Life’s Short—Why Not Live It With the Nose You Want?

If it feels out of proportion—or you’re bothered by bumps, asymmetry, or other imperfections—a nose job can help. Our board-certified plastic surgeons give you the confidence that comes with loving the face you put forward.

Rhinoplasty At A Glance
Goal: Reshape the nose for improved appearance or breathing
Anesthesia: General or local with sedation
Average Procedure Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Recovery: 1 to 2 weeks
Resume Exercise: 4 to 6 weeks
Final Results: Up to 1 year
Longevity: Permanent (minor changes may occur over time)

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Rhinoplasty in San Diego

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is perennially one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Each year, hundreds of thousands of “regular” people like you choose to enhance the appearance and function of their nose. But it’s also a go-to procedure for many in the spotlight—movie stars and influencers alike have embraced the confidence boost rhinoplasty can bring.

While not everyone talks about nose surgery, the results often speak for themselves. Even small changes to your nose can make a meaningful difference in how you look and feel about yourself.

94.8% Patient Satisfaction Based on 199 Verified Rhinoplasty Ratings

Read More Verified Reviews
  • "Dr. Reidler was wonderful. She explained everything very thoroughly and I'm so happy with the results. Her staff is so friendly and helpful.…"

    Mar 17, 2026

  • "Definitely thank God for Doc. The work she did was incredible. Night and day with results and the difference of my nose. Especially with let…"

    May 23, 2025

  • "Dr. Riedler is amazing. From the consultation to the day of surgery and post op she has been fantastic. She answered all my questions and ma…"

    Jan 19, 2025

  • "Felt my concerns were answered and were considered in the final result"

    Nov 3, 2024

What Are the Benefits of a Nose Job?

Aesthetic and functional enhancements to the nose can be life-changing in helping you:

  • Achieve facial harmony
  • Balance your profile
  • Finally breathe easier
  • Sleep more soundly

After rhinoplasty, our patients also tell us that they face the world with a renewed sense of self-confidence—and we love to hear it!

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Rhinoplasty Videos
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Are You a Good Rhinoplasty Candidate?

Rhinoplasty might be right for you if you’re bothered by:

  • A disproportionately large nose
  • A bump on the nose (nasal hump)
  • A nose that is too wide
  • A crooked nasal bridge
  • A bulbous or drooping tip
  • A “ski jump” nose with a concave bridge

The best nose surgery is one in which your nose still looks true to your ethnic background and facial bone structure. Our board-certified surgeons ensure you’re well-informed and have realistic expectations about your procedure and what’s possible.

Your Rhinoplasty Journey at LJCSC

Your aesthetic journey begins by seeking out the best rhinoplasty surgeons in San Diego for your transformation. Once your search leads you to LJCSC, your next step is to schedule a consultation with one of our talented plastic surgeons.

We’ll guide you through each stage of treatment, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery

  • Meet personally with an experienced LJCSC board-certified plastic surgeon.
  • Have your nose examined and discuss the specifics of your procedure
  • Partake in an imaging session to see all the possibilities of your new look
  • See before and after rhinoplasty photos of real patients like you
  • Get a detailed price quote and review payment options

After scheduling your surgery, attend an individual “pre-op” appointment to discuss all aspects of the surgery and its risks.

What To Expect on the Day of Surgery

  • Meet with your surgeon and clinical operating room team
  • Sleep tight—you’ll be placed under local or general anesthesia
  • Close monitoring by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure you’re safe and comfortable from start to finish
  • After surgery, you’ll wake up and rest comfortably in a private recovery room for 1 to 2 hours
  • You’ll be cleared to go home (arrange in advance to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours)

Rest assured that your nose job takes place in our state-of-the-art QUAD A-accredited surgical facility, ensuring superior safety, privacy, and comfort.

Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

No two noses are alike, so rhinoplasty is never a one-size-fits-all procedure at LJCSC. Our rhinoplasty specialists provide each nose with the best treatment, using a customized combination of techniques to improve breathing and enhance aesthetics. Our approach is always tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.

Because the nasal structures are intricate and delicate, it’s important to choose a rhinoplasty expert with advanced knowledge of facial anatomy. All cosmetic nasal surgeries at our practice are performed exclusively by board-certified plastic surgeons who prioritize nasal form and function.

Our skilled nose job surgeons employ advanced surgical techniques to address specific issues, including:

Septoplasty

A deviated septum can partially block the airway inside the nose, making it difficult to breathe. A septoplasty involves reshaping the septum to improve your nasal airways. It can be performed alone or combined with rhinoplasty.

Cartilage Grafting

Rhinoplasty surgeons often use cartilage from another area of the body as a “graft” to support and shape the nose. Cartilage from the nasal septum, ear, and rib may be used to rebuild, replace, or enhance the nasal framework. Our surgeons use sterilized donor rib cartilage depending on your needs and preferences.

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

The nasal framework includes turbinates—structures made of bone and spongy tissue that vary in size. Enlarged turbinates may cause you to feel congested and obstruct the nasal airway, which is often responsible for chronic snoring. Turbinate reduction surgery is frequently combined with rhinoplasty and septoplasty to relieve nasal obstruction.

Septorhinoplasty

A septoplasty combined with rhinoplasty is known as septorhinoplasty. This approach improves breathing and nasal appearance in one procedure. If you are considering undergoing both procedures at some point, combining septoplasty and rhinoplasty in a single surgery offers many benefits, including reduced costs and recovery time.

