Introduction
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve facial harmony while preserving or enhancing its natural function. Whether your concerns involve a prominent dorsal hump, a drooping or bulbous tip, asymmetry, or a nose that feels out of proportion to your other facial features, rhinoplasty can create a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
Because the nose is the central feature of the face, even small changes can have a significant impact. The goal is not to create a different nose or follow a trend—it is to create a nose that naturally complements your unique facial features. A successful rhinoplasty should enhance your appearance without making it obvious that you have had surgery.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, Dr. Roberto López Konschot, a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and facial aesthetics, performs rhinoplasty using the open technique in the vast majority of patients. This approach provides the visibility and precision needed to carefully evaluate the nasal anatomy, perform accurate structural corrections, and achieve natural, predictable, and long-lasting results.
Every rhinoplasty is customized to your anatomy, facial proportions, skin thickness, functional needs, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. López Konschot will recommend the surgical approach that is most appropriate for your individual situation and explain what can realistically be achieved.
A successful rhinoplasty should not make people notice your nose—it should make them notice your face.
The first step is understanding how rhinoplasty can improve both the appearance and the structure of your nose.
Procedure at a Glance
| Procedure | Rhinoplasty — cosmetic, functional, and revision |
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| Technique | Open rhinoplasty in the vast majority of patients; closed (endonasal) in selected cases requiring only limited correction. |
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| Purpose | Improve facial harmony by refining the size, shape, and proportion of the nose while preserving or improving nasal breathing. |
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| Anesthesia | General anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. |
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| Where | Hospital H+ Los Cabos, an AAAASF-accredited facility. |
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| Hospital Stay | Usually none; most rhinoplasty is performed as outpatient surgery. |
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| Splint | A lightweight external splint is worn for approximately one week. |
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| Return to Activities | Most patients return to non-strenuous work and social activities within 2–3 weeks; moderate exercise at 4–6 weeks. |
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| Final Result | Typically appreciated at 9–12 months; up to 18 months in patients with thicker skin. |
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| Stay in Los Cabos | 7–10 days for international patients, allowing for follow-up, splint removal, and medical clearance. |
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| Medical Team Fee | From $6,500 USD, typically $6,500–$8,500 USD depending on complexity. Hospital expenses quoted separately. |
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Understanding the financial investment is the next step in planning your rhinoplasty.
Cost & Investment
Understanding the financial investment is an important part of planning your rhinoplasty. At Cabo Plastic Surgery, we believe in transparent pricing, personalized care, and no hidden fees.
| Item | Cabo Plastic Surgery |
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| Medical Team Fee (from) | $6,500 USD |
| Typical Range by Complexity | $6,500–$8,500 USD |
| Hospital Expenses | Quoted separately |
The medical team fee includes:
- Dr. Roberto López Konschot’s surgical fee
- Board-certified anesthesiologist’s fee
- First assistant’s fee
- Surgical garments
- All scheduled follow-up visits with Dr. López Konschot and routine post-operative care provided by the Cabo Plastic Surgery team
Should an unexpected complication require additional hospitalization, emergency surgery, or treatment by outside providers, any associated hospital or third-party fees are not included.
Hospital expenses—including the operating room, recovery area, medications, and overnight stay if required—are quoted separately after your consultation, allowing us to provide an accurate estimate based on your personalized surgical plan.
For comparison, rhinoplasty in the United States typically costs $10,000–$15,000 USD or more when surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees are combined, with prices often being even higher in California.
Your personalized quote will be provided after a comprehensive evaluation of your nasal anatomy, surgical goals, and whether additional procedures—such as cartilage grafting or revision rhinoplasty—are recommended.
Before deciding whether rhinoplasty is right for you, it is important to understand the benefits the procedure can provide.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty offers more than a change in the shape of the nose. By improving facial balance while respecting your natural anatomy, the procedure can provide long-lasting aesthetic and functional benefits.
Potential benefits include:
- Improves facial harmony by bringing the nose into better proportion with the eyes, lips, chin, and other facial features.
- Refines the size and shape of the nose by addressing concerns such as a dorsal hump, a wide or bulbous tip, excessive projection, or asymmetry.
- Preserves your natural appearance by enhancing your existing features rather than creating an artificial or over-operated look.
- Corrects structural irregularities to create a smoother, more balanced nasal profile.
- May improve nasal breathing when functional structural problems are addressed as part of the procedure.
