasal framework).
In many cases, septoplasty and nasal valve repair can be combined with a cosmetic rhinoplasty and the functional/breathing aspect of the surgery is typically covered by insurance and can help defray the overall cost of surgery.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Basics
Reshapes the nose for cosmetic or breathing improvements.
Hump, droopy tip, crooked nose, or breathing issues.
Swelling and bruising for ~2 weeks; full results in 6–12 months.
Minimal scar visible from the nasal base.
Long-lasting improvements in shape and function.
Before & After
Start a new life chapter with a customized nose surgery in the Walnut Creek area
Imaging Software / Renderings
As part of the consultation process, photos and digital renderings are an important part of outlining the goals of surgery and setting appropriate expectations for what can be done with rhinoplasty. Photos will be taken and modified with digitial software to create a surgical plan. Dr. Conderman believes in the importance of a dialogue with his patients to create a realistic goal for surgery. These images are used at the time of surgery and act as a “roadmap” while the surgery is performed, however they are not a guarantee of surgical results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to correct cosmetic concerns such as a hump, droopy tip, crooked bridge, or wide nostrils, and it can also fix breathing issues like a deviated septum.
Yes — the goal is a natural-looking nose that harmonizes with your facial features, enhancing your appearance without drastically changing your identity.
Most swelling and bruising subside within 2 weeks, but subtle swelling, especially at the tip, may take 6–12 months to fully resolve. Patients typically return to work or school within 1–2 weeks.
Yes, functional rhinoplasty can correct structural issues like a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves, improving airflow and nasal function.
Absolutely — every rhinoplasty is tailored to the individual’s anatomy, aesthetic goals, and functional needs for balanced, lasting results.
The Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a versatile procedure capable of addressing an array of concerns related to the nose’s appearance, including:
- A hooked or drooping nasal tip
- A bulbous nasal tip
- A wide bridge
- A crooked nasal bridge
- Wide or large nostrils
- A large nasal hump
Moreover, patients who’ve undergone previous rhinoplasty and are dissatisfied with the results can consider secondary rhinoplasty, also known as revision rhinoplasty, to correct any remaining issues.
The Healing Process
Bruising and swelling is normal following rhinoplasty. While most of the visible bruising subsides within 1-2 weeks, tissue swelling of the skin and soft tissue envelope can persist for up to one year. Over this period, you’ll notice your nose’s shape and contours evolving as the residual swelling gradually diminishes.
Recovery after rhinoplasty can be broken down into three stages:
- The initial stage lasts for the first 10-14 days after surgery and patients typically take 1-2 weeks off work to allow their bodies to heal and for the majority of bruising to fade. While minor swelling and bruising may still be evident after a week, patients can usually return to non-physically demanding work thereafter.
- Weeks 2-6 see further reduction in the amount of swelling and most of the acute bruising and swelling will have subsided by this point. Nasal bones and structural grafting take a full 6 weeks to heal and the first 6 weeks are critical in the rhinoplasty recovery process. Patients may return to light activity (walking, stationary bike, light weights), however contact sports and heavy exercise should be avoided for a full 6 weeks
- Week 6 and beyond: While most of the swelling will have gone down by 6 weeks after surgery, it can take another 6-12 months for all of the swelling to resolve after surgery. This process can be longer in cases of revision rhinoplasty and in patients with thicker skin and the full and final results of a rhinoplasty are not expected until 12-18 months after the procedure.
Understanding Rhinoplasty Costs
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is usually not covered by insurance. However, cases involving nasal surgery for functional purposes or to correct damage from accidents may be partially covered by insurance. Dr. Conderman will issue a quote outlining the cost of surgery. In some cases, you may be advised to discuss the cost of outpatient surgery with your insurance provider as deductibles and out-of-pocket insurance costs can vary.
Our Procedure Financing Partners
Rhinoplasty from Dr. Conderman in the San Francisco Bay Area
Dr. Christian Conderman is an ideal choice for your rhinoplasty surgery. He is an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures and is double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He has dedicated a large portion of his practice to functional and aesthetic nasal surgery.
Dr. Conderman did his facial plastic surgery fellowship with world-renowned nasal surgeon Dr. Russell Kridel. Dr. Conderman has trained numerous medical students, fellows, and residents. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
To learn more, contact our office today and schedule your rhinoplasty consultation.