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The ideal nose is one that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Large, deviated, and disproportionate noses can appear to dominate the face, making some people self-conscious. A nose that is proportionate to the other facial features allows the eyes, chin, and lips to receive equal attention and creates facial harmony.
For patients who feel that their nose overpowers, distracts, or throws off facial harmony (or for those struggling with breathing issues) rhinoplasty can provide a life-changing improvement in both appearance and confidence. At Cruise Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, Joseph T. Cruise, MD, brings technical expertise and an artistic eye to rhinoplasty, customizing every procedure to the individual. His approach focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without fundamentally altering the unique character of your features. His advanced techniques offer structure, support, and balance that last for years to come.
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Rhinoplasty is the medical term for surgery that alters the size or shape of the nose, commonly referred to as a “nose job.” The procedure can be performed for various reasons, from traumatic injury to dissatisfaction with appearance.
Additionally, a person’s nose may simply be shaped in a way that causes their nasal airway to sometimes be blocked, resulting in difficulty breathing. Rhinoplasty can provide both cosmetic and functional benefits, enhancing nasal contours and improving breathing.
Some of the most common complaints about nose shape include a hump across the bridge, a deviated nose, flaring or bulbous nostrils, a wide nasal bridge, and a beaked nose. As a rhinoplasty specialist and one of the top Orange County plastic surgeons, Joseph T Cruise, MD, has experience correcting all of these conditions. At Cruise Plastic Surgery, each rhinoplasty procedure is meticulously planned around your individual nasal anatomy, aesthetic goals, and any functional concerns to deliver an elegant result that enhances the natural harmony of your face.
When considering nasal surgery, it is important to understand the anatomy of the nose, both inside and out. Joseph T Cruise, MD, has outlined the most important points in our anatomy overview pages, along with addressing each section of the nose that patients are most commonly concerned with. Click the terms below to learn more about specific parts of the nose.
It is important that you have a clear idea of what you want changed when you go for your rhinoplasty consultation. The last question a plastic surgeon wants to hear is: "What do you think I need done"?
Look in a mirror and identify what bothers you. Be specific. It is helpful to break up the nose into four parts: Dorsum, Tip, Alae, and Airway Obstruction. We encourage you to evaluate each one of these areas individually, as this is what the plastic surgeon does in his exam. Below are some of the most common concerns among patients seeking rhinoplasty.
Take a look at the graphics below to determine which cosmetic issue or issues you have now. There may also be internal functional issues, which can only be determined with a physical examination.
Aside from the graphics shown here, which represent the dorsum (bridge of the nose), nasal septum, and nasal tip, take a look at the width of your dorsum and the shape of your nostrils. If there are characteristics you don't like (flared nostrils. wide nose, too narrow, etc.), make note of these concerns so you can address them with Joseph T Cruise, MD.
The "Design Your Look" interactive diagram below was created by Joseph T Cruise, MD, to help you identify what you don't like about your nose now and what you would like your nose to look like after rhinoplasty surgery. Click the images below to select the look you want in each category. If you would like to submit the form for review, one of Joseph T Cruise, MD's patient care coordinators will review your selections and contact you to discuss further.
Most doctors perform rhinoplasty in two different types of procedures: a “closed” technique and an “open” technique:
A thin incision is made along the skin between the nostrils, which normally heals without a visible scar. When the patient’s major concerns are with the nasal tip, Joseph T Cruise, MD, finds it beneficial to use the open technique. With this technique, a patient can have more extensive rhinoplasty work done on the tip of their nose and achieve better tip definition and narrowness.
The closed technique uses small incisions made inside the nose and leaves no visible scarring. When a patient’s major concerns are at the top or bridge of the nose, or when there are only small changes needed to the nose’s tip, Joseph T Cruise, MD, finds that the closed technique provides patients with the best results.
