Dr. Christopher J. Micallef, FACS – Relentless in the pursuit of aesthetic excellence

Dr. Micallef is a distinguished, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is devoted to delivering exquisite, nuanced outcomes for patients in and beyond San Antonio, TX. Through a refined sense of artistry and meticulous attention to detail. Both Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz craft results that enhances confidence and accentuates the patient’s unique and timeless beauty.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure to correct imperfections related to the nasal tip, nostrils, and bridge. While primary rhinoplasty is performed for aesthetic reasons, there are many functional variations of the surgery that also address the inner structures of the nose to repair breathing issues. 

When performed by a board-certified facial expert such as Dr. Micallef, rhinoplasty has among the highest rates of patient satisfaction, as it can yield a wide array of cosmetic, emotional, and social benefits. For younger patients, rhinoplasty can help them navigate school with enhanced confidence, while for older patients, rhinoplasty can have many anti-aging advantages. 

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What concerns can be addressed with nose surgery in San Antonio?

Rhinoplasty can be instrumental in correcting the following:

  • A crooked nose
  • Asymmetry
  • An overly prominent dorsal hump
  • A scooped-out nasal bridge
  •  A nose that distracts the gaze from the eyes and the smile 
  • Overly large nostrils
  • A drooping or bulbous tip
  • An overly wide tip
  • Poor breathing and sleep apnea
  • A nose that is disproportionately large in relation to the other features 
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What are the benefits of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can help patients to attain a more positive self-image, which in turn elevates their overall quality of life. Benefits include:

  • A more balanced, youthful profile
  • Improved symmetry
  • Increased harmony among the features
  • Enhanced ease and comfort in front of the camera
  • A boost in self-confidence
  • Long-lasting results
  • Natural-looking changes

How is Rhinoplasty performed?

Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz are masterful facial surgeons who have dozens of world-class techniques at their disposal. They will pursue a customized approach for each patient that results in a beautiful, balanced, and natural-looking nose. They will choose to perform open or closed rhinoplasty based on the specifics of your unique treatment plan.

Open Rhinoplasty 

Open rhinoplasty is performed by creating a small, unnoticeable incision at the base of the nose. This allows Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz unfettered access to the inner nasal structures, bone, and cartilage so he can sculpt and refine the nose. Open rhinoplasty is typically the best choice when the work required to achieve the patient’s goal is more significant and complex.

Closed Rhinoplasty

With closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside the nostrils where scarring will later be invisible. Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz will choose closed rhinoplasty when the conditions are right, typically in cases where the changes required are less involved. They may also use dermal fillers in combination with rhinoplasty to enhance and refine your results. 

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Am I a candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty may have tried a liquid nose job in the past but found that their concerns require a more in-depth approach. They may be unhappy with the shape, size, or projection of their nose and wish to undergo a procedure that will bring about a lasting transformation. 

To qualify for a rhinoplasty in San Antonio, patients must be healthy non-smokers who are free from any uncontrolled medical issues such as hypertension or bleeding disorders. Having undergone a detailed, private consultation with Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz, they should have realistic expectations for their results, understanding that there is no such thing as the “perfect” nose – only a nose that better suits their face and appears balanced and proportionate. Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz focus on natural-looking changes that accentuate the patient’s innate beauty and attractiveness rather than striving to make patients look like cookie-cutter versions of celebrities. 

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What types of Rhinoplasty does Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz perform?

Each patient receives one-on-one attention and a customized treatment approach geared toward their anatomy, goals, and comfort levels. When you choose Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz, you are in the hands of experienced and skilled professionals for Rhinoplasty in San Antonio. Both Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz perform wide ranges of procedures to reshape the nose, including the following:

Primary Rhinoplasty

Primary rhinoplasty is performed to correct nasal abnormalities and foster a sense of facial balance and harmony. During surgery, Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz will adjust the bone and cartilage to reshape the nasal tip and bridge, creating a nose that better suits the patient’s face.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

A non-surgical or “liquid” rhinoplasty utilizes a combination of dermal fillers and injectables to correct the nasal contours, reshape the nasal bridge, and refine the nasal tip. This treatment is often a good opportunity for patients to “try on” a new nose before committing to plastic surgery.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Patients of Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and Hispanic descent have unique cosmetic requirements when it comes to refining and reshaping the nose. Instead of imposing a Westernized, Caucasian-centered aesthetic on patients, Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz provide nuanced changes that honor individuality and ethnic heritage. 

Female Rhinoplasty

Female rhinoplasty can help women achieve a more feminine, inviting countenance by reducing an overly prominent bridge and refining a bulbous or hanging nasal tip. The surgery refocuses the gaze on the patient’s best features – the eyes and the smile.

Male Rhinoplasty

Male rhinoplasty can help create a strong, masculine profile that is still balanced and proportionate. Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz may opt to augment the chin with an implant that acts as a counterweight to the nose, improving the profile. In addition to rhinoplasty, Dr. Micallef and Dr. Ortiz perform many other procedures specifically targeted toward their male patients.

Revision Rhinoplasty

For patients who have not achieved their ideal look with a primary rhinoplasty, a revision procedure can be performed to accomplish their original aesthetic goals. Because nose surgery can produce swelling that lasts up to a year, it is important to wait at least 12 months before considering a revision.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a type of functional rhinoplasty, performed to correct a deviated (crooked) septum. The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity between the nostrils. After surgery, patients can experience a vast improvement in their breathing.

Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty is a new technique that focuses on retaining as much of the patient’s natural bone and cartilage as possible while still improving aesthetic balance and symmetry. The emphasis is placed on achieving a natural-looking, non-operated final appearance.

What will my recovery entail?

After surgery, your nose will be bandaged and you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from Dr. Micallef or Dr. Ortiz and the team along with prescription pain medications. Swelling and bruising will peak in the first week, after which these side effects will slowly subside. Residual swelling may persist for many months, but will only be noticeable to you and your surgeon. Some level of swelling will usually exist for up to 12 months. 

For the first week, you will need to sleep with your head elevated. You will also be instructed to avoid any activities that could potentially disturb the results of your surgery. This means abstaining from exercise, lifting, and strain. Avoid blowing your nose or making exaggerated facial expressions. A cold compress applied to the face can help minimize discomfort post-op. Most patients undergoing rhinoplasty in San Antonio can resume work within around 2-3 weeks, provided that their jobs are sedentary. 

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