- Produces long-lasting results that continue to improve as swelling resolves.
- Enhances self-confidence by addressing features that may have caused self-consciousness for many years.
The most successful rhinoplasty is one that complements your face—not one that draws attention to itself. The goal is for people to notice that you look refreshed, balanced, and harmonious without immediately recognizing that your nose has been surgically refined.
Choosing the right surgical approach is one of the most important factors in achieving a natural and long-lasting result.
Why We Prefer the Open Technique
Rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed (endonasal) approach. While both techniques have a role in modern plastic surgery, Dr. Roberto López Konschot performs the vast majority of rhinoplasties using the open technique because it provides the visibility, precision, and control needed to achieve the safest and most natural results.
A small incision across the columella
The open technique uses a small incision across the columella—the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils—combined with internal nasal incisions. This allows the skin to be gently elevated, giving Dr. López Konschot direct visualization of the entire nasal framework, including the bones, cartilages, septum, and tip structures.
The tradeoff The columellar scar typically heals exceptionally well and becomes barely noticeable over time. For most patients, the improved precision and surgical control far outweigh this minimal tradeoff.
This approach allows him to:
- Fully evaluate your unique nasal anatomy before making permanent changes.
- Identify subtle asymmetries that may not be apparent through limited access.
- Perform more precise corrections of the bridge, tip, nostrils, and overall nasal shape.
- Accurately place cartilage grafts when additional support or refinement is needed.
- Preserve or improve structural support, reducing the risk of long-term deformities.
- Achieve more predictable, balanced, and long-lasting results.
The closed technique may still be appropriate for selected patients requiring only limited corrections. However, because every nose is different, Dr. Roberto López Konschot believes that direct visualization of the nasal structures allows him to better understand each patient’s anatomy. This allows every correction to be based on the patient’s actual anatomy rather than the limited visualization inherent to a closed approach. As a result, each rhinoplasty can be tailored to the individual’s needs, providing greater precision, predictability, and long-term stability.
Not every patient seeking rhinoplasty has the same goals. The next step is determining whether the procedure is right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure. The best candidates are patients who want to improve the appearance of their nose while maintaining natural facial harmony and who have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
You may be a good candidate if you
- Are bothered by the size, shape, or proportion of your nose.
- Have a dorsal hump, a bulbous or poorly defined tip, a drooping nasal tip, or a nose that appears too wide or too prominent.
- Have nasal asymmetry or irregularities resulting from genetics, previous injury, or normal development.
- Feel your nose draws attention away from your other facial features.
- Have completed facial growth (typically in the mid-to-late teenage years).
- Are in good overall health and medically cleared for surgery.
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery.
- Have realistic expectations and understand that the goal is improvement—not perfection.
The ideal rhinoplasty candidate is someone seeking a nose that looks natural, balanced, and appropriate for their own face, rather than trying to copy someone else’s appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will carefully evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain what can realistically be achieved.
Although many people are excellent candidates for rhinoplasty, the procedure is not appropriate for everyone.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
While rhinoplasty is an excellent option for many patients, it is not appropriate for everyone. In some cases, postponing surgery or choosing a different treatment leads to a safer procedure and a better long-term outcome.
Rhinoplasty may not be appropriate if you
- Have unrealistic expectations or are seeking perfection rather than improvement.
- Wish to look exactly like another person or celebrity.
- Have not completed facial growth.
- Smoke or are unwilling to stop using nicotine before and after surgery.
- Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical or anesthetic risk.
- Have an active nasal or sinus infection that should be treated first.
- Have significant body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or untreated psychological conditions that may interfere with satisfaction after surgery.
- Are unwilling to follow post-operative instructions or attend follow-up appointments.
In some situations, surgery may simply need to be delayed until you are medically optimized or until your goals are better defined. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will explain whether rhinoplasty is appropriate for you and, if not, what the safest next step may be.
Choosing the right patient is just as important as choosing the right surgical technique.
Our Philosophy
Rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding procedures in plastic surgery. Success depends not only on changing the nose, but on preserving its structure, function, and harmony with the rest of the face.
Our philosophy is simple: preserve what works, correct what does not, and never remove more than necessary.
Rather than following trends or creating a “perfect” nose, Dr. Roberto López Konschot carefully evaluates your anatomy, facial proportions, skin thickness, and goals before developing a personalized surgical plan.
