Rhinoplasty
San Diego, CA

While the procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia, patients may experience some discomfort during the recovery period, which can be managed with medication.

For traditional, functional, and revision rhinoplasties, a minimum of 4 appointments is required. This includes your initial consultation, a pre-operative visit (to finalize details, address remaining questions, take before photos, and ensure your medical clearance), the surgery itself, and at least one (and possibly more) follow-up visits. The follow-up visits allow our team to monitor your healing progress, make adjustments to your recovery instructions if needed, and ensure your results are settling safely.

Truthfully, it can take up to a year to see the final results of a rhinoplasty. This is due to swelling during the healing process and some initial bruising. With that being said, the bulk of the swelling and bruising will dwindle within the first 4-6 weeks, making it easy to see initial results. At this time, it is considered safe to attend social events and gradually return to your normal routine.

While there will inevitably be some scarring around the nose, the good news is that the incisions are placed in discreet areas, such as inside the nose (for a closed technique) or across the columella (for an open technique). Additionally, scarring will fade gradually over time, blending into the surrounding skin, and scar creams or gels can be used to speed up this process. We will provide additional guidance on scar care during your consultation.

We advise patients to avoid strenuous exercise or other demanding activities for at least the first 6 weeks post-surgery. While light walking after the first week is safe to help with blood flow, heavier exercises run the risk of internal bleeding, additional swelling or bruising that worsens, or negative effects to the incision site. This will inevitably delay the healing process or create unnecessary complications. Our team will outline a timeline that goes over what you can expect during the recovery process.

Yes, many of the patients we’ve worked with in San Diego combine their rhinoplasty with additional facial enhancement procedures to address multiple concerns in a single surgery. This reduces recovery time, costs, and the need for additional anesthesia. We will discuss which options may be right for you, whether they can be performed in a single surgery or spread out. Generally, patients pair their rhinoplasties with eyelid surgery, chin surgery, brow lifts, or ear surgery.

Rhinoplasty does carry some risks. Minor side effects of the procedure include swelling, bruising, tightness, and overall mild discomfort, which can be easily managed with painkillers or ice packs. However, more severe, yet uncommon, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, discoloration, poor wound healing, or more. We will go over all this information with you during your consultation to help you make an informed decision about the surgery and the measures taken to mitigate these risks.

To find the best rhinoplasty plastic surgeon in the San Diego area, we suggest starting with board-certified surgeons with extensive experience and credentials. Look at reviews from previous patients, before-and-after photos, and whether they specialize in facial plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Kawaski is affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS), the International Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISPS), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the California Medical Association (CMA), making her a top choice for many patients in San Diego and across the southern California area.

The ideal nose shape varies from person to person and is determined by facial proportions and personal preferences. Dr. Kaweski works closely with patients to achieve a natural-looking result that complements their facial features.

Open rhinoplasty involves external incisions along the nostrils, providing better visibility and access to nasal structures. Closed Rhinoplasty utilizes incisions inside the nose, minimizing visible scarring, and is suitable for minor adjustments.