Rhinoplasty in San Diego, CA

A Subtle Change 
With a Big Difference

  • Board-Certified, Award-Winning Surgeon
  • Tailored Rhinoplasty Plans
  • Flexible Financing Accepted

Bring Balance to Your Features

Rhinoplasty may be the perfect facial plastic surgery for you if you’re displeased with the appearance of your nose or struggling with breathing problems. San Diego rhinoplasty patients trust Dr. Chua for their care.

  • Dr. Chua is an award-winning plastic surgeon who is a Vegas Best Awards Gold Winner in rhinoplasty and five other procedures.
  • Dr. Chua is known by peers for his barely visible suture lines, meaning your cosmetic surgery will result in minimal scarring.
  • Dr. Chua has published many articles and presentations in general and plastic surgery, making him an authority in the field.
  • We offer thorough, educational consultations where patients are encouraged to ask their questions. Book your consultation today!
Surgeon performing a procedure under overhead surgical lights in an operating room, shown beside a close-up profile of a woman’s face highlighting her nose.

“An excellent experience.”

“I had quad eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty done with Dr. Chua and I could not be happier with my experience and results. Dr. Chua took the time to understand what outcome I was looking for. He was knowledgeable in explaining the procedures, what to expect during recovery, and any other question I had. Overall, I had an excellent experience and would highly recommend Dr. Chua and his team.”

— Gracie, 5-Star Review

Starting at $12,000

At Chua Plastic Surgery, we’re transparent about costs, and rhinoplasty starts at $12,000. To help keep the cost of care well within reach for our San Diego patients, we accept financing through CareCredit® and Cherry. These third-party lenders allow patients who qualify to pay for their plastic surgery in affordable monthly installments.

Close-up of a woman with eyes closed while a clinician marks surgical guidelines on her nose with a pen during a rhinoplasty consultation.

Understanding Rhinoplasty Surgery

A Top Plastic Surgeon in San Diego

Cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty) is an aesthetic treatment performed to enhance the shape and proportions of the nose. It may be recommended to reduce the size of the nose or refine features that appear too large or wide. In some cases, it can even correct functionality to improve breathing. While rhinoplasty consists of slight changes, results tend to be quite dramatic.

Dr. Charleston Chua in San Diego is a seasoned plastic surgeon with a conservative approach to produce soft and natural outcomes. Procedures are tailored to the individual patient to achieve a more aesthetically appealing nose that functions well and harmonizes with existing facial features.

Choose From Two Approaches

Clinician holding a syringe near a woman’s cheek while gently supporting her chin during a facial injectable consultation.

Closed Rhinoplasty

A closed rhinoplasty is a more conservative surgical approach that involves making incisions inside the nostrils. This means patients have no external scars. Procedures are also shorter and less involved than open rhinoplasty surgery.

Clinician examining a woman’s nose by lightly pressing the bridge while supporting her chin during a cosmetic assessment.

Open Rhinoplasty

An open rhinoplasty involves an incision in the columella, the flesh separating the nostrils. This allows Dr. Chua better access to the internal structures of the nose, so he can make more dramatic changes. Patients will have a thin, virtually undetectable scar at the base of their columella.


Dr. Chua will choose the correct method based on your desired outcome.

How We Improve Proportions

After you’ve met with Dr. Chua or a member of our team and determined you’re a good candidate, you can schedule your rhinoplasty procedure in San Diego. The procedure involves several steps:
 

“Dr. Chua is one of the most talented surgeons I have ever come across. From the first consultation I just knew I would be in great hands. He fully explained what the process will be, what to expect with my results but also delivered more than I even anticipated.” — Rita, 5-Star Review
“Dr. Chua is one of the most talented surgeons I have ever come across. From the first consultation I just knew I would be in great hands. He fully explained what the process will be, what to expect with my results but also delivered more than I even anticipated.” — Rita, 5-Star Review

Anesthesia

Once you’re comfortable, we will administer general anesthesia to keep you relaxed and unconscious throughout your surgery.

Incisions

Dr. Chua will make incisions. Their location will depend on whether he is performing an open or closed rhinoplasty.

Reshape

Dr. Chua will remove excess cartilage, tissue, and bone. He can also build and increase cartilage if needed. The nose will be repositioned and the skin draped over the new framework.

Sutures

Dr. Chua will place sutures. He may also place a splint to hold everything in place as you heal.

Return Home

In most cases, rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home after a brief monitoring period in our recovery suite.

Recovering After Rhinoplasty

Expect Side Effects

Your nose and the surrounding area will be bruised and swollen for a few days, and you may have bruising and discoloration beneath your eyes as well. These side effects are normal and will fade in the days and weeks following your procedure.

Manage Pain

Cold compresses and pain medication can help ease swelling and discomfort. On average, it takes 2-4 weeks to return to a normal appearance following nose surgery.

Minimize Scarring

If you received an open rhinoplasty, you may have a small scar at the base of your columella. Dr. Chua is known for his barely visible scars, but you can further minimize its appearance with scar creams and sun protection.

Attend Follow-Ups

Dr. Chua will schedule a post-operative appointment within a few days of your surgery to check your healing progress. Your splint will be removed about a week later. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure the best possible results.

Rest

Most patients have to take one to two weeks off work, depending on the nature of their job. You can return to work faster if you have a desk job. Avoid strenuous activity, keep your head raised, and sleep with your head elevated for 2-4 weeks.

Final Results in 
3 Months

The final results of your rhinoplasty become apparent after about three months, but it can take a full 12 months for swelling to subside and for the final shape to settle. Rhinoplasty results are permanent, though age-related changes can still take place over time, such as mild drooping and skin changes.

Patient reclining in a treatment chair while holding a hand mirror and consulting with a clinician holding a syringe during a cosmetic injectable appointment.

“I couldn’t be happier.”

“I truly loved the experience I had with Dr.Chua! He and his team especially Daisy were so amazing through the whole process! If you need anything, I truly recommend coming here. They make you feel comfortable and confident and omg they are sooo sweet! And of course…The results were amazing in the end. I couldn’t be happier with Dr.Chua’s work.”


— Jenny, 5-Star Review

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Start Your Transformation

Book Your Consultation Today

“I have always strived to deliver the best the power of plastic surgery can offer, and my staff is dedicated to doing the same. I realize that aesthetic surgery is a tool by which people seek to customize their appearance in accordance with their subjective sense of self. It is my duty to you, as your plastic surgeon, to guide you in using that tool as reliably, safely, and individualized as possible.”

— DR. CHUA

Dr. Chua

Chua Plastic Surgery

Known for delivering the most personalized plastic surgery experience in San Diego, Dr. Charleston Chua guides patients toward their ideal selves. Dr. Chua has numerous awards, publications, and presentations, and has received:

  • Board certification from the American Board of Surgery
  • Guardian Angel recognition
  • Recognition from Dr. Robert Singer, a plastic surgeon with international renown

If you're ready to see how our team can help you look and feel more like yourself, book a consultation or call us at (858) 699-0707 today.

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