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Rhinoplasty, La Jolla & San Diego
Rhinoplasty reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to change its size, shape, or proportions, and septal work may be considered when breathing is a concern. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD examines the outside and inside of your nose and discusses what surgery can realistically change for your face.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Consultations and follow-ups take place here. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices, not at the University City office.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at ---
What it is
Surgery that reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to change its size, shape, or proportions, and can straighten a deviated septum to help breathing.
Open or closed
Closed rhinoplasty hides all incisions inside the nose. Open rhinoplasty adds a tiny incision across the columella for more visibility in complex cases.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or deep sedation. It is usually an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
Downtime
A splint stays on about one week. Bruising and swelling settle over two weeks; most people are back at desk work in 7 to 10 days.
Results
Immediate change, with the tip and fine shape refining over about a year as swelling resolves. The result is meant to be permanent.
Who it suits
Adults with a fully grown nose bothered by its shape or breathing, in good health and with realistic goals. A consultation confirms candidacy.
Why patients choose Tim Sayed MD
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Request a rhinoplasty consultation in La Jolla · (858) 247-2933
Open vs closed
In a closed approach, incisions are inside the nostrils. In an open approach, a small incision across the columella—the strip of tissue between the nostrils—allows more direct access. The choice depends on the planned changes and your anatomy.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation as an outpatient procedure. A splint is commonly placed after surgery. Plan for an adult to drive you home from the operating facility.
| The two approaches | How they differ |
|---|---|
| Incisions | Closed: all inside the nose, no external scar. Open: one small incision across the columella, the strip of skin between the nostrils. |
| Best for | Closed: bridge work and smaller tip changes. Open: complex tip work, major reshaping, and most revision cases. |
| Visibility | Closed: more limited. Open: a full view of the framework, allowing precise shaping. |
| Scar | Closed: none visible. Open: a fine columellar scar that usually fades to nearly invisible. |
| Swelling | Both swell; with the open approach the tip can take a little longer to fully settle. |
Dr. Sayed chooses the approach that fits your anatomy and goals, and explains why at consultation. Neither is universally better.
See rhinoplasty before and after results
Consultation
Bring a list of medications and supplements, any prior nasal surgery or injury records, and notes about breathing problems, allergies, or sinus issues. A few photos that show what bothers you can help, but the plan will be based on your anatomy.
Ask whether an open or closed approach is proposed, whether septal or airway work is part of the plan, and how long swelling is expected to take to settle. If you have had previous nasal surgery, ask how that affects the options.
Related options include facial plastic surgery in La Jolla and facial fat transfer in La Jolla.
Compare rhinoplasty with non-surgical options
The procedure
Rhinoplasty may reduce or refine a bump, adjust the tip, change width or length, or improve asymmetry. Septoplasty, which straightens the wall between the nostrils, may be considered when a deviated septum contributes to blockage.
The nose must stay in balance with the rest of the face, and skin thickness and prior surgery affect what can be achieved. Rhinoplasty is generally considered once the nose has finished growing. Some patients ask about non-surgical "liquid rhinoplasty" with filler; filler can camouflage some contour irregularities but cannot make the nose smaller or improve breathing, and it carries its own risks.
Risks include bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, difficulty breathing through the nose, numbness, a septal perforation, unsatisfactory appearance, asymmetry, and scarring. Swelling can take a long time to resolve, and some patients need revision surgery.
Tell the team about bleeding disorders, blood thinners, nasal spray use, and previous nasal surgery or injury. Seek prompt care for heavy bleeding, fever, or severe or increasing pain.
Before and after
Ask to see before-and-after photographs relevant to your concerns. The same practice gallery is used for both offices; these are not location-specific results. Photographs do not guarantee your outcome. Practice photo gallery information for La Jolla patients
Photographs are examples of real outcomes and are not a guarantee. Individual results depend on anatomy, healing, and the specific plan. All photos are shared with patient consent.
Cost and financing
The practice’s current guide for rhinoplasty is about $10,000–$18,000, with complex or revision cases potentially higher. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered. When a documented breathing problem is treated, an insurer may consider part of the surgery; coverage depends on your policy and requirements.
Ask about rhinoplasty financing
Recovery
A splint is commonly worn for about the first week. Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes usually improve over the following weeks; many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks, though timing varies. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take a year or longer to settle.
Keep your head elevated, avoid blowing your nose until cleared, and ask when you may wear glasses, exercise, and return to contact sports. Protect the nose from bumps while it heals.
