What Is a Nose Job(Rhinoplasty)?

A nose job, medically known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance, function, or both. It can address a wide range of concerns, including a dorsal hump, wide or drooping nasal tip, asymmetry, or breathing issues caused by structural irregularities like a deviated septum.

Rhinoplasty requires a delicate balance of form and function, refining the nose while maintaining or enhancing facial harmony. Whether performed for cosmetic enhancement or to correct airway obstruction, rhinoplasty is highly customized to suit each patient’s anatomy and goals, resulting in a more balanced, confident appearance.

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Education Matters

Dr. Graw’s preeminent education has equipped her with the skills, techniques, and experience to perform a custom rhinoplasty in Palo Alto, Menlo Park & our Atherton, CA offices  that achieves superior results that are balanced and harmonious with your face.

A rhinoplasty specialist should be skilled in performing complex and revision surgeries requiring ear and/or rib cartilage grafts, as this is a tell-tale sign that they are familiar with the complex anatomy of the nose. Whether a simple, first-time rhinoplasty or a complex revision case, you will be under the care of true talent in performing this operation. Dr. Graw is versatile in performing both primary and complex revision rhinoplasties.

Rhinoplasty with Dr. Graw

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What are the Types of Rhinoplasty Surgeries?

You need to ensure the most talented rhinoplasty Palo Alto surgeon performs your surgery to correct a problem from a nose job. The techniques involved will vary, patient to patient, as each person deals with a unique situation. Most of the time, Dr. Graw will perform a revision with strictly autologous (your own tissue) grafts, as this is the gold standard in resetting your nasal structure.

Primary Rhinoplasty

A primary rhinoplasty is a first-time nose reshaping surgery and addresses the following issues related to the nose:

  • Bulbous or boxy nasal tip
  • Drooping nasal tip
  • Hump on nasal dorsum
  • Overly sized nose
  • Flat, or concave nasal bridge
  • Overly sized nostrils
  • Nostril flaring
  • Overly wide nose structure
  • Previously traumatized nose
  • Asymmetric nose

    Revision Rhinoplasty

    A nose job may require revision surgery to correct any imperfections. The types of issues that may require a revision include:

    • Breathing problems
    • Asymmetry
    • Flattened or concave nose
    • Pinched nasal tip
    • Drooping nasal tip
    • Tip asymmetry
    • Overly projected nasal tip
    • The unnatural appearance of the nose
    • Nasal structure collapse
    • Crooked nose
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    The Graw Beauty Difference

    The basics of a quality rhinoplasty is to build a solid foundation. A less qualified and experienced surgeon may perform a nose job that collapses, or “falls apart,” over time. Dr. Graw ensures the structural integrity of the nose, which translates to the structure being more durable with minimal risk of changes or complications. 

    Exceptional Surgical Skills

    Dr. Graw is trained in the most advanced rhinoplasty surgeries in Palo Alto, including cases that require rib and ear cartilage grafts to restore areas, which have been inadequately supported or over-zealously removed in a prior surgery. Your surgery will be performed by a master of the art, who has extensively trained under a world-renowned, preeminent rhinoplasty expert.

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    Your Own Tissue is Safer, Stronger, and Accepted By Your Body

    Dr. Graw uses your own tissue, such as ear cartilage, rib cartilage, or fascia, to construct your nose. Many other facial plastic surgeons use cadaver cartilage or silicone implants, which risk falling apart over time and can lead to infection. They use these techniques because they shorten surgery time and because they have not been adequately trained in autologous grafting techniques. The “using your own tissue” approach ensures the integrity of the nose and limits the need for future revision.

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    Ethnic Rhinoplasty

    Every ethnicity has unique, inherited features. While these features, including the nose, are a part of our heritage, subtle changes to the structure can dramatically enhance your overall facial appearance and balance. Dr. Graw performs a range of ethnic rhinoplasties in Palo Alto, particularly Asian nose reshaping. Her delicate surgical techniques enable the ideal facial balance between the nose, eyes, and mouth from any angle.

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    What Does the Procedure Entail?

    Every rhinoplasty performed by Dr. Graw is customized for the individual. Two access points could be used to correct the nose structure and create the ideal balance:

    Open Rhinoplasty

    This approach involves placing an incision at the base of the columella, the strip of tissue separating the nostrils. This allows for full access to the nose structure, which is often needed for more complex surgeries. The incision heals to being virtually invisible, hidden beneath the nose.

    Closed Rhinoplasty

     For minor changes to the nose structure, the incisions can be placed within the nostrils. This approach is less invasive, appropriate for less complex surgical reshaping techniques, such as correcting minor bumps.

    Rhinoplasty Recovery Time 

    For a primary rhinoplasty, plan on three weeks to recover before your nose is “restaurant ready.” As the days pass and swelling fades, our patients tell us they can’t stop looking at their faces in the mirror, with the excitement of seeing the difference true balance and harmony bring to their features.

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    The Perfect Nose – For You

    Changing your nose shape must be a custom procedure. No cookie-cutter approach will achieve the desired outcome. You may choose to undergo chin augmentation, BOTOX injections, or dermal filler injections to create the ultimate facial enhancement.

    Dr. Graw develops a custom surgical plan for every patient, to achieve the most attractive balance for their facial structure. The results are greater facial harmony and balance, with a natural and refined appearance to the nose.

    Rhinoplasty FAQs

    What concerns can rhinoplasty address?

    Will my nose look natural after surgery?

    How long is recovery after rhinoplasty?

    Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

    What concerns can rhinoplasty address?

    Rhinoplasty can reshape the nose to correct issues like a hump on the bridge, a wide or drooping nasal tip, asymmetry, or nostrils that feel too large or flared. It can also improve breathing if structural problems, such as a deviated septum, are present.

    Will my nose look natural after surgery?

    Yes. When performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty is designed to enhance your nose while keeping your features balanced and natural. The goal is not to create a “perfect” nose, but one that fits harmoniously with the rest of your face.

    How long is recovery after rhinoplasty?

    Initial swelling and bruising typically subside within 1–2 weeks, and most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities after 10–14 days. However, full healing—especially the final shape of the nose—can take up to a year as subtle swelling gradually resolves.

    Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

    If you're in good health, have completed facial growth (typically after age 15–16), and have realistic expectations, you're likely a candidate. Rhinoplasty is highly individualized, so a consultation is essential to determine if it's the right procedure for your needs.

    About Dr. Grace Graw

    Offering both open and closed rhinoplasty, Dr. Grace Graw provides customized nasal surgery tailored to each patient’s anatomy, goals, and aesthetic preferences. With elite training from Johns Hopkins, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford, she brings exceptional skill and precision to every procedure. Whether you’re seeking subtle contouring or comprehensive nasal reshaping, Dr. Graw delivers natural-looking, balanced results with a deep understanding of both form and function. We can perform a custom rhinoplasty in our Palo Alto, Menlo Park & Atherton, offices.

    Learn more about Dr. Grace Graw

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