If you’re considering rhinoplasty in Seattle, understanding what happens during surgery can make the journey feel easier and more predictable. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Santos performs advanced cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty in a certified surgical facility designed for comfort, safety, and natural-looking results. This step-by-step guide shows exactly what to expect from consultation to recovery.
1. Pre-Surgery Consultation & Planning
Your rhinoplasty experience begins with a detailed personal consultation. Dr. David Santos reviews your medical history, breathing concerns, past injuries, and the cosmetic changes you want—such as refining the bridge, improving nasal symmetry, or reshaping the tip.
During this visit, Dr. Santos examines both the internal and external structure of your nose. If you have chronic breathing issues or a deviated septum, he may recommend combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty to help improve airflow while refining the nose shape.
You also review procedure timelines, healing expectations, and before-and-after photos to help visualize realistic outcomes. This stage ensures your results match your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
2. What Happens on Surgery Day
Arrival & Anesthesia
You arrive at Seattle Plastic Surgery’s certified surgical center on First Hill. After meeting your care team and finalizing details, anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Incisions & Surgical Access
Dr. Santos performs either an open or closed rhinoplasty:
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Open rhinoplasty: A small incision beneath the nose allows enhanced visibility and precision.
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Closed rhinoplasty: Incisions stay inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar.
The approach depends on your anatomy and goals.
Structural Refinement
This is the core of the rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Santos may:
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Reduce or smooth a dorsal hump
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Refine or rotate the nasal tip
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Adjust the nasal bridge for balance
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Improve symmetry
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Straighten or correct a deviated septum (if combined with septoplasty)
These adjustments reshape the cartilage and bone to create harmony with your facial profile while improving nasal function when needed.
Closing & Initial Recovery
Once reshaping is complete, Dr. Santos closes the incisions and places internal support or a nasal splint to stabilize your new structure.
The average surgical time listed on your website is about 2.5 hours.
You are then monitored in the recovery suite until you’re cleared to go home.
3. Early Recovery: The First Week
The first week involves general swelling, bruising, and congestion, all of which gradually improve. You need to rest, keep your head elevated, and avoid strenuous activity during this time.
Seattle Plastic Surgery notes an expected one-week initial recovery, although internal healing continues longer.
You’ll have a follow-up appointment where Dr. Santos checks healing progress and removes your splint.
4. Long-Term Healing & Final Results
Over the next several months, swelling continues to fade and your nose becomes more defined. If septoplasty was included, breathing improvements continue as the internal airway heals.
Final results can take 9–12 months to fully refine, especially around the nasal tip. Many patients report:
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A more proportionate, balanced facial profile
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A straighter nasal bridge
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A more refined tip
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Better breathing when a deviated septum was corrected
The results blend naturally with your features, enhancing confidence without looking overdone.
5. Why Patients Choose Dr. Santos for Rhinoplasty
Seattle Plastic Surgery highlights several key benefits:
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Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon
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Decades of specialized experience with nasal surgery
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Private, state-certified surgical facility meeting hospital-level safety standards
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Personalized approach to create natural, facially balanced outcomes
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Serving both Seattle and Tacoma patients
Dr. Santos’ extensive training in both cosmetic and functional nasal surgery helps ensure a result that looks great and performs well.
Ready to start your rhinoplasty journey? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Santos today and explore your personalized treatment options. Call (206) 249-9998, try our Rhinoplasty Price Simulator, or book your appointment online to get started.
Dr. Jonov is a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgeries of the face, breast, and body at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
