Patient goals and desires are at the forefront of any rhinoplasty surgery. Undergoing rhinoplasty surgery is life changing for many patients. Dr. Sajjadian feels that every face is a masterpiece. Our journey is to architect the structural components of the nose and seek to create a personal masterpiece that is unique to his Newport Beach and Orange County patients.

A septoplasty is required when in the course of rhinoplasty structural support of the dorsum, or nasal tip of the nose, require additional cartilage. In addition, a deviated septum may be causing nasal obstruction. Improvement in nasal breathing can be achieved with a septoplasty in combination with a rhinoplasty. We call this operation a septo rhinoplasty.

An open or closed rhinoplasty are terms to describe the approach the nasal surgery. An open approach utilizes an inverted V incision and skin or vestibular incision to “open” the nose and expose the underlying cartilage or bone. A closed rhinoplasty uses skin and cartilage incision to deliver the underlying tip cartilage and approach the dorsum of the nose.

Rhinoplasty can be performed as young as 14 years old in patients with a traumatic nose deformity or as old as 80 years of age. There is no “right” age to undergo rhinoplasty. Patients who are bullied as teenagers may be a candidate to improve their self-esteem. Others have a traumatic deformity causing nasal obstruction or external deformity. Others see their nose as a cosmetic focal point for which they desire refinement.

Dr. Sajjadian does not pack the nose during recovery of rhinoplasty surgery. We utilize small silastic splints called Doyle splints or Rutter Splints, which can secure the internal lining and minimize swelling.

In revision rhinoplasty, there has been a removal of the underlying cartilages or bone that result in a collapse of the internal or external structures of the nose. This can promote abnormal scarring or misshapen nasal tip cartilages. Revision rhinoplasty is completely restorative and combines both reconstructive as well as cosmetic techniques. A primary rhinoplasty focuses on refining the nasal tip and dorsum of the nose to achieve harmony and balance during the first operation. A revision rhinoplasty often takes longer to perform. The cost of revision rhinoplasty is increased due to the length of the procedure, the need for cartilage, and additional anesthesia to achieve the desired result.

Benefits of rhinoplasty surgery include improved aesthetics and refinement of the nasal tip, dorsum, bridge, and nose to lip shape. Other benefits include improvement in the architecture or foundation of the internal nose. These benefits include improved breathing, decrease in snoring, decreased fatigue, and improved support and symmetry. Some patients may even be able to smell better after rhinoplasty surgery by improving nasal congestion and airflow.

Computer imaging can benefit the rhinoplasty patient by showing what can be achieved with the profile of the nose. Computer imaging has limitations pertaining to the frontal view of the nose, as the computer has difficulty focusing on the multiple contours of the nose. Computer imaging is not a guarantee of the final result in rhinoplasty surgery.

Immediately following rhinoplasty surgery, you will be attended by our private nurse and anesthesiologist to ensure that there is minimal pain and nausea. You will have an external splint and a small gauze dressing under your nose that can be removed in a couple of hours. The six weeks after rhinoplasty surgery are critical for your successful healing.

Nasal Drip Pad:

Your drip pad will be necessary for the first 48 hours and possibly a few days after that. If you experience heavy bleeding out of your nose after your surgery, please call our hospital immediately. Take a 4×4 sponge and fold it corner to corner and tape it to your face with non- latex tape available from a pharmacy.

We advise against smoking after a rhinoplasty. Smoking can increase the risk of bleeding and persistent swelling after surgery. Please refrain from smoke during the first 6 weeks after surgery.

There are several steps to prepare for your rhinoplasty consultation:

If medical clearance is required, please obtain clearance from our medical provider.

An EKG or stress test maybe necessary if over the age of 50 years.

Bring your medication list to the appointment for review.

Consider your goals for the surgery and Dr. Sajjadian will review these with you.

Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery day can be stressful. Patients who experience anxiety may have a sense of worry anesthesia or pain. Dr. Sajjadian has performed over 1,000 rhinoplasty procedures. We want you to feel comfortable and confident prior to your procedure, so please reach out to us if you need additional help or further instructions. In general, do not eat after midnight the day of your procedure. Bring your medications with you. Ensure that you have transportation to and from the facility from a trusted friend or family member.

Start using nasal saline immediately after surgery every 4 hours while awake for the first two weeks. Be sure to irrigate a minimum of four times daily until Dr. Sajjadian tells you that you can go down to twice daily. You should irrigate your nose for at least three months after surgery since ciliary motility is impaired three months post-op. Irrigation replaces the normal function of your nasal cell function.