Dr. Shervin Aminpour at Hills Aesthetics is a double board-certified surgeon, both as a plastic surgeon and as an Ear, Nose & Throat doctor. Dr. Aminpour performs surgical procedures of the nose with exceptional aesthetic and functional results. Here he provides answers to commonly asked questions about rhinoplasty.
Who is an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?
There are two main reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty – facial symmetry and function.
Symmetry is an essential element of an attractive face. If your nose is excessively large or wide, out of balance with the rest of your features, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. If you have a bulbous or drooping nose tip, flaring nostrils, a hump, or other aesthetic issues with the bridge of your nose, a cosmetic rhinoplasty can help restore facial balance. Many of Dr. Aminpour's patients come from diverse, ethnic backgrounds and his patients take pride in his work because of his ability to stay true to his patients' ethnic backgrounds. If you are looking for some of the most natural looking results from ethnic rhinoplasty in Los Angeles, you would make a great candidate to be Dr. Aminpour's patient.
Rhinoplasty is frequently performed to restore nasal function. A deviated septum blocking your airways and other structural problems can interfere with breathing, affecting your health. Dr. Aminpour is a board-certified Ear, Nose & Throat surgeon and highly skilled in performing functional rhinoplasty, or a fusion of functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty to correct structural and aesthetic problems in one surgery.
What are the different types of rhinoplasty?
Dr. Aminpour performs non-surgical rhinoplasty using injectable fillers to smooth and shape the profile of the nose. He also performs surgical cosmetic rhinoplasty, structural rhinoplasty (including septoplasty), and fusion rhinoplasty, which combines septoplasty or other functional procedures with cosmetic rhinoplasty, so the patient receives the benefits of both.
He also offers reconstructive or corrective procedures as well. For patients who have previously undergone a nose job, but either did not like how it turned out or the previous surgeon made cosmetic and/or structural errors during the procedure, Dr. Aminpour offers revisional services. Dr. Aminpour has helped several Los Angeles patients with his revision rhinoplasty procedure. Some patients, unfortunately, may go through physical trauma to the nose and thus require reconstructive rhinoplasty services. This is another area of expertise for Dr. Aminpour.
Rhinoplasty can be performed as an open or closed procedure. In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nose. This method provides less visibility and access, but is often appropriate for certain aesthetic flaws and conditions.
Open rhinoplasty is a commonly-used technique as it provides greater access and visibility for a more complex nose surgery. In addition to incisions inside the nose, it requires a tiny incision across the bottom of the columella, the section of skin that divides the nostrils. Dr. Aminpour closes the tiny incision with small, carefully placed sutures, and most patients experience no long-term visible scarring.
How much does nose surgery cost?
Out-of-pocket costs for nose surgery can be affected a number of factors. When rhinoplasty is performed for medical reasons, as in septoplasty (surgical correction of a deviated septum), the treatment may be covered by health insurance. Otherwise, the cost of the procedure may be affected by the extent and difficulty of the surgery. Revision rhinoplasty to correct previous nose surgery is often a more complicated and lengthy procedure than primary rhinoplasty. The cost will also depend on whether rhinoplasty is performed as a surgical or non-surgical procedure.
How should I prepare for nose surgery?
To prepare for a rhinoplasty procedure:
- Discontinue the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements, and vitamin E two weeks before your surgery. Inform your surgeon of any medications or supplements you take, as they may need to be discontinued prior to surgery.
- Nicotine slows healing. If you smoke, stop 2 to 4 weeks before the procedure.
- Stock up on cool beverages and lip balm. You will be breathing through your mouth, which tends to cause dryness of mouth and lips.
- Find a friend or relative to drive you home after surgery and help you through your first few days and nights post-op.
- Work with us closely so we are on the same page about the final appearance you envision for your new nose shape or size. Dr. Aminpour uses state-of-the-art imaging software to give you a clear picture of the aesthetic changes, and how a newly-sculpted nose structure will appear and enhance your other facial features.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. After the procedure, Dr. Aminpour will put a splint and a cast on your nose. If you wear glasses, they should be taped up and away from the nose to avoid putting pressure on the surgical site.
You will spend an hour or so recovering from anesthesia before you are discharged to go home. You will need someone to drive you due to the residual effects of anesthesia.
How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, rhinoplasty typically takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours to perform.
What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?
You can expect some bruising, swelling, and puffiness after nose surgery. This should begin to decrease within 2 to 3 weeks, although it will take approximately a year for the swelling to subside completely. Even with the swelling, your nose will look better than it did before surgery immediately after the procedure. During the recovery process, icepacks and medication can help minimize swelling and discomfort, and cover-up makeup can be used to hide bruising.
What are the main benefits of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is performed to reduce snoring, correct birth defects, treat sinus problems, improve breathing, repair a broken nose, fix a previously-botched nose job, and to enhance facial symmetry. The main benefits patients experience with nose surgery are improved nasal function and a more aesthetically pleasing, balanced facial appearance.
