Rhinoplasty at Lakeside Cosmetic Center

Rhinoplasty is the most frequently performed surgery at Lakeside Cosmetic Center and the procedure Dr. Chelsea Obourn is most sought after for. Patients travel from near and far to consult with Dr. Obourn, and she receives referrals from other physicians who trust her expertise and artistry with this complex and highly individualized surgery. Whether you are considering your first rhinoplasty or seeking a revision of a prior procedure, Dr. Obourn brings exceptional skill, thoughtful planning, and a genuine commitment to helping you feel confident and at home in your own face.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery performed to address nasal concerns and bring greater balance and harmony to the face. Depending on your goals and anatomy, rhinoplasty can be used to:

Straighten a crooked or asymmetric nose
Reduce or refine a dorsal hump
Refine and reshape the nasal tip
Build up or add structure to the nose
Repair a nose that has been previously broken
Address concerns from a prior rhinoplasty (revision rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is also frequently performed in combination with functional surgery to improve nasal breathing, such as straightening a deviated nasal septum or repairing narrowed nasal valves. Dr. Obourn will discuss all relevant options at your consultation.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you:

Have a concern about the appearance of your nose that has been on your mind
Feel that the nose draws attention in a way that feels out of balance with the rest of your face
Have experienced a nasal injury or have breathing concerns you would like addressed
Are unhappy with the results of a prior rhinoplasty and are seeking revision
Have finished facial growth. It is recommended that rhinoplasty not be performed before the face has fully developed in order to avoid disruption of growth plates. In women this is typically around ages 15 to 16, and in men around ages 17 to 18
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations for your outcome

A thorough consultation with Dr. Obourn will help determine the right approach for you and ensure that your surgical plan is tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.

Cosmetic & Functional Considerations

Rhinoplasty may be cosmetic, functional, or both. The cosmetic component is considered self-pay and is not covered by insurance. In cases where there is a functional component, such as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse affecting breathing, a portion of the procedure may be eligible for insurance coverage. Dr. Obourn will discuss the details of your specific situation at your consultation.

Dr. Obourn's Technique

Dr. Obourn is trained in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques and will select the approach that is best suited to your specific anatomy and goals. She often prefers the open technique, which involves a small incision at the base of the nose that typically heals beautifully and becomes imperceptible over time. In some cases, a closed technique may be utilized, where all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils with no external scarring.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most individualized surgeries in facial plastic surgery, and Dr. Obourn takes great care and time in developing a surgical plan that is right for you. In some cases, particularly with revision rhinoplasty, donor cartilage may be needed to reconstruct and support the nose. If Dr. Obourn believes this may be necessary for your case, she will discuss it with you in detail at your consultation.

Primary vs. Revision Rhinoplasty

Dr. Obourn sees both primary rhinoplasty patients, those having their first procedure, and revision rhinoplasty patients, those seeking to refine or correct the results of a prior surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is a highly complex procedure that requires advanced surgical skill and experience. Dr. Obourn's expertise in both primary and revision cases makes her a trusted choice for patients navigating this decision.

Where is the Procedure Performed?

Rhinoplasty is performed in a fully accredited operating room (OR) setting, ensuring the highest level of safety, care, and surgical precision.

Recovery

Recovery from rhinoplasty requires patience, as the final result reveals itself gradually over time. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

First few days: Swelling, bruising around the eyes and nose, and congestion are normal and expected. A splint is typically worn on the nose during this time. Rest is strongly encouraged and the head should be kept elevated.
First week: Most patients are comfortable recovering at home. The splint and any external sutures are typically removed within the first week.
2 to 3 weeks: Visible bruising begins to resolve and most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities, though some swelling will remain. Individual timelines vary.
4 to 6 weeks: Most normal activities can gradually resume with Dr. Obourn's clearance. Contact sports and activities that risk nasal injury should be avoided for longer.
Several months to one year: Rhinoplasty is known for having a longer refinement period than many other surgeries. Swelling, particularly at the nasal tip, can take many months to fully resolve. The final result is typically appreciated at one year.

Dr. Obourn and our care team will provide you with detailed, personalized recovery instructions and are available to support you every step of the way.

Pre-Op Considerations

Prior to your rhinoplasty, Dr. Obourn will provide you with comprehensive pre-operative instructions. General guidelines typically include:

Avoiding blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery
Stopping smoking well in advance of your procedure, as smoking significantly impacts healing
Completing all required pre-operative labs and medical clearances
Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home and assist you during the early days of recovery
Preparing your recovery space at home in advance for comfort and convenience

All specific instructions will be personalized to you and reviewed thoroughly before your procedure date.

Post-Op Considerations

Following your rhinoplasty, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from Dr. Obourn and our team. General post-operative guidelines often include:

Keeping the head elevated, especially during sleep, to minimize swelling
Avoiding blowing the nose during the initial healing period
Refraining from wearing glasses that rest on the bridge of the nose until cleared by Dr. Obourn
Avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks
Protecting the nose from sun exposure throughout the healing process
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Obourn can monitor your healing closely
Being patient with the process, as the most refined result takes time to emerge

Our team is always just a call or message away if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries potential risks that Dr. Obourn will review with you thoroughly at your consultation. Risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Nasal septal perforation
Worsening of nasal breathing
Persistent deformity, asymmetries, or palpable irregularities
Pain
Discoloration or loss of nasal skin
Temporary or permanent paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins and needles, etc.)

Ready to Learn More?

If you are ready to explore what rhinoplasty could do for you, we would love to connect. Please complete our surgical inquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Complete the Surgical Inquiry Form.

Click here for Postoperative Instructions: Rhinoplasty