Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) in San Francisco

Rhinoplasty (also know as nose surgery) – Improves the shape, balance and contour of the nose.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

The nose is one of the most prominent facial features. The rhinoplasty procedure is truly an art form within the field of plastic surgery. Dr Kulick has mastered the art of rhinoplasty, which entails modifying the shape and size fo the nose. A rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the projection of your nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. You can see why with so many potential changes, the doctor needs to have a great deal of experience, both technically as well as being able to understand the wishes of the patient. Occasionally, patients with a nasal deformity also have trouble breathing. In this situation, a septoplasty and / or a reduction of the turbinates inside the nose may be helpful to correct breathing problems while making the cosmetic correction.

Choosing Your New Nose

You are encouraged to bring pictures of noses that you like – and that you don’t like to your consultation. Dr. Kulick will review the pictures with you and discuss your options and expectations. Most importantly, this consultation should help determine if your desires are realistic given your specific facial shape and nasal anatomy. Often, Dr. Kulick uses computer imaging to show how you may look after surgery. Patients are encouraged to return for as many visits that are necessary before surgery to insure that they have a good understanding of what Dr. Kulick will be doing for you.

How a Rhinoplasty is Performed

Rhinoplasty may be done under local sedation or general anesthesia and is considered an outpatient procedure. Either method should ensure your ultimate comfort during the procedure. Most commonly, the surgery is performed through a small horizontal incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The incision should be virtually undetectable after the healing process. Dr. Kulick reshapes and redefines the nose by sculpting the bones and cartilage, perhaps reducing some areas while building up others. Given the various techniques that Dr. Kulick offers, dramatic changes can be achieved.

Recovering From Nose Surgery

The majority of the healing occurs in the first few weeks and after about one month, Dr. Kulick may allow you to resume some light activity. The healing period continues to progress over two to four months rapidly and the final result may take one to two years to see fully. The instruction packet given to you at your pre-operative appointment will explain how to prepare for surgery as well as explain post-surgery care. The Patient Care Coordinator will help you understand the things that you can do to optimize your recovery. Post-operatively, she will call you regularly to check on your status, answer your immediate questions and schedule your post-operative appointment with Dr. Kulick.

Click here to contact Dr. Kulick’s office for a nasal surgery consultation.

Common Surgeries Performed Along With Nose Surgery

The most common procedure that is performed at the same time is a chin augmentation. Often, the reason that the nose looks “too big” is that the chin is also very weak in projection. As you do your analysis, it is not uncommon for people to have different opinions as to … “he should have taken off more” … “I would have wanted a thinner tip” … “the chin still looks too far back”… etc. Remember, it is after a thorough discussion with the patient that the surgical plan is established. While Dr. Kulick may make suggestions, it is the patient that has the final say, within in reason, as to how much is done. There is a balance between making an improvement and not wanting to “look different.”