Transform Your Profile with Expert Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty enhances facial harmony, improves nasal function, and delivers natural, personalized results.
Natural Results Tailored to You
At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Balikian specializes in natural-looking rhinoplasty outcomes tailored to each patient’s features and goals.
Whether you’re seeking subtle aesthetic refinement, improved breathing function, or corrective surgery after a previous rhinoplasty, Dr. Balikian brings exceptional skill, artistry, and personalized care to each case.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance, structure, and in many cases, function. It can:
- Refine the nasal tip or bridge
- Reduce a dorsal hump
- Adjust nostril width
- Improve nasal symmetry
- Correct a deviated septum or other breathing issues
Because the nose is the central feature of the face, even small refinements can produce dramatic improvements in overall facial harmony.
Dr. Balikian’s Approach
Dr. Balikian believes your nose should enhance your appearance, not define it. He focuses on correcting the features that bother you while maintaining a nose that fits your face and personality. His philosophy: you should still look like yourself, just better.
“The same nose doesn’t look good on everyone. We create results that are customized, refined, and natural.”
– Dr. Balikian
Using advanced techniques and digital imaging, Dr. Balikian creates a surgical plan that aligns with your goals and facial structure. He offers both open and closed rhinoplasty approaches, selecting the method that best suits your anatomy and desired outcome.
Facial Harmony Through Artistry
Types of Rhinoplasty
Because every nose and every patient is unique, Dr. Balikian offers several specialized rhinoplasty techniques, each tailored to meet specific aesthetic goals, functional needs, and cultural considerations.
- Cosmetic Rhinoplasty – Ideal for reshaping the nose for aesthetic purposes, whether it’s refining the tip, straightening a bump, or adjusting nostril width.
- Functional Rhinoplasty – Designed to improve airflow and correct structural issues such as a deviated septum, internal valve collapse, or enlarged turbinates. Techniques may include septoplasty, spreader grafts, strut grafts, or turbinectomy.
- Revision Rhinoplasty – Performed when a prior rhinoplasty left unsatisfactory results. Revision rhinoplasty surgery requires advanced skill and is often more complex than primary rhinoplasty. Dr. Balikian is specially trained in this procedure and frequently performs secondary corrections.
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty – Dr. Balikian has a unique understanding of preserving ethnic identity while refining nasal structure. He works with each patient’s goals to maintain cultural features while enhancing balance and elegance.
Each technique reflects Dr. Balikian’s commitment to precision, artistry, and personalized care, ensuring your rhinoplasty results are as functional and natural-looking as they are beautifully tailored to you.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Open Rhinoplasty involves a small incision at the base of the nose, providing maximum visibility and precision during complex reshaping.
Closed Rhinoplasty uses incisions hidden inside the nostrils, ideal for patients needing more subtle adjustments.
Dr. Balikian will determine the best technique based on your goals, nasal anatomy, and skin thickness.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
After surgery, a nasal splint is applied for protection and to help retain the new shape during healing. Most patients return home the same day. Unlike many surgeons, Dr. Balikian does not use nasal packing, which makes recovery far more comfortable.
What to Expect:
- Swelling and bruising are normal and subside gradually
- Mild discomfort is easily managed with medication
- Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks
- Final results begin to appear in a few months and continue to refine over a year
Recovery is a gradual process, but with proper care, your results will refine beautifully over time.
To support healing, Dr. Balikian offers ELIXIR MD™, a light-based therapy that reduces swelling, minimizes bruising, and speeds recovery.
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you:
- Are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose
- Experience breathing issues due to nasal structure
- Are in good physical health
- Have realistic expectations about the results
If these qualities describe you, a personalized rhinoplasty with Dr. Balikian may be the next step toward greater confidence and improved function.
What to Expect from Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Balikian will:
- Examine your nasal structure inside and out
- Evaluate breathing function
- Use digital imaging to show potential outcomes
- Answer all your questions
- Offer honest guidance on what’s achievable
Patients often choose to combine rhinoplasty with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, or a brow lift to enhance overall harmony.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
What is the goal of rhinoplasty with Dr. Balikian?
A refined, natural-looking nose that fits your face and preserves or improves breathing. The aim is balance and proportion rather than a one-size-fits-all look.
Am I a good candidate?
You may be a candidate if you are healthy, your facial growth is complete, and you want to improve shape, size, symmetry, or breathing. A consultation confirms candidacy and outlines options.
Open or closed rhinoplasty: what is the difference?
Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella for precise tip work and grafting.
Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nose and is useful for select changes. The approach is chosen for your anatomy and goals.
Will it change my ethnicity or make me look like someone else?
No. The plan respects your facial identity. Changes are tailored to enhance harmony while keeping your features you.
How is breathing addressed?
Function comes first. If needed, a septoplasty and turbinate reduction are performed during the same operation to straighten the septum and improve airflow.
Do you use preservation or structural techniques?
Yes. When appropriate, dorsal preservation maintains a natural bridge while structural support with cartilage grafts keeps the nose stable and the tip defined long-term.
What kind of grafts are used?
Your own cartilage is preferred. Septal cartilage is used first when available. Ear or rib cartilage can be considered if more support is needed.
Will there be packing?
Most patients do not have traditional packing. Soft internal splints may be used and are typically removed at the first postoperative visit.
How visible are the scars?
With the open approach, the small columellar incision usually fades well. Closed rhinoplasty places incisions inside the nose.
What is the recovery timeline?
Splint on for about 1 week
Bruising and most swelling improve in 7 to 10 days
Back to school or desk work in about 1 week
Light exercise after 2 weeks, heavier workouts after 3 to 4 weeks as cleared
Avoid glasses resting on the bridge for 4 to 6 weeks
Swelling continues to refine for several months. Tip definition can take 9 to 12 months or longer
When will I see the final result?
You will look presentable after the first couple of weeks, but the nose continues to refine for many months. Final tip definition can take up to a year.
How much does it cost and is it covered by insurance?
Cosmetic changes are typically self-pay. Functional procedures such as septoplasty may have insurance coverage depending on your plan. A personalized quote is provided after examination. Financing options are also available.
How do I choose the right surgeon?
Review before and after photos, ask about case volume and techniques, confirm experience with functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, and make sure the plan aligns with your goals.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
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The Balikian Experience
Patients choose Dr. Richard Balikian for precision facial procedures, personalized care and results that look naturally you.
Learn More About Facial Plastic Surgery
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon