Rhinoplasty in Upland & the Inland Empire
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, reshapes the nose so it fits better with the rest of the face. It can change the size of the nose, refine the tip, smooth a bump on the bridge, narrow the nostrils, straighten a crooked nose or adjust the angle between the nose and upper lip.
Some patients also have trouble breathing through the nose because of a deviated septum or past injury. In those cases, a septoplasty can be done at the same time to help open the airway. Patients from Claremont, Riverside and across the Inland Empire come to us for both cosmetic and breathing-related concerns.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults and older teens whose facial growth is complete
- People who feel their nose is too large, crooked or out of balance with their face
- Those with a bulbous, drooping or upturned tip, or a hump on the bridge
- Patients with breathing problems from a deviated septum
- People unhappy with a past nose surgery who are considering revision
- Healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
Dr. Smiley views rhinoplasty as both a medical and an artistic procedure. Because every nose is different, he plans each surgery around the person's own facial features, including ethnic background, so the result looks natural rather than generic. He has a particular focus on ethnic rhinoplasty, including Asian, Persian, African American and Caucasian noses. The aim is a nose that blends with the face and lets the eyes and lips stand out. In some cases, a chin implant may be suggested to improve overall balance.
There are two main approaches. Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision on the strip of skin between the nostrils, which gives more access for complex changes. Closed rhinoplasty keeps all incisions inside the nose, leaving no outside scar. Dr. Smiley performs most rhinoplasties using the closed method, which may mean less swelling and bruising. For small changes, he also offers a non-surgical option using dermal fillers, though its effects are temporary and more limited.
What to expect
Consultation
Your consultation is at our Upland office at 330 East 7th Street. Dr. Smiley will examine your nose inside and out, ask about breathing, and talk through the changes you would like. He will explain whether an open or closed approach fits your goals. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092 to set up a visit.
The procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, never at the Upland office. Most patients go home the same day.
Recovery
Expect a splint on your nose for about a week, along with swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. Many people return to work or school in one to two weeks. Most visible swelling settles in the first few weeks, but the final shape can take a year or more to fully show, especially at the tip. Everyone heals differently. Avoid contact sports and protect your nose from the sun while it heals.
Before & after photos
Real patients of Dr. Smiley. Results vary; individual results depend on anatomy, health and healing.
See the full Rhinoplasty before & after gallery on dr-smiley.com
Risks and safety
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, breathing changes, numbness, scarring, slight asymmetry and a result that does not fully meet your goals, which sometimes leads to revision surgery. Anesthesia also carries risk.
Dr. Smiley will go over these with you at your consultation. Having realistic expectations is important, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Will rhinoplasty leave a scar?
With closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar under the tip that usually fades well.
Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Insurance may cover septoplasty to fix breathing problems, but cosmetic changes to the nose are usually not covered. Check with your plan.
How long until I see my final rhinoplasty results?
Much of the swelling goes down within a few weeks, but subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take a year or more to resolve.
Is a non-surgical nose job an option?
Fillers can smooth small bumps or improve symmetry for some people. The effect is temporary and cannot reduce the size of the nose.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Rhinoplasty at dr-smiley.com.