Rhinoplasty
If you’re looking to refine the shape or size of your nose, rhinoplasty is a safe solution. It can address your profile, a dorsal bump, bridge width, or nostril size to create a more balanced and pleasing facial aesthetic.
At Reichner Plastic Surgery & Spa Aesthetica in Orange County, Dr. Daniel Reichner modifies the underlying cartilage, bone, and/or soft tissue to achieve your desired goals.
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What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to alter the shape of the nose. As your rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Reichner may recommend it for two primary reasons: to achieve a specific aesthetic goal or to improve function by addressing underlying issues to improve breathing.
The procedure involves carefully reshaping the nose’s bone, cartilage, and soft tissues to achieve the patient’s desired outcome. For patients seeking subtle, temporary changes without surgery, a non-surgical rhinoplasty (or “liquid nose job” using dermal fillers) is also an available option.
Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a highly popular procedure. For teenagers, it is best to wait until the facial bones have stopped growing before doing a rhinoplasty. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Are generally in good physical health
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome
- Have facial bones that have stopped growing, so teens should wait until around age 16 for males or slightly earlier for females
What to Do Before and During the Procedure
Preparing for rhinoplasty
During the consultation, Dr. Reichner will assess your medical history and current medical condition to determine if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Then, he will conduct a physical exam and some lab and blood tests.
Your nose will be photographed from several angles. These pictures will be used to evaluate the long-term results of the procedure. They may also be used as a reference during the surgery.
In the weeks before the surgery, avoid taking painkillers. These drugs reduce the ability to form blood clots and may lead to excessive bleeding during the surgery.
It is necessary to quit smoking before the procedure and during recovery to improve the healing process and avoid complications. Patients who smoke will have a difficult time healing. The nicotine constricts the blood vessels, leading to reduced circulation in the body and a prolonged recovery process.
After the preliminary assessment, Dr. Reichner will provide a list of instructions you must follow to prepare for the procedure, including the following:
- Get button-down tops to avoid damaging your healing nose while removing your shirt.
- Do your laundry, especially your sheets, as you will need to remain in bed for a few days after the procedure.
- Purchase foods that are easy to eat and digest.
- Your lips will be dry after the procedure, so be sure to stock up on petroleum jelly or lip balm.
- The night before the procedure, shower and remove all skin-care products.
- Don’t drink or eat anything after midnight on the day of the surgery.
How the nose job is performed
During a nose job, local anesthesia is first applied to the nose to numb the area. Dr. Reichner will start by making tiny incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). Next, the skin is separated from the cartilage.
After this, bone, soft tissue, and/or cartilage are reshaped or removed as needed. If cartilage grafts are required to strengthen parts of the nose, they are created using cartilage from the patient’s septum, ear, or rib.
The length of the procedure depends on the complexity of your rhinoplasty, although it typically takes between three and four hours. If you have breathing problems, we often address those during this procedure. The procedure is virtually painless, although you might experience some swelling and bruising.
Dr. Reichner does beautiful noses. He pays attention to what you are looking for and knows whether or not he can achieve your goal.
View more Before & After photos in our Gallery.
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS.
The Recovery Process
In some cases, a metal or plastic splint may be placed inside the nose. It will help the new nose retain its shape during the healing process. Nasal splints or packs may be placed inside the nostrils to stabilize the septum.
After undergoing nasal surgery, the patient will spend a few hours in the recovery room. Once they are cleared to return home, a friend or family member will drive them home to recover from the effects of the anesthesia. The rhinoplasty recovery time and healing process will depend on the patient, the extent of the procedure, and the type of rhinoplasty that was performed. You should take time off until Dr. Reichner clears you to return to work.
During recovery, patients will need to take time off from their jobs until cleared to return, and they must avoid any activities that could potentially cause nasal trauma. Facial bruising and swelling will fade over time. Patients should avoid blowing their nose during recovery unless necessary. In cases where it is required, very gentle blowing is recommended.
To minimize swelling and bleeding, patients must keep their heads elevated above their chest. Patients must return for a follow-up appointment in a week to ensure proper healing. Sutures may be removed at this time.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is designed to refine the nose’s appearance and function. The aesthetic and functional benefits include:
- Refining the overall shape and size of the nose
- Achieving a balanced profile and facial harmony
- Removing a dorsal bump or addressing an uneven bridge
- Narrowing the bridge or modifying the size and shape of the nostrils
- Improving function by addressing structural issues to improve breathing
- Correcting the nose’s form for a specific aesthetic goal
Rhinoplasty Cost
The price of cosmetic rhinoplasty is influenced by factors such as the total time required for the procedure, the techniques used, and anesthesia costs.
Daniel Reichner Plastic Surgery offers various payment methods to help you plan your procedure. We accept cash and major credit cards. We also partner with specialized financing programs, including CareCredit and Alphaeon, which allow you to apply for flexible, low monthly payment plans. This will enable you to schedule your nose job without unnecessary delay.
Why Choose Dr. Daniel Reichner for Your Rhinoplasty
Selecting an experienced and qualified rhinoplasty surgeon is the most important step when preparing for surgery. Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Reichner brings an extensive surgical background to every nose job, including advanced training in rhinoplasty from major medical centers across the country. He follows a patient-centered planning approach, carefully listening to what you’re looking for and assessing whether he can achieve your desired outcome. Dr. Reichner is trained to address both aesthetic and functional breathing concerns during the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation
As one of the most well-regarded plastic surgeons performing rhinoplasty in Orange County, CA, Dr. Daniel Reichner is here to answer all your questions about the procedure. To confirm whether you are an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty, contact us today to schedule your in-person consultation.
Your Rhinoplasty will be performed in Dr. Reichner’s surgery center located in Orange County, CA

