Is Rhinoplasty Painful?

Rhinoplasty, whether open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical, is generally manageable regarding discomfort. Anesthesia is provided during surgical procedures to ensure comfort throughout. Patients may experience mild to moderate pressure or congestion post-surgery, especially with open and closed Rhinoplasty and revision surgeries. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty, which uses dermal fillers, involves minimal discomfort and no downtime. Swelling and bruising are common after surgical types but usually improve within a couple of weeks, with most patients finding that over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief effectively keeps them comfortable.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments needed for Rhinoplasty depends on the type of procedure—open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical—and your recovery progress. Typically, patients will have a pre-surgery consultation to discuss goals and plan the procedure, followed by the surgery. Afterward, follow-up appointments will monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Surgical rhinoplasty patients usually attend 2–4 follow-up visits over several months, while non-surgical Rhinoplasty may require fewer visits, possibly just one follow-up.

How Long Until I See Results?

The timeline for seeing results from Rhinoplasty varies by procedure type—open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical. For surgical Rhinoplasty, initial results may be visible as early as a few weeks post-surgery, but swelling can obscure the final shape for several months. Typically, most patients see more defined results after three months, with final results settling fully around one year after surgery. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty offers near-instant results with minimal downtime and swelling that usually subsides within a few days.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

After Rhinoplasty, scars are typically small and strategically placed beneath the nose, between the nostrils, making them discreet and barely visible to others. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques and careful planning, your surgeon can minimize scarring as much as possible, helping to achieve a smoother, natural look. In some cases, scars may even fade, becoming almost unnoticeable.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Rhinoplasty?

The timeline for resuming exercise after Rhinoplasty varies depending on whether you had an open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical procedure. Generally, patients should avoid all strenuous activity for at least two weeks to allow initial healing, especially after surgical Rhinoplasty. For open or revision Rhinoplasty, waiting four to six weeks before resuming high-impact activities like running or weightlifting is recommended to prevent complications. Gentle activities, like walking, can be resumed after one to two weeks. With non-surgical Rhinoplasty, downtime is minimal, and light exercise can typically be resumed within a few days.

Can I Combine Rhinoplasty With Other Procedures?

Rhinoplasty pairs well with a chin augmentation to balance facial proportions, a facelift for more extensive rejuvenation, or eyelid surgery to refine the eye area. Non-surgical options like dermal fillers or Botox can also be added to achieve a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.

What Are the Risks Associated With Rhinoplasty?

After undergoing Rhinoplasty, patients often experience congestion, swelling, and bruising around the nose and under the eyes. This is normal and should start to subside within a few weeks with proper aftercare. These temporary effects are part of the healing process; most patients improve gradually as the days pass. While rare, complications can occur following Rhinoplasty, such as infection, scarring, breathing difficulties, or changes in skin color. Sometimes, the nasal structure may not heal as expected, requiring additional procedures to correct it. Our team will provide a thorough list of warning signs to watch during recovery. This will help you stay informed about potential issues like unusual pain, fever, excessive bleeding, or persistent discomfort.

How Do I Find the Best Orange County Rhinoplasty Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

To find the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Orange County, look for board-certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in facial procedures. Then, check their experience and review patient feedback online. Next, look for before-and-after photos to assess their results. Finally, schedule a consultation—this allows you to discuss your goals and ensure the surgeon understands your vision for a natural look. Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon are trusted rhinoplasty experts with over 30+ years of combined experience. His personalized approach ensures you’ll achieve results tailored to your unique features. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a more confident you.

Rhinoplasty

In Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Rhinoplasty

Dr. Bryan Brandon and Dr. Richard A. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts are dedicated to helping you achieve the nose you’ve always desired by delivering natural, balanced results. They offer a variety of rhinoplasty options, both surgical and non-surgical, to enhance the appearance of your nose and improve its function.

At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail and work with you to create a personalized plan. The consultation can be scheduled at one of our three Southern California locations. Ready to enhance your profile and boost your confidence? Schedule a consultation at Facial Aesthetic Concepts today!

Gallery

Before & after photos

Rhinoplasty B&A

View Results

A close-up shot of a surgical procedure being performed by Dr. Brandon. The surgeon, wearing a blue gown, mask, and eyewear, is focused on the patient who is lying face up. Medical instruments and equipment are visible in the background. - Rhinoplasty in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is designed to reshape or straighten the nose, offering cosmetic and functional benefits. This highly personalized surgery adjusts the bone, cartilage, and nose skin. In addition to a beautiful nose, Rhinoplasty can improve breathing by reshaping the nasal passages, relieving those with structural breathing issues.

