Rhinoplasty in San Jose & Palo Alto

Dr. Jill Hessler performs rhinoplasty procedures that are done with exceptional skill and artistry, and highly personalized to each specific patient. No matter what you dislike about your nose, Dr. Hessler will determine the best possible technique to improve your areas of concern.

What is a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty in San Jose is a surgical procedure that addresses the size, shape, or imperfections of the nose to achieve a more attractive and pleasing appearance. Rhinoplasty can also be performed to improve breathing problems.

Why does someones get a rhinoplasty?

Many people choose to undergo rhinoplasty (a nose job) because the nose is such a prominent and noticeable feature. When it’s out of balance with the rest of your other facial features or has a distracting quality, the nose can disrupt the harmony of the entire face. If you are interested in rhinoplasty in San Jose, Palo Alto, or the Bay Area, we are happy to help you.

What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty?

Straighten a crooked nose
Remove a hump on the nose
Decrease the size of the nostrils
Increase projection of nose
Reduce the size of the nose
Smooth irregularities of the nose
Re-shape the nasal tip
Balance the facial features
Improve breathing problems

Results speak for themselves

Learn More

Rhinoplasty Testimonials

I recently had a Rhinoplasty done by Dr. Hessler and I am so happy with the results and entire experience!! I had another Dr. put permanent filler in my nose ov...

I had a tip rhinoplasty for a bulbous nasal tip with Dr. Hessler, and I seriously wish I’d have done it years ago. It was so easy, and the results are such an i...

Dr Hessler has given me the confidence I have always wanted!!! I love my nose (something I never thought I would say), is what I think everyday when I look in t...

Other types of rhinoplasties

Primary and revision rhinoplasty

A nose job can be divided into primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Primary rhinoplasty is another way of saying “the first rhinoplasty”.

Revision rhinoplasty is when a patient has rhinoplasty done a second time to correct problems with the first procedure.

Revision rhinoplasty is usually done to improve breathing, to add structural support to the nose after cartilage has been weakened, or to improve the appearance of the nose due to improper healing, an injury, or unsatisfying surgical results.

Ethnic rhinoplasty

Ethnic rhinoplasty is a very popular procedure in the Bay Area. Although ethnic nose surgery is fundamentally the same procedure as a traditional rhinoplasty, additional care is taken to preserve characteristic features while adjusting areas of concern that the patient has. The goal of ethnic rhinoplasty is to improve the existing features — not to make the patient look like someone else.

Functional rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve breathing problems. Many individuals have trouble breathing due to a deviated septum, injury, or narrow/failing nasal valves. Functional rhinoplasty repairs the cartilage of the nostrils and corrects the element that is blocking the airways.

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Procedures commonly combined with a rhinoplasty

Some of our patients who visit Dr. Hessler for a consultation for rhinoplasty in Palo Alto complain that their nose is too large, when in reality other factors may be contributing. A small chin is one factor that can create the appearance of an overly large nose, when in fact it is the disproportion of the chin that is causing the imbalance. Often chin implant surgery alone can correct this disproportion, but more commonly, additional refinement of the nose is desired to create balance in the face with the chin implant. When this is the case, the two procedures are performed as part of the same surgery. Dr. Jill Hessler also frequently performs other surgical procedures in conjunction with nose surgery, including blepharoplasty, facelift, chemical peel, and laser skin resurfacing.

Is rhinoplasty right for you?

If you’re in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area and you are considering nose surgery with Dr. Hessler, you may be a perfect candidate. This procedure is great for individuals who:

Have finished developing their facial structure
Are non-smokers in general good health
Dislike the appearance of their nose
Have realistic expectations for rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Techniques

Closed rhinoplasty

In closed rhinoplasty, there are no incisions made on the outside of the nose. Instead, all incisions are made on the inside lining of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty can be performed under sedation or under general anesthesia, and has a shorter procedure time, less swelling, and a faster recovery time than open rhinoplasty.

This approach is ideal for:

Patients with a small to moderate side bump on the nose
Patients who wish to straighten their nose
Patients who desire minimal change to the tip of the nose

Open rhinoplasty

In open rhinoplasty, an incision is made on the outside of the nose, along the middle portion of the nose (columella). The incision generally heals very well, and Dr. Hessler uses dissolvable sutures so you don’t have to go through the removal of permanent sutures. Open rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia, although deep sedation can also be used.

This approach is ideal for:

Patients who want significant changes to the nasal tip
Patients who need additional support due to weakening of the nasal structures
Patients who need additional cartilage grafts such as spreader grafts, lateral crural strut grafts, or rim grafts

Rhinoplasty FAQ:

Does insurance cover a rhinoplasty?

Medical insurance will sometimes cover a portion of the cost of rhinoplasty surgery. If a significant deviation is present, particularly from an injury, or if there are breathing problems, insurance will occasionally cover the cost to repair the deviated septum. This septoplasty procedure can be combined with the cosmetic rhinoplasty portion of the procedure for a combined recovery and need for only one anesthetic at our out-patient surgery center. We are out of network with all insurance plans, but can help you with the initial submission of your claim for your rhinoplasty.

