Various types of rhinoplasty surgeries exist for various reasons. There are open, closed, secondary, and filler rhinoplasty.

An open rhinoplasty is a procedure is one of the more common types of rhinoplasty that we do here in Santa Ana.  It is done for major reshaping of the nose. First external incisions are made into the strips of skin that separate the nostrils, which are called the columella.  The incisions are done externally. The skin and tissues are lifted up so the surgeon can get a clear view of the underlying nasal structure.

Another popular type of rhinoplasty is the closed rhinoplasty. The closed rhinoplasty is less invasive than the open rhinoplasty.  It is done primarily for only minor reshaping.  The incision that are made for this type of rhinoplasty are hidden inside of the nose and then the skin is separated from the bone and cartilage, allowing the surgeon to reshape the nasal structures.  This procedure results in less cutting, less scarring, a shortened operating time, and shorter recovery period than the open rhinoplasty. We perform many of these rhinoplasties in Santa Ana as well.

Secondary rhinoplasties are often referred to as revision rhinoplasties and is only done to correct problems that were created or developed after another procedure.  Secondary rhinoplasties are done open or closed depending on the severity of corrections that need to be made.

Filler rhinoplasties are performed by injecting fillers into the nose.  This process can help to smooth out angles, restore symmetry, or make the nose appear smaller.  A filler rhinoplasty, however, is not a permanent process because the body will absorb the filler over a window of time.  Occasionally, rhinoplasty surgeons will use these fillers to smooth out any irregularities after an open or closed procedure.

Most primary rhinoplasty procedures typically take an average of two hours.  Revision or secondary rhinoplasties, on the other hand, may take longer depending on the revisions that need to be made.  Here in the Santa Ana region, we often use general anesthesia but it can also be performed while under a local anesthetic if the client has any aversion to or there are contraindications for using general anesthesia.  Local anesthetic is typically a mixture of epinephrine which helps stop swelling, and lidocaine for numbing.  This mixture is injected directly locally where the incision will be made and around the nose to take away pain and also help to decrease bleeding.

For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali Sajjadian, the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Newport Beach.