Refine the balance and harmony of your nose with rhinoplasty at Leader Plastic Surgery. Dr. Brittany Leader, our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, carefully reshapes concerns such as a dorsal hump, nasal asymmetry, or breathing issues. With meticulous techniques and an artistic eye, she helps you look like the best version of yourself.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Refine the Shape and Balance of Your Nose
The nose is a complex structure made of bone, cartilage, skin, and delicate internal support that together shape both appearance and breathing. Genetics, natural facial development, injury, or prior surgery can alter this structure, leading to concerns like a dorsal hump, a crooked bridge, a bulbous tip, or nasal obstruction. When these structural features affect facial balance or airflow, rhinoplasty can refine the nose while preserving harmony with the rest of the face.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nasal bones and cartilage to improve overall facial proportion and function. During rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Leader carefully adjusts structural elements of the bridge, tip, and internal nasal framework. Depending on your goals, surgical techniques may include reducing the dorsal hump, refining the nasal tip, straightening the septum, or narrowing the nasal bones to create balanced, natural-looking results.
Quick Glance
Treatment Time
2 - 4 Hours
Patient Downtime
10 - 14 Days of Initial Recovery
Treatment Series
Single Surgical Procedure
Procedure Type
Outpatient Facial Surgery
Concerns Treated
- Dorsal hump or nasal bump
- Crooked or asymmetrical nose
- Wide, bulbous, or poorly defined nasal tip
- Overly large or disproportionate nose
- Nasal deviation after injury
- Wide nostrils
- Structural issues affecting breathing
Dr. Leader’s Approach
Artistry and Surgical Precision, Carefully Balanced.
Dr. Leader approaches nasal surgery with precision and artistry. The nose sits at the center of the face, so even small adjustments can influence overall harmony. During your consultation, she takes the time to understand your concerns, evaluate proportions, and study the unique anatomy of your nose, ensuring every detail of the surgical plan is thoughtfully considered.
Her goal is never to create a nose that looks “done,” but one that feels naturally yours. Drawing on her advanced training in facial surgery, Dr. Leader reshapes nasal structures with restraint and intention. The aim is thoughtful refinement, so your nose blends beautifully with your features, allowing you to still recognize yourself, simply with greater balance and harmony.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty:
- Improved balance and harmony between the nose and other facial features
- Smoother nasal bridge with reduction of a dorsal hump
- More refined or defined nasal tip shape
- Correction of nasal asymmetry or a crooked appearance
- Improved nasal breathing when structural issues are addressed
- Better overall facial proportions from profile and frontal views
- Long-lasting results following a single surgical procedure
- Subtle refinement that preserves natural facial identity
Your Rhinoplasty Options
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty focuses on refining the nose while preserving the cultural and anatomical characteristics that make your features unique. Rather than changing your identity, the goal is balance. Structural techniques may refine the bridge, shape the tip, or adjust nasal width while maintaining natural proportions so the nose blends beautifully with your features.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty addresses structural problems that interfere with breathing. Issues such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or previous trauma can restrict airflow. During surgery, the nasal framework is carefully corrected and supported. The result is improved breathing while maintaining or enhancing the external appearance of the nose.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is performed when a previous surgery did not achieve the desired result or caused functional concerns. Because prior surgery alters the nasal anatomy, this procedure often requires advanced reconstructive techniques. Cartilage grafting and careful structural adjustments may be used to restore support, refine shape, and improve breathing.
Teenage Rhinoplasty
Teenage rhinoplasty is for younger patients whose nasal growth is nearly complete and who feel self-conscious about the shape of their nose. The procedure reshapes the nasal structure while preserving long-term facial development. A thoughtful consultation helps ensure expectations are healthy and that surgery supports both appearance and confidence.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate if you feel your nose is out of balance with the rest of your facial features or if structural issues are affecting your breathing. Common concerns include a dorsal hump, a wide or bulbous tip, asymmetry, or a nose that feels too large or prominent.
During your consultation, Dr. Leader carefully evaluates your facial proportions, nasal anatomy, and goals to determine whether rhinoplasty is the right approach for you.
Will My Nose Still Look Natural After Surgery?
Yes, that is always the goal. Dr. Leader focuses on beautiful and natural results which balance your nose with your face, giving you the most ideal version of your nose.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Rhinoplasty?
Most patients take about 10-14 days for the initial recovery period. During this time, swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes improve, and many people feel comfortable returning to work or social activities. A small splint is usually worn for the first week. While early healing happens quickly, subtle swelling can take months to fully settle as the nose continues refining.
Will There Be Visible Scars?
Rhinoplasty incisions are discreet. Most incisions are hidden inside the nose. If an open approach is used, there will be a tiny incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils), which when healed, this scar is typically imperceptible.
Does Rhinoplasty Improve Breathing?
In many cases, yes.
If breathing problems are related to structural concerns, such as a deviated septum, narrowed nasal passages, or weakened internal support, these issues can be corrected during surgery. Functional adjustments improve airflow while maintaining external balance.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Brittany Leader is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in surgeries of the face, nose, and neck. At Leader Plastic Surgery, she takes time to understand your goals and thoughtfully design a plan that feels right for you. Patients throughout Silicon Valley and nearby San Jose appreciate her personalized, attentive care. If you’re considering nasal refinement, we invite you to schedule your consultation for rhinoplasty in Palo Alto.