Joseph T Cruise, MD, has experience working with both of these approaches, but he also performs a highly-specialized combination of the two known as the “delivery” technique, which involves accessing the nasal tip through internal incisions without creating an external scar. He will work with you to determine the best surgical plan to obtain your desired result. He will take into consideration the "Look You Have" and the "Look You Want," along with a physical examination of the exterior and interior of your nose.
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation at our accredited Newport Beach surgical center. Depending on the technique selected—open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, or the delivery technique—the incisions may be placed discreetly across the columella or hidden inside the nostrils.
Through these incisions, Dr. Cruise carefully reshapes the nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues of the nose, focusing on precision and balance. In some cases, cartilage grafts are used to reinforce nasal support and ensure long-term stability.
For patients needing functional improvements, structures inside the nose are corrected at the same time. Once reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed meticulously to minimize visible scarring.
Most rhinoplasty procedures take between 2 to 4 hours, and patients return home the same day with a detailed aftercare plan in place.
Rhinoplasty is a highly personalized procedure. When developing your surgical plan, Dr. Cruise will consider the natural anatomy of your nose, the specific changes you would like to make, and the overall balance and harmony of your facial features. Common reasons people seek cosmetic and/or functional rhinoplasty surgery include:
Many patients seek rhinoplasty to smooth or reduce a noticeable hump across the bridge of the nose, which often involves adjusting the underlying nasal bones for a smoother, more refined contour. Others may want to build up a flat or underprojected nasal bridge to create a more defined, balanced profile. Dr. Cruise can digitally modify your nasal profile during consultation to show how subtle changes to the bridge and nasal bones can enhance overall facial proportion.
Concerns related to the tip of the nose are very common. Some patients want to correct a droopy tip that plunges downward, especially when smiling. Others seek refinement of a bulbous or boxy tip for a thinner, more elegant appearance. In some cases, patients also request nostril narrowing to achieve a more proportionate, sculpted look.
Patients often wish to narrow the nose, either by slimming the bridge, refining the nostrils, or both. Reducing overall width can bring better definition to the facial features and create a more harmonious balance between the nose and surrounding structures.
Asymmetry is a frequent reason for rhinoplasty, whether it’s a natural difference between the two sides or the result of a previous injury. Post-traumatic rhinoplasty can address bumps, crookedness, or breathing problems caused by a broken nose, helping restore both function and aesthetic harmony.
Many rhinoplasty patients seek not only cosmetic changes but also functional improvement. Issues like a deviated septum, internal nasal valve collapse, or chronic congestion can be corrected surgically to improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall nasal health.
Patients who are dissatisfied with the results of a previous nose surgery—whether due to cosmetic concerns or breathing difficulties—may seek revision rhinoplasty. This highly specialized procedure focuses on restoring both appearance and function for improved patient satisfaction.
Rhinoplasty can offer powerful benefits for both appearance and function, including:
When performed with artistry and skill, rhinoplasty enhances your natural beauty rather than changing your fundamental appearance.
Almost anyone who is self-conscious about the way their nose looks can have something done to either correct the problem or dramatically improve it.
There are people, however, who respond less favorably to rhinoplasty than others. Nasal tips with thick, oily skin are more difficult than those with thin skin. This is because thick skin is less likely to show changes in the underlying nose as readily as thin skin. Thick skin is much less capable of adapting to a new shape. Dr. Cruise will evaluate your skin and tell you what you can expect from rhinoplasty.
Summarized below is a brief list of issues that can be corrected by nose surgery:
It is important to note that surgery may not be an option for those with serious health issues, those taking certain medications, or habitual smokers. Please be prepared to disclose any relevant information that will help us determine if it is safe for you to have rhinoplasty surgery.
Understanding what to expect during recovery, as well as how long it will take you to be fully healed, is key when deciding when to have your surgery. In the first 1–2 weeks after rhinoplasty, swelling, bruising, and congestion are common. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses can help minimize swelling. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin due to reduced sensitivity.