Types of Rhinoplasty We Perform

Open Rhinoplasty

Open Rhinoplasty involves making a small incision across the columella to access the underlying bone and cartilage. This allows for more precise reshaping, especially for complex issues like a crooked nose or breathing problems. While it may leave a small, discreet scar, it generally heals and becomes inconspicuous over time. Open Rhinoplasty is often recommended for patients needing more extensive corrections, and your facial plastic surgeon will help determine if this technique is right for you.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed Rhinoplasty involves making all the incisions inside the nose, leaving no visible external scars. This approach is typically used for less complex procedures or minor nose shape adjustments. It offers the advantage of a quicker recovery and less swelling compared to open Rhinoplasty. Since there’s no external incision, the healing process is often more discreet, with most patients seeing their results within a few weeks.

Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty improves the function of the nose, including correcting a deviated septum, removing nasal obstructions, or reshaping the nasal passages to enhance airflow. If you’re experiencing chronic nasal congestion, snoring, or other breathing-related issues, functional Rhinoplasty with Dr. Ganges or Dr. Brandon can help restore your nose’s functionality and aesthetics.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty corrects or improves the results of a previous nose job. Whether due to unsatisfactory cosmetic results, functional issues, or complications from the initial surgery, revision rhinoplasty aims to address both aesthetic and functional concerns. The procedure is often more complex than primary Rhinoplasty and requires a highly skilled surgeon, like Dr. Brandon and Dr. Gangnes, to carefully evaluate and restore the nose’s appearance and function.

Please refer to its dedicated page for more information on revision rhinoplasty.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty reshapes and enhances the nose’s appearance by injecting dermal fillers, like hyaluronic acid, into specific nose areas to smooth out bumps, straighten the nose, or create a more balanced profile. It’s an excellent option for those who want subtle changes or are not ready for surgery.

Please refer to its dedicated page for more information on liquid rhinoplasty.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty offers various benefits depending on the procedure chosen, each catering to specific needs.

Open Rhinoplasty allows for more extensive reshaping and can address cosmetic and functional issues, such as correcting a deviated septum.
Closed Rhinoplasty is ideal for patients seeking subtle changes and typically results in a quicker recovery with less swelling.
Functional Rhinoplasty improves nasal function by correcting structural issues like a deviated septum. It can relieve breathing problems and alleviate symptoms like chronic congestion, often with cosmetic benefits.
Revision Rhinoplasty is performed to fix unsatisfactory results from previous nose surgeries. It helps correct aesthetic issues and breathing difficulties, restoring the nose’s balance and functionality.
Non-surgical Rhinoplasty uses fillers to smooth out bumps and refine the nose without surgery. This quick, minimally invasive procedure offers immediate results and requires little to no recovery time, making it ideal for those seeking temporary changes.

Each type of Rhinoplasty offers unique advantages, whether for cosmetic refinement or functional improvement.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a great option for individuals who:

They have completed their facial growth, typically around age 16 for women and 18 for men.
Are in good physical health, as a healthy body promotes better healing and minimizes surgical risks.
Avoid smoking, which can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
They may feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose, whether due to size, shape, or symmetry.
They should have clear, realistic goals for what they want to achieve with their surgery, understanding that Rhinoplasty can enhance both function and aesthetics.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the First Step?

The first step to your Rhinoplasty is scheduling a detailed consultation at Facial Aesthetic Concepts. Either Dr. Richard A. Gangnes or Dr. Bryan Brandon will take the time to discuss your specific concerns and desired outcomes. They will then examine your nasal structure, including the internal and external aspects, to develop a plan that suits your goals. Your surgeon will explain the different rhinoplasty techniques (such as open, closed, or functional Rhinoplasty) and recommend the most appropriate approach for you.

What to Expect on the Day of Rhinoplasty Surgery

During Rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes precise adjustments to reshape the nose according to the treatment plan discussed. For an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made at the base of the nose between the nostrils, allowing for more visibility and control when making structural changes. This approach is often chosen for more complex reshaping, such as refining the tip or narrowing the bridge. With a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils, leaving no visible scars, and are generally used for more subtle adjustments.

For patients seeking a functional rhinoplasty, which focuses on improving breathing, the surgeon may clear nasal passages by straightening a deviated septum or reducing nasal tissue that obstructs airflow. Revision rhinoplasty involves correcting issues from a previous rhinoplasty, requiring a careful approach to address scar tissue or other challenges. Finally, non-surgical Rhinoplasty uses dermal fillers to enhance nasal contours without incisions, providing a temporary alternative to traditional surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Rhinoplasty recovery involves swelling, bruising, and congestion, particularly in the first few days. The nose will be supported with a splint or bandages to protect it. Most discomfort fades within a week, and you can usually return to normal activities after 10-14 days. Full recovery can take several months as subtle swelling continues to decrease. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions will help ensure the best results and a smooth recovery.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Orange County, CA?

Rhinoplasty costs in Orange County—including San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita—vary based on the type and complexity of the procedure.

