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Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is performed to reduce nasal imperfections that disrupt aesthetic balance. While the surgery can greatly enhance the patient’s appearance, it may also serve to improve breathing.

Dr. Michael K. Lee is known throughout Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, and Lake Forest and beyond for his meticulous attention to detail, dedication to excellence, and genuine compassion for his patients. As a double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive expertise in facial aesthetics, Dr. Lee is the ideal choice for rhinoplasty in the region.

Why choose Dr. Lee? A visionary plastic surgeon devoted to elegant, natural-looking results

Professional background

Born and raised in Hawaii, Dr. Lee obtained his medical degree at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. After continuing to sharpen his skills at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, he pursued a prestigious Fellowship in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, preparing him for a noteworthy career in the field of aesthetics.

In addition to receiving board certification from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee has been honored with multiple professional awards, including the Elvin L. Shelton Award for Excellence and the Dr. Frank and Mary McDowell Award for Excellence in Surgery.

Treatment approach

Dr. Lee approaches each patient with concierge-level care, developing a one-of-a-kind treatment plan that is finely tuned to their needs and wishes. He is known for taking the extra minute or hour to answer all questions in depth and set the patient at ease as they traverse their journey to looking and feeling their best. During surgery, Dr. Lee is painstakingly precise, ensuring that patients not only achieve the look they envisioned but that their incisions are well-hidden and minimized as much as possible.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty has among the highest patient satisfaction rates at Dr. Lee’s practice, as it can significantly transform one’s appearance, boosting self-confidence. As the central facial feature, a beautiful nose should enhance facial harmony rather than detract from it. Whether the nose is too large, too short, too wide, too thin, too bulbous, or too drooping, rhinoplasty with Dr. Lee in Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, and Lake Forest can create a more attractive, symmetrical profile.

Reasons to pursue rhinoplasty include the following:

To improve the size, shape, or symmetry of the nose
To correct a dorsal hump and smooth out the profile
To reshape a bulbous or drooping nasal tip
To correct a nasal injury
To combat birth defects
To enhance breathing function
To boost self-confidence and self-esteem
To achieve a more youthful, inviting look

How is rhinoplasty performed?

Open rhinoplasty – With the open approach, a tiny incision is created across the columella (the strip of tissue stretching between the nostrils.) This allows the surgeon to lift the skin and access the underlying nasal structures, providing greater visibility, precision, and control during the procedure.

Closed rhinoplasty – Closed rhinoplasty is a surgical technique used to reshape the nose without making any external incisions. Instead, the surgeon makes all incisions inside the nostrils, which provides limited visibility and access to the nasal structures. This technique is often used for minor adjustments or modifications and can result in less swelling and faster recovery times compared to open rhinoplasty.

woman in a black dress with a black top and earrings

What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?

A more youthful, attractive appearance
Improved self-confidence
Enhanced nasal function
Improved nasal symmetry
Lasting-results
A natural-looking, personalized outcome

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What will my rhinoplasty recovery entail?

Rhinoplasty recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s unique capacity for healing. Dr. Lee will provide customized aftercare instructions for each patient, going over what they can expect in terms of scarring, downtime, bathing and showering, resuming exercise, and getting back to work, among other topics.

Immediately after surgery, patients will need to rest and avoid any strenuous activity. They may experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be well-managed with prescription pain medication. Dr. Lee recommends that patients sleep with their heads elevated to help reduce swelling, follow a healthy diet, and avoid smoking, as smoking can slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Most patients can return to work and light activity within two to three weeks after surgery. Patients should also attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Lee so he can monitor their progress and ensure a safe and successful recovery.