Whenever possible, structural support is preserved or reinforced to maintain both appearance and breathing. The best rhinoplasty is one that looks natural, functions well, and never appears overdone.
Every recommendation is guided by sound surgical judgment, current scientific evidence, and a commitment to achieving the safest procedure and the best long-term outcome.
Once your surgical plan has been established, the next step is understanding what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Your Surgical Journey
Every rhinoplasty is carefully planned to achieve a natural, balanced, and long-lasting result. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery helps you prepare for every stage of your journey.
Consultation & Preparation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, either in person or virtually if you are traveling to Los Cabos. Dr. Roberto López Konschot will evaluate your nasal anatomy, facial proportions, skin thickness, breathing, and aesthetic goals to develop a personalized surgical plan. Clinical photographs are obtained to assist with surgical planning.
Imaging A CT scan is routinely obtained before surgery to evaluate the internal nasal anatomy, including the bones, septum, and airway. You will also receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including medications and supplements to avoid, laboratory studies, and medical clearance when appropriate.
Day of Surgery
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia at Hospital H+, an AAAASF-accredited facility. Using the open technique, Dr. López Konschot carefully reshapes the nasal framework while preserving or reinforcing structural support whenever necessary.
What surgery may include Refinement of the bridge, tip, nostrils, or septum, as well as cartilage grafting when additional support is needed. A lightweight nasal splint is applied at the end of the procedure and is typically removed after one week.
Recovery & Aftercare
Swelling and bruising are expected during the first few days and improve steadily over the following weeks. Most patients return to non-strenuous work and social activities within 2–3 weeks, while subtle swelling—particularly in the nasal tip—continues to improve over several months. Final refinement develops gradually as healing progresses.
While you are here During your stay in Los Cabos, Dr. López Konschot will monitor your recovery through scheduled follow-up visits. All post-operative consultations are included as part of your surgical care.
Although every patient heals at a different pace, the following timeline provides a general overview of the recovery process.
Recovery Timeline
First week
- Expect swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes.
- Wear your nasal splint continuously as instructed.
- Sleep with your head elevated and avoid blowing your nose.
- Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
- Your splint is typically removed after one week.
Weeks 2–3
- Most bruising has resolved.
- Swelling continues to decrease.
- Most patients return to work, school, and other non-strenuous activities.
- Light exercise may gradually resume with your surgeon’s approval.
Weeks 4–6
- Most daily activities, including moderate exercise, can usually be resumed.
- The nose continues to refine as swelling gradually improves.
- Protect your nose from accidental impact.
Months 3–6
- Most swelling has resolved.
- The nasal contours become more refined.
- The scar from the open approach continues to fade.
Months 9–12
- Most patients appreciate their final result.
- Patients with thicker skin may continue to see subtle improvements for up to 18 months.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Dr. Roberto López Konschot will provide personalized recommendations based on your healing progress.
As healing progresses, most patients gradually return to their normal routines while enjoying the long-term improvements achieved with rhinoplasty.
Life After Rhinoplasty
As healing progresses, rhinoplasty becomes part of your everyday life. The goal is a nose that looks natural, functions well, and remains in harmony with your facial features for years to come.
Exercise
Most patients gradually return to regular exercise after 4–6 weeks. Contact sports or activities with a risk of nasal injury should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Roberto López Konschot.
Wearing Glasses
Glasses or sunglasses should not rest directly on the nose during the early healing period. Temporary alternatives may be recommended until the nasal bones have stabilized.
Sun Protection
Protect your nose from excessive sun exposure during the first several months. Daily sunscreen and a hat help optimize healing and scar maturation.
Long-Term Changes
Your new nasal shape will continue to refine as residual swelling resolves. Final results are typically appreciated within 9–12 months, although patients with thicker skin may continue to see subtle improvements for up to 18 months.
As your nose continues to refine, the final outcome becomes increasingly natural and harmonious with the rest of your face.
Results
Rhinoplasty creates permanent changes to the shape and proportions of the nose. Although the initial improvement is visible once the splint is removed, the final result develops gradually as swelling continues to resolve.
Most patients appreciate their final outcome within 9–12 months, while those with thicker skin may continue to see subtle refinement for up to 18 months. Patience is an important part of the healing process.
The most successful rhinoplasty does not create a new identity—it creates better facial harmony. Your nose should complement your features, preserve your individuality, and look as though it has always belonged to your face.