Can I bring photos to my rhinoplasty consultation?

Yes! We encourage you to have photos ready of noses you like and dislike for your initial consultation with Dr. Hessler. The clearer and more outspoken you are about your concerns and personal aesthetic goals, the better.

How long does rhinoplasty take?

A typical rhinoplasty takes 1 to 3 hours, but every case is different.

Is a rhinoplasty safe?

Yes, rhinoplasty is very safe when performed by a certified and experienced surgeon. It does require skill and artistry, so we recommend doing your research before scheduling a consultation with any surgeon. Make sure you like their photo galleries, and be sure to see what their previous patients have said about him or her.

Will a nose job affect nasal allergies?

Any change to allergies that occurs due to rhinoplasty will be minimal.

How is breathing improved with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can improve breathing by opening the airways when they are blocked by a deviated septum; pinched because of narrow internal valves, or constrained because of enlargement of internal structures.

Rhinoplasty recovery

After your nose surgery in San Jose, you will need someone to drive you home — and if you had general anesthesia, you will need to have someone stay with you overnight. For the first few days after your surgery, you can expect to feel congested, and to have some difficulty breathing out of your nose. This is a due to swelling of the mucosa and lining of the nose. If you experience any nasal bleeding, you can use Afrin® nasal spray to help stop the bleeding.

However, please note that you should only use Afrin to help with bleeding — not to improve your breathing. Your breathing will improve over the week following your surgery as the swelling subsides. It is helpful to keep your head elevated as much as possible during recovery, even when sleeping. You will need to wear a nose splint for a week.

If you had an open rhinoplasty, the sutures will dissolve within 7 to 10 days. The nasal incision may remain slightly red for an additional few weeks, but eventually will fade to natural skin color. Dr. Hessler will remove your splint one week after your surgery, during your follow-up appointment.

Rhinoplasty Results

It’s very important that patients understand that they will experience substantial swelling during recovery. Many patients become alarmed when they see their swollen nose—especially if they have undergone rhinoplasty to reduce the size of their nose. We recommend patience during your recovery period, as well as the understanding that there will be swelling for up to a few months. Most of our rhinoplasty patients see final results within half a year. However, minor residual swelling might linger, which is why patients should wait at least 12 months before seeking any additional procedures. However, we're confident you'll love your rhinoplasty in San Jose, by Dr. Hessler.

Dr. Hessler's Rhinoplasty Patient Reviews

Hildy J

I had an easy, positive experience throughout and would absolutely return to Dr Hessler for any facial procedure. She listened to my concerns and delivered a fa...

Palouf

From the pre-surgery to the after care, my experience has been wonderful. The surgery went smooth, and the after care was amazing. It was really an open door po...

Alicia Ilse

Dr Hessler has given me the confidence I have always wanted!!! I love my nose (something I never thought I would say), is what I think everyday when I look in t...

Kari P

If you're looking for a top notch facial plastic surgeon, look no further. I've been a patient of Dr. Hessler's for over 5 years and have found the Doctor and h...

Why Choose Hessler Plastic Surgery for rhinoplasty?

Dr. Jill Hessler is a leading plastic surgeon and the trusted choice for patients seeking rhinoplasty in San Jose, Palo Alto and the Bay Area. Using her expertise and patient-focused approach, Dr. Hessler has helped many patients achieve the results they want. She is a respected leader in the field of rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Hessler has dedicated years of study to the nose, with an emphasis on subtle changes to the appearance while also improving or maintaining optimal breathing. She has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures, and was selected to be the course director for a hands-on cadaver dissection course, teaching the intricacies of nasal surgery to other plastic surgeons. Rhinoplasty is one of her top procedures and areas of focus, and she currently holds a position as Chair of the Women on the Facial Plastic Surgery committee at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. To schedule a nose surgery consultation, please contact us.

Rhinoplasty in San Jose & Palo Alto

What is a rhinoplasty?

Why does someones get a rhinoplasty?

What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty?

Results speak for themselves

Rhinoplasty Testimonials

Other types of rhinoplasties

Primary and revision rhinoplasty

Ethnic rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty

Schedule A Consultation

Procedures commonly combined with a rhinoplasty

Is rhinoplasty right for you?

Rhinoplasty Techniques

Closed rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty FAQ:

Does insurance cover a rhinoplasty?

Can I bring photos to my rhinoplasty consultation?

How long does rhinoplasty take?

Is a rhinoplasty safe?

Will a nose job affect nasal allergies?

How is breathing improved with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty recovery

Rhinoplasty Results

Dr. Hessler's Rhinoplasty Patient Reviews

Hildy J

Palouf

Alicia Ilse

Kari P

Why Choose Hessler Plastic Surgery for rhinoplasty?

Schedule a Consultation