Dr. Cruise typically removes nasal packing the next day, and the external splint comes off at the one-week follow-up. You may shower the day after rhinoplasty surgery, using cool water and gentle products. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within a week, but exercise should be paused for at least four weeks, and contact sports for eight.
Swelling at the nasal tip can take over a year to fully resolve, and some numbness is expected during healing. Most bruising fades by two weeks and can be concealed with makeup after the first week. Our team will guide you through aftercare, including scar management and safe skincare practices.
Rhinoplasty surgery incorporates multiple skills, artistic prowess, and vision, which are cultivated through extensive training and practice. Each patient’s face is unique and every nose is individual. Only an experienced plastic surgeon can appreciate how even subtle changes to the nose can significantly impact the overall balance and appearance of the face.
Dr. Joseph T. Cruise specializes in rhinoplasty surgery and is one of the few rhinoplasty cosmetic surgeons in Newport Beach who has developed a specialized technique for patients who need a moderate amount of work done along the whole nose – both the bridge and tip. His use of the delivery technique does not leave visible scars and gives patients a way to achieve the best overall look.
Dr. Cruise is also a member of The Rhinoplasty Society, an exclusive society of surgeons throughout the world who specialize in nose surgery. He has been dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery in Orange County for over 12 years.
Joseph T Cruise, MD, schedules individual appointments with all rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgery patients in his Orange County office. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Cruise.
Results from rhinoplasty begin to reveal themselves within the first few weeks, but the final outcome gradually refines over the course of 6 to 12 months as swelling subsides. One of the most noticeable improvements is a smoother, more balanced profile, especially when hump reduction or bridge refinement is part of the procedure.
The nasal tip will continue to soften and define over time, ultimately settling into a more sculpted, proportional shape. For patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty, many report improved airflow and easier breathing alongside their aesthetic improvements.
Dr. Cruise’s approach ensures that changes appear natural and harmonious with your overall facial features—never overdone or artificial. An improved nasal shape enhances facial symmetry and can create a sense of greater confidence in both social and professional settings. Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting and continue to complement the face as it matures.
A nose job can make your nose smaller, especially when the dorsum is reduced in size.
It can take up to one year for the swelling to go completely away after rhinoplasty. This does not mean the swelling will be noticeable for this length of time, just that the nose appearance will continue to improve.
Dr. Cruise will determine the best approach based on your anatomy and goals. Closed rhinoplasty is ideal for more limited refinements, while open rhinoplasty provides greater access and precision for complex shaping, revision cases, or significant tip work.
Yes. Functional issues such as a deviated septum, valve collapse, or nasal obstruction can be addressed during cosmetic rhinoplasty. Dr. Cruise often performs structural corrections in the same procedure to improve both form and function.
Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent. While the nose continues to age along with the rest of the face, the structural improvements made during rhinoplasty surgery remain stable for many years.
Yes. Rhinoplasty is often combined with other types of facial cosmetic surgery like chin augmentation, a neck lift, or upper or lower eyelid surgery to enhance facial harmony. Dr. Cruise will guide you on which combinations may offer the most balanced and natural result.
Primary rhinoplasty refers to your first nose surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is a more complex procedure performed to correct or refine results from a previous rhinoplasty procedure that didn’t fully meet expectations—either cosmetic or functional. Working with an experienced rhinoplasty specialist like Dr. Cruise is essential to achieving the best results when undergoing revision rhinoplasty.
Dr. Cruise’s goal is always to achieve a natural-looking result. Most patients report that friends and colleagues notice they look refreshed or more balanced, but not that they “had surgery”—which is exactly the outcome many are seeking.
The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on the details of your procedure. Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized quote. We accept several financing options.
Cruise Plastic Surgery accepts the following forms of payment:
Financing: Prosper Lending, Care Credit, Alphaeon Credit
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. It is extremely uncommon for someone to die from rhinoplasty when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with a good reputation. It is also important to be in good health before having any surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