The goal is a result that looks natural in both photographs and everyday life—enhancing your overall appearance without appearing surgically altered.
Choosing an experienced surgeon is one of the most important factors in achieving a safe procedure and a natural, long-lasting result.
Why Choose Cabo Plastic Surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make when considering rhinoplasty. Because every nose is unique, achieving a natural result requires technical expertise, careful planning, and a thorough understanding of facial harmony.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, you will benefit from:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, with a primary focus on cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery.
- Fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and facial aesthetics, providing advanced expertise in facial anatomy and structural reconstruction.
- Open rhinoplasty expertise, allowing precise evaluation of the nasal framework and individualized correction.
- Personalized surgical planning, tailored to your anatomy, facial proportions, breathing, and aesthetic goals.
- AAAASF-accredited hospital with board-certified anesthesiologists and the highest standards of patient safety.
- Comprehensive care for local and international patients, including virtual consultations, personalized travel planning, and direct follow-up with Dr. Roberto López Konschot.
- Transparent recommendations, with honest guidance about what rhinoplasty can—and cannot—achieve.
- All post-operative consultations included, ensuring your recovery is carefully monitored from surgery through healing.
Our commitment is not simply to reshape your nose—it is to achieve a result that looks natural, functions well, and remains harmonious with your face for years to come.
Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries potential risks that should be understood before making your decision.
Risks & Potential Complications
Rhinoplasty is a safe and well-established procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, like any operation, it carries potential risks and complications. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will review these risks in detail and explain the steps taken to minimize them.
Potential risks include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness
- Delayed wound healing or unfavorable scarring
- Persistent nasal asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Difficulty breathing or persistent nasal obstruction
- Prolonged swelling, particularly in the nasal tip
- Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result
- Need for revision surgery
- Anesthesia-related complications
Serious complications are uncommon. Careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and close post-operative follow-up help minimize these risks and contribute to a safe recovery.
Many misconceptions surround rhinoplasty. Understanding the facts can help you make a more informed decision.
Rhinoplasty Myths & Facts
MythRhinoplasty always looks obvious.
FactA well-performed rhinoplasty should look natural and remain in harmony with your facial features. The goal is refinement—not creating a nose that appears surgically altered.
MythSmaller is always better.
FactRemoving too much bone or cartilage can compromise both appearance and nasal function. Modern rhinoplasty focuses on preserving or reinforcing structural support while creating balanced, natural proportions.
MythThe open technique leaves a noticeable scar.
FactThe small incision placed across the columella typically heals extremely well and becomes barely noticeable over time. For most patients, the added precision of the open technique far outweighs the minimal scar.
MythMy nose will be packed with painful nasal plugs for days.
FactUsually not. Most patients do not require traditional nasal packing. If internal splints are needed, they are typically soft, comfortable, and usually removed within 24–48 hours. A lightweight external splint is worn for about one week.
MythYou can copy someone else’s nose.
FactEvery nose is unique. The best rhinoplasty respects your facial proportions, skin thickness, and anatomy to create a result that looks natural on your face—not someone else’s.
MythIf I do not like my nose after surgery, it can be fixed immediately.
FactRhinoplasty requires patience. Swelling continues to improve for many months, and final results are typically evaluated after 9–12 months, when healing is largely complete.
The following questions address many of the concerns patients commonly have before deciding to undergo rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty Questions Answered
Before Surgery
Am I too old for rhinoplasty?
Age alone is not a limitation. Good overall health, realistic expectations, and medical clearance are more important than chronological age.
At what age can rhinoplasty be performed?
Rhinoplasty is generally recommended after facial growth is complete, typically around 15–16 years for girls and 16–17 years for boys.
Can rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
It can. If structural problems such as a deviated septum or weak nasal support are present, they may be corrected during surgery when appropriate.
Surgery & Recovery
Will I have a visible scar?
The open technique uses a small incision across the columella. In most patients, the scar heals exceptionally well and becomes barely noticeable over time.
How long does the open rhinoplasty scar take to heal?
The incision typically heals within 1–2 weeks, while the scar continues to soften and fade over the following months.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
Usually not. Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, allowing you to return to your hotel or recovery accommodations the same day.
When can I fly home?
Most international patients remain in Los Cabos for 7–10 days, allowing time for follow-up visits, splint removal, and medical clearance before traveling.
