Refined Rhinoplasty Expertise with Dr. Maas

Approximately 40 percent of the surgeries Dr. Maas performs are rhinoplasty procedures, including revision rhinoplasty requested by patients who were not completely satisfied with their initial operation. With extensive experience in this area, Dr. Maas understands the intricacies of the nose regarding both form and function and strives to achieve a natural, proportionate, and beautiful result.

Dr. Maas knows that any surgical correction of the nose is a very personal choice that the patient should make first, but involves the expert input of the plastic surgeon as well. It requires exceptional anatomical knowledge, surgical skill, and the eye of an artist to create the outcome a patient truly wants. An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Maas will take the time to understand your unique aesthetic goals and determine the best techniques and procedures to meet those goals.

Rhinoplasty Before & After

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What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, is a procedure used to change the nose's appearance by altering the shape, size, or proportion to the rest of the facial features. Also referred to as a "nose job," this procedure can profoundly impact the entire appearance of your face, which is why rhinoplasty is such a significant surgery for some patients.

While rhinoplasty alone can substantially affect your appearance, it can also be combined with other procedures like chin augmentation to enhance your facial contour further. Rhinoplasty can also be used to improve the function of the nose in some cases, such as straightening a crooked (deviated) septum to enhance both the form of the nose and your ability to breathe easier. However, the primary focus of the surgery is cosmetic.

You might consider rhinoplasty if you have any of the following concerns:

  • The nose is too big or too small.
  • The nasal bridge is too broad, narrow, or crooked.
  • The nasal tip is droopy, hooked, too pointed, or too broad.
  • There is a hump or a concave on the bridge.
  • Nostrils are too wide, too small, or asymmetrical.
  • Your nose is not in proportion with the rest of your face.

Dr. Maas will discuss your concerns in detail and your goals for surgery so you can decide whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for you. Rhinoplasty tends to produce the best results in patients who are in generally good health and do not smoke. If you do smoke, Dr. Maas may recommend you quit for a few weeks before and after your procedure to prevent potential complications and achieve the best possible outcome.

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Choosing the Right Rhinoplasty Technique

Dr. Maas will discuss the two approaches at your initial consultation and help you understand which technique will work the best for you. It would be best to know how your surgery will be performed before the day of your procedure. If you decide surgical rhinoplasty is the right option for you, there are two different ways Dr. Maas might perform your procedure:

Closed Rhinoplasty

This procedure only requires incisions inside the nose, so there is no external scarring after the procedure.

Access using this technique is somewhat restricted, but if you do not need extensive correction, this method can be sufficient.

Open Rhinoplasty

During this procedure, Dr. Maas will make incisions inside the nasal passages and across the columella – the narrow area of tissue underneath the nose between the nostrils. Dr. Maas will create a W-shape to minimize visible scarring after surgery if this incision is used. It is unlikely your resulting scar will be noticeable by anyone once it fully heals. The additional incision provides further access into the nose's interior, which is sometimes necessary to perform all the corrections needed to produce the desired results.

Rhinoplasty Procedure Overview

Our rhinoplasty in San Fransisco can be performed right in our office at the Maas Clinic™ in San Francisco on an outpatient basis. This procedure usually lasts two to three hours, depending on how extensive the correction will be.

Because minimal anesthesia is generally required for rhinoplasty, patients tend to feel relatively alert after the procedure. However, rest assured you will be completely comfortable and relaxed during your surgery. Dr. Maas will discuss your anesthesia options at your initial appointments so you know what to expect when you come in for your operation.

No matter which incisions are made, Dr. Maas will use them to carefully separate the soft tissues of the nose from the underlying cartilage and bone. Excess bone and cartilage are adjusted appropriately to give the face a balanced, harmonious appearance.

The most common areas he will address during a rhinoplasty procedure include the septum (the cartilage that divides the nose into two separate passages), the nasal bones that lie above, and the cartilage that makes up the nasal tip. If graft material is required, which is more familiar with revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Maas will take the donor cartilage from an ear or rib.

When rhinoplasty is performed to relieve obstructions inside the nose or in conjunction with surgery to reconstruct the nasal passages, the procedure is called septorhinoplasty. The obstruction is removed through internal incisions during this procedure, and the nose's interior is restructured.

Because this procedure is often performed for medical reasons, insurance coverage may be available for at least a portion of the surgery. Patients can also include cosmetic changes to the nose during this procedure, although insurance will not cover that part of the operation.

Rhinoplasty Post-Procedure 'Dos and Don'ts'

Dos

  • Be very careful – it doesn't take a lot of pressure or a big bump of the nose to cause bleeding. Gentle touches can be done with care, and laughing is, of course, acceptable, too.
  • Engage in some gentle aerobic exercises. Do what your body tells you is safe and comfortable, like going for a walk, which helps you heal faster.
  • Ensure the cast on your nose stays on for a week to secure the bone and cartilage in the right place. Getting it wet might cause it to come off suddenly, so keep your head out of water.
  • Use nasal saline to wash out the nose when you feel congested, and keep the nose blowing gentle and to a minimum.