Regardless of your needs and the chosen approach, our surgeons use their meticulous skills to achieve your ideal nose without evidence of incisions or visible scarring.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Some nose surgeries can be performed through incisions within the nose. This approach is called a closed rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty requires a small incision along the strip of skin between the nostrils (columella), through which your surgeon can gain greater access to the interior of the nose.

Both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques have advantages; the best option depends on your specific goals and anatomy. Open rhinoplasty allows greater visibility and precision for more complex reshaping, while closed rhinoplasty involves smaller incisions and typically a shorter recovery time. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach during your consultation.

Your Rhinoplasty Recovery

When patients wonder, “How long is rhinoplasty recovery?” we explain that recovery is quick in some respects, but also a long-term process that requires patience. While every recovery varies, here’s a general idea of what to expect during the healing process:

  • Prioritize rest and downtime for the first few days, although short walks are encouraged
  • Internal and external splints are worn to help protect the nose for 7 to 10 days
  • Your face may appear puffy and bruised for 1 to 2 weeks
  • Most patients return to work, school, and nonstrenuous activities within 10 days to 2 weeks
  • Most swelling significantly subsides after 1 month
  • Return to vigorous exercise and contact sports at 6 weeks or as cleared by your surgeon
  • Residual swelling gradually subsides, revealing your final results up to 1 year after surgery

Our surgeons provide detailed postoperative instructions, and following them closely to attain optimal results is essential.

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the New You

Not sure how to get the look you want? Tell us about your goals, and we’ll show you the possibilities.

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“Improving the appearance of the nose should not compromise its function. By combining rhinoplasty with techniques to enhance breathing, we create not only a beautiful aesthetic outcome but also a functional one, allowing our patients to breathe easier and live better.”

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Our Advanced Rhinoplasty Techniques

Sometimes your concerns require an advanced rhinoplasty approach. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kiersten Riedler offers special expertise in two advanced rhinoplasty techniques:

  • Complex Rhinoplasty
    This type of rhinoplasty addresses complex concerns within the nose’s internal structure, caused by genetics, injury, or previous surgery, including areas that require reconstruction or multiple advanced corrections.
  • Revision Rhinoplasty
    Revision procedures correct the results of a previous nose job through cosmetic and functional improvements, resulting in the nose you always envisioned.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in San Diego, CA?

Nose job costs vary from person to person, depending on the extent of correction and your unique needs. After your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized price quote. Our pricing page provides fee ranges for most nose procedures, including septoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty. We also offer financing options that make achieving your dream nose more accessible. Get prequalified today!

Preview Your Rhinoplasty Results With Computer Imaging

Want to see what you might look like after a nose job? With computer imaging, you get to see your predicted rhinoplasty results long before you head into surgery.

Our advanced technology allows you and your surgeon to work together to design your new look from the front view and in profile. This gives you the chance to have a more in-depth conversation about what’s possible for your nose and whether you may benefit from chin augmentation, which is often combined with nose surgery. In addition to being a great communication tool for you and your surgeon, it helps you take that next step forward with total confidence.

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Rhinoplasty FAQs

Which is better, open vs. closed rhinoplasty?

Both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques have advantages; the best option depends on your specific goals and anatomy. Open rhinoplasty allows greater visibility and precision for more complex reshaping, while closed rhinoplasty involves smaller incisions and typically a shorter recovery time. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach during your consultation.

What is a nonsurgical (liquid) rhinoplasty?

A “nonsurgical nose job” or “liquid rhinoplasty” corrects specific cosmetic concerns using dermal fillers instead of surgery. While these results are temporary, they’re popular with people looking for minor corrections or wanting to “try on” their results before committing to surgery. A liquid rhinoplasty in San Diego isn’t your best option if you have breathing or functional concerns or desire dramatic, permanent changes. In this case, you’re a better candidate for a surgical nose job.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

As with all cosmetic procedures, there are possible surgical risks. General surgical risks include swelling, bruising, inflammation, infection, blood loss, itching, and numbness. Some surgical risks specific to nasal surgery are difficulty breathing through the nose, nasal obstruction, scarring, and swelling. Although rare, some surgical complications can occur, such as cardiac issues, allergic reactions, and pulmonary embolism. Our experienced surgeons prioritize your safety to minimize and avoid these risks. 

How old do you have to be to get a nose job?

You can have rhinoplasty done as soon as your features have finished developing. That’s typically around 15 or 16 for girls and 17 or 18 for boys.   

Is a rhinoplasty painful?

It’s common to feel some discomfort after rhinoplasty. During your procedure, you’ll be placed under general or local anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. After surgery, you’ll likely feel sore for a few weeks, but most patients find that prescribed and over-the-counter medications keep them comfortable during healing. 

Will my nose job look natural?

Yes, our skilled surgeons create natural, balanced results that harmonize your facial features and enhance your overall appearance, without looking unnatural or overdone. Your nose job is always carefully tailored to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals to ensure you’ll achieve a look you love.  

Are rhinoplasty results permanent?

Yes, rhinoplasty results last a lifetime! Keep in mind, however, that your nose may change slightly over time as you age. Future damage due to trauma or injuries may also cause you to see us for a revision procedure—so while we love seeing you, please keep your nose clean and out of harm’s way! 

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Put Your Best Face Forward

Ready to achieve the dream nose you always envisioned with the best rhinoplasty surgeons in San Diego? We make it easy to take your next steps toward confidence with 3 convenient ways to connect with our team. In just a few clicks, you can call us now, book a call, or request a call back to explore options at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre—San Diego’s most awarded and trusted cosmetic practice!

Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on March 17th, 2026. Meet Our Medical Editors

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