The nose is one of the trickiest areas to work on.
It is often said that the nose is one of the most difficult surgeries in plastic surgery. Because it's located in the middle of your face, any changes that you make can be noticed by others if even a millimeter or two is off. Your nose also allows you to breathe.
There are many rhinoplasty surgeons in Los Angeles. Most have great pictures on their website and similar noses to show you as before and after. The secret to having a natural looking nose for years versus a pinched or stuffy nose is the surgeon and how they are trained.
Below we will go over the different types of rhinoplasty and what to look for when finding a rhinoplasty surgeon in Los Angeles. We will also explain how Dr. Farhad Ardesh, a facials plastic surgeon and best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles performs his rhinoplasty.
About Dr. Ardesh
Dr. Ardesh of Beauty Mark MD is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for delivering thousands of refined, natural outcomes. With an academic background that includes teaching in head and neck surgery, ophthalmology, and dermatology at Loma Linda University, he later transitioned into private practice to focus on patient-centred care. His philosophy emphasises subtle enhancement rather than obvious alteration, earning him recognition as a leading plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach.
Types of rhinoplasty in Los Angeles
Knowing the options helps you ask better questions at consultation.
|
Type |
What it does |
Who it suits |
|
Cosmetic rhinoplasty |
Reshapes the bridge, tip, width or nostrils for better facial balance |
Patients unhappy with a bump, droop, width or asymmetry |
|
Combines reshaping with straightening a deviated septum |
Patients who want to look better and breathe better |
|
|
Corrects a previous nose surgery or an injury |
Patients with breathing problems or an unnatural result after earlier surgery |
|
|
Post-injury repair |
Restores shape and airway after a broken nose |
Athletes and anyone with nasal trauma |
|
Uses injectable filler to smooth small contour issues |
Minor bumps or dips; temporary, not a substitute for surgery |
Open vs closed technique
Open rhinoplasty uses a tiny incision across the strip between the nostrils (the columella), giving the surgeon full view of the structure. Closed rhinoplasty keeps all incisions inside the nose and suits smaller changes. Neither is "better"; the right choice depends on your anatomy and goals.
Rhinoplasty is also about balance with the rest of the face. A weak chin can make a nose look larger in profile, which is why some patients consider chin augmentation at the same time.
How to compare rhinoplasty surgeons in Los Angeles
Before you book, run every surgeon on your shortlist through these checks.
Training in both form and function
Surgeons certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and those trained in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), spend years on the anatomy of the nose and airway. That matters because a beautiful nose that does not breathe well is not a good result.
Rhinoplasty is a regular part of their week
Ask roughly how many rhinoplasties they perform and how many are revisions. Revision work is harder, and a surgeon who takes it on usually has deep experience.
Results that match your starting point
Look at before-and-after photos of noses like yours, from the front, side and below. The best results look like they always belonged on that face.
A clear plan, explained
You should understand what will change, whether the approach is open or closed, and how your breathing will be addressed.
Willingness to say no
Good rhinoplasty surgeons talk patients out of changes that would unbalance the face or compromise the airway.
Realistic recovery talk
Swelling in the nose, especially the tip, takes months to settle. A surgeon who promises instant final results is overselling.
Independent reviews
Read Google, Yelp and RealSelf reviews in full, including the critical ones, and look for consistent themes about communication and aftercare.
Dr. Ardesh's approach to rhinoplasty
Dr. Farhad Ardesh is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and in Head and Neck Surgery. That dual training means he treats the look of the nose and the way it works as one problem, not two.
A nose that still looks like you
His work centers on enhancing natural features while preserving identity. The aim is a nose in harmony with your face, without the pinched or over-scooped look of dated rhinoplasty.
Breathing comes first
Where a deviated septum or other airway problem exists, it is corrected during the same operation so the cosmetic result is supported by a healthy structure.
Complex and revision cases
Dr. Ardesh treats noses after previous surgery or injury, including septal perforation repair and deviated septum after trauma. He has also been featured by Reuters for expert commentary on facial and nasal injuries in soccer during the FIFA World Cup, coverage that was syndicated by more than 40 news organizations.
Time to talk
Patients often mention long consultations, including virtual ones, where he explains each option and why he recommends it.
"I researched and had consultations with many plastic surgeons who perform nose jobs... My nose looks very natural and is still me, which is what I asked Dr. Ardesh for." — Mike C., rhinoplasty and septal perforation repair patient (Google review)
See rhinoplasty results in the before-and-after gallery.
Candidacy, consultation and recovery
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty in Los Angeles if your nose has finished growing (usually mid to late teens), you are in good health, you do not smoke, and you have clear, realistic goals. Breathing problems, past nasal injury or a previous surgery do not rule you out; they shape the plan.
At your consultation Dr. Ardesh will examine the outside and inside of your nose, assess your airway, discuss what bothers you and how it relates to the rest of your face, and recommend an open or closed approach.
Typical recovery timeline (individual healing varies):
|
Time after surgery |
What to expect |
|
Week 1 |
Splint on the nose; congestion, swelling and some bruising around the eyes |
|
Days 7 to 10 |
Splint removed; many patients return to desk work |
|
Weeks 2 to 3 |
Most visible bruising gone; social activities resume |
|
Weeks 4 to 6 |
Light exercise usually allowed; avoid contact sports and pressure on the nose |
|
Months 6 to 12+ |
Tip swelling continues to refine; final shape emerges |
Avoid glasses resting on the bridge, strenuous exercise and anything that could bump the nose until your surgeon clears you.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much does rhinoplasty cost in Los Angeles?
Cost depends on whether the surgery is primary or revision, whether breathing correction is included, the anesthesia and the facility. You will receive a personalized quote after consultation. Part of a functional septoplasty may be eligible for insurance; the cosmetic portion is not.
2. Will rhinoplasty fix my breathing?
If the cause is structural, such as a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves, it often can be corrected during the same surgery. Your surgeon will assess this at consultation.
3. Will my nose look natural?
That is the goal. A natural result keeps your ethnic and family features, fits your face, and does not draw attention to itself.
4. How long until I see the final result?
Most swelling settles in the first few months, but the tip can keep refining for a year or more.
5. Can a previous nose job be fixed?
Often, yes. Revision rhinoplasty is more complex because of scar tissue and altered structure, so choose a surgeon with specific revision experience.
6. Is non-surgical rhinoplasty a good alternative?
For small contour issues, filler can help temporarily. It cannot reduce size, fix a droopy tip or improve breathing.
Book your rhinoplasty consultation
Among the many rhinoplasty surgeons in Los Angeles, the right one for you is the surgeon who understands both how your nose looks and how it works, and who will tell you honestly what will help. If you are considering rhinoplasty, start with a consultation with Dr. Ardesh, the best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles.
Schedule a consultation or call (424) 242-8608.
