The nose is one of our most prominent features. The center of attention on our faces, it has great influence on our overall looks. If you were born with a nose that seems overly large, misshapen, a bad fit for your face, or if a traumatic injury has left your nose bumpy or crooked, you may feel somewhat dissatisfied with your looks. And if you're like many people, you may have been feeling this way for years.
Considering Rhinoplasty?
Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, has the potential to have a tremendous, positive impact on your appearance and your confidence. Specializing in rhinoplasty, San Francisco facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. David C. Mabrie has extensive experience with first-time, corrective (Revision Rhinoplasty), and ethnic (Balancing Ethnic Features) rhinoplasties, focusing on natural results that best suit each patients' individual goals. Arrange an appointment to come in and discuss the procedure with him today.
There's no reason to put off seeking improvement for your nose any longer. While there once was a measure of stigma associated with a "nose job," cosmetic surgery today is commonplace, even celebrated. And cosmetic surgery procedures like rhinoplasty are safer and less invasive than ever.
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Before & After
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How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty is performed by surgically modifying the nasal bones and cartilage. Dr. Mabrie makes incisions inside the nose, and, if necessary, under the nose to expose the cartilage and bone. The incision under the nose follows a zig-zag pattern to help camouflage it when it heals. Bones may be shaved or broken in a controlled manner to reduce humps or straighten the nose. The cartilage of the nasal tip may be trimmed or tied together to rotate or define the tip.
This San Francisco plastic surgery procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited hospital or surgery center. Depending on its complexity, the procedure will take two to four hours. Find out more by reading our How Rhinoplasty is Performed page.
Why Choose Dr. David Mabrie for My Nose Surgery?
Excellent Training, Double-Board Certification, Specialization in the Face and Neck
Dr. Mabrie specializes in facial cosmetic surgery for his San Francisco Bay Area patients. Completing medical school at the University of California at San Francisco with honors, his residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Stanford University, Dr. Mabrie has focused all his time and talents on plastic surgery for the face, head and neck. He has a thorough understanding of the anatomy of this complex area and has helped thousands of people feel much better about their appearance through facial cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments.
Dr. Mabrie follows in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Herman J. Mabrie III, a well-respected head and neck surgeon in Houston, Texas. After distinguishing himself during his years of medical school and residency at Johns Hopkins, UCSF and Stanford, Dr. Mabrie received double-board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Ear, Nose, and Throat.
Click to read Dr. Mabrie's full curriculum vitae.
How Will I Look?
When Dr. Mabrie performs your nose surgery in San Francisco or the East Bay, the result will be a natural, normal looking you. You'll still see your face looking back at you from the mirror, with your own personal characteristics and ethnic heritage intact. The difference will be in your central feature: an attractive streamlined nose, free of unwanted curves, bumps and droops.
Can I See My Results Before Surgery?
What if you could "try on" a new nose before surgery? Dr. Mabrie uses computer imaging software to help you visualize how changes to your nose will impact your overall appearance. During your consultation, he will photograph your face from several angles and display the images on the computer. He will then show you possible results of surgery, building a surgical plan that's right for you together.
Computer imaging is a very powerful tool for helping you formulate your goals for surgery and promoting effective communication between you and Dr. Mabrie. You can be sure the two of you will be "on the same page," working toward the best results possible. Click to learn more about how you can Preview the New You.
How Much Pain Is Involved?
Since you'll have general anesthesia for your rhinoplasty, you'll feel no pain at all during the procedure. While they monitor your vital signs, your board-certified anesthesiologist will be giving you medication to minimize discomfort and nausea after the procedure as well. After rhinoplasty, there is usually only mild discomfort and most patients find an over-the-counter pain reliever is sufficient.
How do I Prepare for Surgery?
To prepare for nose surgery, plan to take a little over one week away from work and other activities. You'll be feeling fine before then, but you will have some swelling and bruising. Have someone ready to pick you up from surgery and stay with you the first night, just to give the effects of the anesthesia time to wear off completely.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Rhinoplasty is a same-day surgery, so you will return home about two to four hours after your nose surgery in San Francisco. Most patients spend the first 24 hours in bed with their head elevated. You'll be able to get up and move around the house after that, but you should limit straining and heavy lifting for two to four more days.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Example
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Nose with asymmetric tip that is pointing to the patient's left. |
One week after Dr. Mabrie performed a rhinoplasty, the nose is still swollen but acceptable for public appearance. |
Four weeks after rhinoplasty and much of the swelling has improved. The tip is symmetric and straight. |
Swelling and bruising around the eyes is common for the first few days and can be reduced with cold compresses. Dr. Mabrie will remove all dressings, splints, and sutures in about a week. Most patients are "restaurant ready" in seven to ten days.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You are probably a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you have realistic expectations. Nose surgery can make a big difference to you. It can be just the fine tuning you need to be much more satisfied with the overall appearance of your face. But it won't make a fundamental difference in your looks, and other people, even those you see often, may not notice a change.
Click here to see our Evaluating Your Nose page to better assess the parts of your nose that you love and those that you feel would be even better with some slight improvement. If you are in good health and have a healthy attitude toward your appearance, there's every chance you will be thrilled with your rhinoplasty and wonder why you waited so long to see Dr. Mabrie.
What Are the Next Steps?
Look through our rhinoplasty options information and our Common Rhinoplasty Questions page. If you have more questions, call our patient coordinator, Susan Cole. Susan is a great resource for answering questions, helping with financing and scheduling appointments.
If you'd like to learn more about payment options, you can also visit our Fees & Financing page.
As a specialist in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Mabrie is a surgeon you can trust to reshape your nose and create a new, natural look for you. Call or e-mail us today at 415-445-9513.
