Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek

Both men and women feel that their nose detracts from their natural beauty. Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) adjusts and refines the nasal shape and size to improve facial appearance. Rhinoplasty can also be used to improve the functionality of the nose by unblocking nasal airways and correcting a deviated septum.

Dr. Haena Kim will use her years of professional experience and extensive knowledge of facial anatomy to tailor your rhinoplasty precisely to your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

Restored Nasal Structure and Airway


If you suffer from impaired breathing due to a deviated septum or airway collapse, septoplasty and nasal airway surgery can be combined with your rhinoplasty. This combination of procedures straightens the septum, opens the nostrils and clears the passageway for better, unblocked breathing. Injuries that cause abnormalities in the nasal structure can also be corrected.  

Refined Nasal Tip, Bridge, Size, and Shape


Rhinoplasty refines the nasal tip, bridge, size, and shape and highlights your natural beauty by diminishing the small aspects of your nose that may be causing you stress. Rhinoplasty may enhance the appearance of the nose by: 

  • Minimizing or augmenting the bridge
  • Adding definition and structure with grafts
  • Rotating the nasal tip
  • Increasing its projection

Enhanced Facial Balance


Balance among facial features promotes a greater sense of youth and beauty. Rhinoplasty adjusts the proportions of the nose to create harmony with your other facial characteristics. This can be done by restructuring the nasal bridge or nasal tip and improving nasal projection or rotation.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Step 1: Consultation

Dr. Haena Kim is one of the most sought-after rhinoplasty surgeons in the East Bay, not just for her unique expertise but also for her appreciation of her patient’s natural beauty. Dr. Kim understands the importance of forming a healthy dialogue with her patients, supporting their aesthetic goals, and affirming their plastic surgery process. 

Dr. Kim is fully equipped to answer any of your questions and clarify any concerns, simplifying the first step towards desired results.

Step 2: Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used during rhinoplasty to ensure the safety and comfort of each patient. Local anesthesia with light sedation may be an alternative for particular cases. 

No matter which method of sedation is chosen, Dr. Kim ensures your well-being is prioritized.

Step 3: Procedure

Depending on your aesthetic goals, functional needs, and nasal structure, Dr. Kim may use either an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty technique. These techniques are characterized by the type of incision made. Dr. Kim will ensure the most beneficial option is chosen for your cosmetic and functional needs.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is an external incision technique where an incision is made across the bridge between the nostrils (the columella). The nasal structure is then exposed by lifting the nasal skin back. 

Open rhinoplasty is ideal for patients who require more detailed or complex adjustments to the nasal structure. Open rhinoplasty is also advantageous for surgeons as it allows for greater visibility of the nose. 

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty uses internal incisions made inside of the nostrils. The closed incision technique is beneficial for patients who desire discreet or small adjustments to the nasal structure, as all adjustments are made inside the nostrils. This prevents any visible scar from forming and may result in less bruising and swelling and a shorter recovery time.  

Cartilage Graft

If additional tissue is required for your nose enhancements, cartilage  grafts may be required. Generally, a graft uses the natural tissue found in your septum, ear, or rib to add structural support and definition to the nasal bridge.

Techniques for Improved Functionality

The functionality of the nose is an invaluable aspect of our health and everyday lives. Rhinoplasty can restore the nose after injury or after abnormalities have developed, such as a deviated septum or nostril collapse. Blockages in the nasal airway caused by the nose’s structure can be corrected for improved breathing and airflow.

What Are Common Concerns After Rhinoplasty?

Recovery

Dr. Haena Kim will walk you through the rhinoplasty recovery process with clear instructions. Dressings and bandages will be applied to reduce swelling, and nasal stents may be used depending on the extent of your surgery. Your nose will progressively settle into its new shape over the following weeks and months. You will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of your nose after the healing process is complete.

Scars

The development of scars after rhinoplasty is typically a non-issue. Both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques hide incisions in inconspicuous places. Even external incisions from an open rhinoplasty or cartilage graft can fade over time, given the proper care.

Cost

During your consultation, Dr. Haena Kim will provide a clear estimate regarding the cost of rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek. Rhinoplasty costs will change from patient to patient depending on individual cosmetic goals and the extent of adjustments required. Practice location, quality of service, and anesthesia fees may also play a factor in the price of your treatment.

Pain

A board-certified anesthesiologist will be responsible for your anesthesia to ensure that you experience no pain during the procedure. Soreness, bruising, and swelling are expected after your rhinoplasty. Dr. Kim will provide the proper pain medication to help you manage your discomfort as these side effects resolve themselves.

Before & After

Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient Before 1
Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient After 1
Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient Before 2
Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient After 2
Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient Before 3
Rhinoplasty in Walnut Creek - Patient After 3

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty

Q. Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

During your consultation, Dr. Kim will examine your nose and discuss your cosmetic concerns to determine rhinoplasty is the nose surgery for you. However, even if you are determined to be a good candidate, having rhinoplasty is also a personal choice. There is no single answer about whether to proceed with treatment. 

Dr. Kim is committed to educating and communicating with her patients and will help them form reasonable expectations about plastic surgery. The benefits of rhinoplasty surgery can be transformative and boost your confidence and well-being. 


Q. When will I see the final results of my rhinoplasty?

You will begin to see slight changes and improvements as your nasal tissues begin to heal and settle into their newly refined form. It will take six months to one year for the results of your rhinoplasty to be completely visible.


Q. Why is ethnic rhinoplasty important?

Taking a generic and impersonal approach to rhinoplasty can be dangerous and irresponsible. Adjustments to a person’s nose should be made in a way that preserves their cultural ideals of beauty. For example, patients who receive Asian nose surgery from Dr. Kim will receive the correct surgical techniques and rhinoplasty that will highlight their ethnicity.


Q. What are the common mistakes made in rhinoplasty?

Common mistakes made by inexperienced surgeons include the overcorrection of the nostrils—which creates an appearance that looks overly “done,” or making nasal implants too visible. Additionally, breaking the nasal bones unnecessarily can lead to imbalances in nasal airflow and bone placement.

Dr. Haena Kim’s mastery of facial anatomy and nasal structure ensures that you will receive ideal rhinoplasty results in the East Bay Area.


Q. Am I a candidate for revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty can be performed on patients who are unhappy with previous rhinoplasty results. This can include dissatisfaction with the appearance or function of the nose. Revision rhinoplasty is also ideal for patients who have experienced an injury to the nose that alters the appearance after your initial rhinoplasty. 


Q. Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial plastic surgery?

Rhinoplasty can be combined with facial procedures such as a facelift or chin augmentation to add greater balance and harmony to your overall appearance. Dr. Kim will assess your candidacy for each procedure individually.


Q. Does Dr. Kim provide rhinoplasty before and after photographs?

Dr. Kim provides rhinoplasty before and after photographs during your consultation or at request. Before and after photographs are also available in an online gallery at all times.