Don'ts

  • Avoid any exercises that involve bending, lifting, or straining for two weeks after the surgery. Bending over for yoga increases blood pressure in the head, increasing your risk for bruising. Weightlifting is also not a good idea.
  • Regarding bodies of water, avoid hot tubs for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure and swimming in public pools for a month. Scuba diving masks also place direct pressure on the nose, and since it takes about 2 to 3 months for the nasal bones to stabilize completely, it is best to avoid diving for a minimum of three months post-procedure.
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Rhinoplasty Recovery

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Rhinoplasty Results

Once your results from rhinoplasty become final, which may take several months, your new look should be permanent. You should only need additional procedures if you are not completely satisfied with the outcome of your initial surgery. Even subtle changes to the nose can profoundly impact the proportions of your face and your facial profile. If you want to learn more about your choices in rhinoplasty or if this procedure is a good option, contact the Maas Clinic™ in San Francisco today.

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty corrects issues from previous surgeries, achieving desired aesthetic results. Dr. Maas specializes in these procedures for about half of his cases, whether for cosmetic or functional reasons. With extensive experience, Dr. Maas ensures effective outcomes tailored to your needs.


Revision surgery can be more complex due to several factors. Scar tissue from the initial procedure may need addressing for optimal results. Additionally, bone and cartilage might be less available, requiring grafting from another body area. Only a skilled surgeon with experience with revision techniques can efficiently manage these challenges to achieve the desired outcome without evidence of multiple procedures.


Recovery from revision rhinoplasty may require patience. While you'll notice some changes within two weeks of cast removal, significant swelling can persist for months, delaying the final outcome. Typically, patients see full results within 12 to 18 months after complete healing from the subsequent surgery.

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What is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

Some patients who are apprehensive about the idea of surgery might benefit from a non-surgical rhinoplasty to achieve some enhancement without incisions or anesthesia. During this procedure, Dr. Maas uses a variety of dermal fillers injected into strategic locations on the nose to add volume, correct asymmetries, and adjust minor imperfections. It is beneficial if you have a slight concave or saddleback on the bridge of your nose or a weak nasal bridge you would like to strengthen.

In most cases, Dr. Maas performs non-surgical rhinoplasty within minutes in his San Francisco office without the need for anesthetic. This treatment's results can be seen immediately and typically last many months. It is a temporary fix, so you must schedule periodic touch-ups to maintain positive results. Some patients decide after successfully undergoing non-surgical rhinoplasty to move forward with surgery to achieve similar results permanently. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Corey S. Maas, MD, reviewed the information about rhinoplasty. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Can Rhinoplasty Reduce Nostril Flare?

Do Celebrities Get Better Nose Jobs?

I Bumped My Nose After Rhinoplasty—Is It Okay?

What is a Non-Surgical Nose Job?

What is the Ideal Age For a Nose Job?

Am I a Candidate for a Non-Surgical Nose Job?

How Long is Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Is My Skin Too Thick For Rhinoplasty?

Should I Quit Smoking Before Rhinoplasty?

Can Rhinoplasty Reduce Nostril Flare?

Yes, with techniques like alar base reduction, nostril flare can be minimized while preserving the natural curve of the nostril (ala).

Do Celebrities Get Better Nose Jobs?

No, skilled surgeons aim for excellent results for all patients, regardless of celebrity status. The anatomy and goals guide the outcome.

I Bumped My Nose After Rhinoplasty—Is It Okay?

Minor bumps usually aren’t serious, but it’s best to wear your nasal cast in risky environments and check with your surgeon if you're concerned.

What is a Non-Surgical Nose Job?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty uses injectable fillers to correct minor bridge or tip irregularities in select candidates.

What is the Ideal Age For a Nose Job?

Rhinoplasty is typically recommended for patients over age 14 who are emotionally mature and involved in the decision-making process.

Am I a Candidate for a Non-Surgical Nose Job?

Candidates have mild bridge depressions or weak tip projection. Fillers can improve contour temporarily with long-lasting effects.

How Long is Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Initial recovery takes 2 weeks, with swelling resolving by 2–8 weeks. Final results are seen by 6–12 months, or longer for revision cases.

Is My Skin Too Thick For Rhinoplasty?

Thick nasal skin, especially at the tip, can be refined during surgery. Skin care post-op can also help improve definition and results.

Should I Quit Smoking Before Rhinoplasty?

Yes. Smoking affects healing. It’s advised to quit at least 1 month before and after surgery to reduce risks and improve recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Maas?

Choosing Dr. Corey Maas from The Maas Clinic means opting for one of the top facial plastic surgeons for rhinoplasty in San Francisco. With over 30 years of experience and over 3,000 rhinoplasty surgeries, Dr. Maas is double board-certified and has received numerous accolades, including being named Best Cosmetic Surgeon by the SF Examiner and SF Weekly.

For over two decades, Dr. Maas has directed the Fellowship Program, which operates under the Educational and Research Foundation of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His leadership has been instrumental in training future specialists in the field. His personalized approach and commitment to natural-looking results, combined with his use of cutting-edge techniques, make him a trusted expert in surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

Learn More About His Experience

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Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty

Transform your profile with our expert rhinoplasty procedures, tailored to enhance form and function for a harmonious and natural result.

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Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision Rhinoplasty

With revision rhinoplasty, we correct previous procedures to achieve the aesthetic and functional results you've envisioned, even after previous challenges.

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Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Explore the artistry of non-surgical rhinoplasty in which dermal fillers are delicately applied to refine your nasal contours without surgery.

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Septoplasty

Septoplasty

Improve breathing and overall nasal health with septoplasty, a precise surgical procedure to correct deviated septums.

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