Open Rhinoplasty, suitable for more extensive reshaping, ranges from $7,000 to $15,000, while Closed Rhinoplasty, ideal for simpler changes, costs $6,000 to $12,000. Functional Rhinoplasty for breathing issues can run between $8,000 and $18,000 (sometimes partially covered by insurance), and Revision Rhinoplasty to correct previous surgeries is typically $10,000 to $20,000. For a less invasive option, non-surgical rhinoplasty with fillers costs around $1,500 to $3,500.

A consultation with one of our skilled facial plastic surgeons can help determine the best approach and provide an exact estimate.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we’ve been a trusted name in cosmetic surgery throughout Orange County and Los Angeles since 1980. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your ideal look with expert procedures such as facelifts, microlifts, and Rhinoplasty, all tailored to your unique needs.

Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. As a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and as a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Gangnes welcomes both new and returning patients interested in discussing their medical and surgical treatment options, as well as new technologies that currently exist and those at the forefront of aesthetic medicine.

Dr. Bryan Brandon takes his years of education, training, and hands-on experience to provide Orange County with a patient-centered experience, ensuring comfort and collaboration every step of the way. After graduating from California Polytechnic University with a degree in biomedical engineering, Dr. Brandon went on to complete his medical training at UC Irvine and refine his skills through a prestigious fellowship under Dr. Vito Quatela in New York. Known for his precise and artistic approach to surgery, Dr. Brandon’s goal is always to deliver natural-looking results that align with your vision.

Rhinoplasty FAQ’S

Rhinoplasty, whether open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical, is generally manageable regarding discomfort. Anesthesia is provided during surgical procedures to ensure comfort throughout. Patients may experience mild to moderate pressure or congestion post-surgery, especially with open and closed Rhinoplasty and revision surgeries. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty, which uses dermal fillers, involves minimal discomfort and no downtime. Swelling and bruising are common after surgical types but usually improve within a couple of weeks, with most patients finding that over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief effectively keeps them comfortable.
The number of appointments needed for Rhinoplasty depends on the type of procedure—open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical—and your recovery progress. Typically, patients will have a pre-surgery consultation to discuss goals and plan the procedure, followed by the surgery. Afterward, follow-up appointments will monitor healing and ensure optimal results. Surgical rhinoplasty patients usually attend 2–4 follow-up visits over several months, while non-surgical Rhinoplasty may require fewer visits, possibly just one follow-up.
The timeline for seeing results from Rhinoplasty varies by procedure type—open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical. For surgical Rhinoplasty, initial results may be visible as early as a few weeks post-surgery, but swelling can obscure the final shape for several months. Typically, most patients see more defined results after three months, with final results settling fully around one year after surgery. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty offers near-instant results with minimal downtime and swelling that usually subsides within a few days.
After Rhinoplasty, scars are typically small and strategically placed beneath the nose, between the nostrils, making them discreet and barely visible to others. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques and careful planning, your surgeon can minimize scarring as much as possible, helping to achieve a smoother, natural look. In some cases, scars may even fade, becoming almost unnoticeable.
The timeline for resuming exercise after Rhinoplasty varies depending on whether you had an open, closed, functional, revision, or non-surgical procedure. Generally, patients should avoid all strenuous activity for at least two weeks to allow initial healing, especially after surgical Rhinoplasty. For open or revision Rhinoplasty, waiting four to six weeks before resuming high-impact activities like running or weightlifting is recommended to prevent complications. Gentle activities, like walking, can be resumed after one to two weeks. With non-surgical Rhinoplasty, downtime is minimal, and light exercise can typically be resumed within a few days.
After undergoing Rhinoplasty, patients often experience congestion, swelling, and bruising around the nose and under the eyes. This is normal and should start to subside within a few weeks with proper aftercare. These temporary effects are part of the healing process; most patients improve gradually as the days pass.

While rare, complications can occur following Rhinoplasty, such as infection, scarring, breathing difficulties, or changes in skin color. Sometimes, the nasal structure may not heal as expected, requiring additional procedures to correct it. Our team will provide a thorough list of warning signs to watch during recovery. This will help you stay informed about potential issues like unusual pain, fever, excessive bleeding, or persistent discomfort.
To find the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Orange County, look for board-certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in facial procedures. Then, check their experience and review patient feedback online. Next, look for before-and-after photos to assess their results. Finally, schedule a consultation—this allows you to discuss your goals and ensure the surgeon understands your vision for a natural look.

Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon are trusted rhinoplasty experts with over 30+ years of combined experience. His personalized approach ensures you’ll achieve results tailored to your unique features. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a more confident you.

Schedule A
Consultation

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, choosing the right surgeon and team is key to achieving the best results. At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we combine advanced technology with the latest techniques to ensure you get the most natural and satisfying outcomes. Our expert team will perform a comprehensive skin analysis and create a personalized plan to address your goals.
To determine if Rhinoplasty fits your needs, contact us online and book a consultation today.