How painful is rhinoplasty?
Most patients describe rhinoplasty as causing more pressure and congestion than pain. Any discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medication.
Results
Will people be able to tell I had rhinoplasty?
A successful rhinoplasty should look natural and remain in harmony with your facial features. The goal is for people to notice that you look refreshed and balanced—not that you have had surgery.
How long will my results last?
Rhinoplasty produces permanent changes to the nose. Although the face continues to age naturally, the structural improvements achieved through surgery are long-lasting.
Can rhinoplasty make my nose perfect?
No. The goal of rhinoplasty is improvement, balance, and facial harmony—not perfection. Every nose has unique anatomical limitations, and successful surgery focuses on achieving the most natural result possible.
What if I have already had rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty can improve persistent cosmetic or functional concerns from previous surgery. Because revision procedures are more complex, they require careful evaluation and individualized planning.
Combining Procedures
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Depending on your anatomy and goals, rhinoplasty may be combined with other facial procedures to enhance overall facial harmony. The most common combinations are described below.
Depending on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, rhinoplasty may be combined with other facial procedures to create a more balanced and harmonious result.
Lip Lift
A lip lift can improve the balance between the nose and upper lip, particularly in selected patients with a long upper lip. When appropriate, combining the procedures can create better overall facial harmony.
Chin Augmentation
A small chin can make the nose appear larger than it actually is. Chin augmentation can improve facial proportions and enhance the overall result of rhinoplasty without making additional changes to the nose itself.
Upper or lower eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eyes by removing excess skin or fat. When combined with rhinoplasty, it creates a fresher, more youthful facial appearance.
Facial Fat Grafting
Fat grafting restores volume lost through aging, particularly in the cheeks, temples, or under-eye area. It complements rhinoplasty by improving overall facial harmony.
For patients with facial aging, combining rhinoplasty with a deep plane facelift and neck lift can restore youthful facial contours while maintaining natural facial balance.
Septoplasty
Patients with a deviated septum or structural airway problems may benefit from septoplasty performed at the same time as rhinoplasty to improve nasal breathing when indicated.
Ready to Find Your Balance?
Rhinoplasty is about more than changing the shape of your nose—it is about creating harmony between your nose and the rest of your face while preserving natural function.
Whether you are considering rhinoplasty to refine your appearance, improve facial balance, correct the effects of an injury, or address breathing concerns, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will take the time to understand your goals and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your individual anatomy.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation
References
The information presented throughout this guide is based on current scientific evidence and accepted principles of plastic surgery.
Professional Organizations
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Rhinoplasty. plasticsurgery.org
- The Aesthetic Society. Rhinoplasty: Patient Safety and Expectations. theaestheticsociety.org
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Patient Safety Resources. isaps.org
Scientific Literature
- Rohrich RJ, Ahmad J. Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2011.
- Rohrich RJ, Muzaffar AR, Janis JE. Component Dorsal Hump Reduction: The Importance of Maintaining the Integrity of the Middle Vault. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2004.
- Daniel RK. Rhinoplasty: An Atlas of Surgical Techniques. Springer.
- Gunter JP, Rohrich RJ, Adams WP Jr. Dallas Rhinoplasty: Nasal Surgery by the Masters. Quality Medical Publishing.
- Toriumi DM. Structure Approach in Rhinoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America.
- Tebbetts JB. Primary Rhinoplasty: A New Approach to the Logic and the Techniques. Mosby.
- Guyuron B. Precision Rhinoplasty. Quality Medical Publishing.
Functional Rhinoplasty & Nasal Airway
- Rhee JS, Weaver EM, Park SS, et al. Clinical Consensus Statement: Diagnosis and Management of Nasal Valve Compromise. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
- Most SP. An Approach to Functional Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Patient Education
This guide reflects current recommendations and accepted surgical principles from recognized professional organizations and peer-reviewed scientific literature. It is intended to help patients better understand rhinoplasty, the available surgical techniques, recovery, and realistic expectations before consultation.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Every patient is unique. Recommendations regarding rhinoplasty should always be based on an individual evaluation, medical history, nasal anatomy, breathing function, facial proportions, and personal goals. Surgical techniques, recovery, and results vary from patient to patient.
Because medical knowledge continues to evolve, the information presented here reflects current evidence and accepted practices at the time of publication.
Last Updated: September 2026
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Roberto López Konschot, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