Ask about rhinoplasty recovery
Your surgeon
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Ask about rhinoplasty cases similar to yours, how breathing is assessed, and how a revision would be handled if it were needed.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certified and recertified
American Board of Surgery
Board certified and recertified
UCSF School of Medicine
MD and plastic surgery residency
Harvard, Mass General
General surgery training
Kellogg School of Management
Executive MBA, Northwestern
Alpha Omega Alpha
National medical honor society
Office
For your La Jolla rhinoplasty consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Tim Sayed MD, La Jolla / University City
Address
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone
(858) 247-2933
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tue–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM PT; Sat–Sun closed
Surgery
Accredited operating rooms only, separate from both consultation offices
Approved copy
For your La Jolla rhinoplasty consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Bring a list of medications and supplements, any prior nasal surgery or injury records, and notes about breathing problems, allergies, or sinus issues. A few photos that show what bothers you can help, but the plan will be based on your anatomy.
Ask whether an open or closed approach is proposed, whether septal or airway work is part of the plan, and how long swelling is expected to take to settle. If you have had previous nasal surgery, ask how that affects the options.
A splint is commonly worn for about the first week. Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes usually improve over the following weeks; many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks, though timing varies. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take a year or longer to settle.
Keep your head elevated, avoid blowing your nose until cleared, and ask when you may wear glasses, exercise, and return to contact sports. Protect the nose from bumps while it heals.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation. Ask when each check is needed and how to reach the team with concerns outside office hours. The office hours above are not an emergency-care schedule.
The practice’s current guide for rhinoplasty is about $10,000–$18,000, with complex or revision cases potentially higher. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered. When a documented breathing problem is treated, an insurer may consider part of the surgery; coverage depends on your policy and requirements.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
Approved copy
For your La Jolla rhinoplasty consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Bring a list of medications and supplements, any prior nasal surgery or injury records, and notes about breathing problems, allergies, or sinus issues. A few photos that show what bothers you can help, but the plan will be based on your anatomy.
Ask whether an open or closed approach is proposed, whether septal or airway work is part of the plan, and how long swelling is expected to take to settle. If you have had previous nasal surgery, ask how that affects the options.
A splint is commonly worn for about the first week. Bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes usually improve over the following weeks; many patients return to desk work in about one to two weeks, though timing varies. Subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take a year or longer to settle.
Keep your head elevated, avoid blowing your nose until cleared, and ask when you may wear glasses, exercise, and return to contact sports. Protect the nose from bumps while it heals.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation. Ask when each check is needed and how to reach the team with concerns outside office hours. The office hours above are not an emergency-care schedule.
The practice’s current guide for rhinoplasty is about $10,000–$18,000, with complex or revision cases potentially higher. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered. When a documented breathing problem is treated, an insurer may consider part of the surgery; coverage depends on your policy and requirements.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
FAQ
Rhinoplasty is surgery that reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to change its size, shape, or proportions. When a deviated septum contributes to blockage, septal work may be considered at the same time.
A closed approach uses incisions inside the nostrils. An open approach adds a small incision across the columella for more direct access. The choice depends on the planned changes.
The practice’s current guide is about $10,000–$18,000, with complex or revision cases potentially higher. The same guide applies at both offices; request a written quote for your plan.
Operating time varies with the complexity of the plan and whether septal or revision work is involved. It is usually an outpatient procedure.
A splint is commonly worn for about a week, and many patients return to desk work in one to two weeks. Subtle swelling can take a year or longer to settle completely.
If a deviated septum or other structural issue contributes to blockage, addressing it may help. Not every breathing problem is structural, so an examination is needed. Improvement is not guaranteed.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered. Treatment of a documented breathing problem may be considered by some insurers. Check your policy’s requirements.
Filler can camouflage certain contour irregularities without surgery. It cannot make the nose smaller or improve breathing, results are temporary, and injections in the nose carry risks, including rare vascular complications.
The goal is a nose that suits your face. Skin thickness, anatomy, and healing affect the result, and outcomes vary. Review photographs and discuss realistic expectations.
Rhinoplasty is generally considered once the nose has finished growing. Age is one factor; health and expectations matter too.
Glasses can press on the healing nose. Ask your surgeon when you may wear them and how to support them in the meantime.
Risks include bleeding, infection, breathing difficulty, numbness, septal perforation, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the appearance. Some patients need revision surgery.
Revision rhinoplasty corrects or refines the result of an earlier nose surgery. It can be more complex because of scar tissue and altered structure. Bring your prior surgery records.
Candidates are generally healthy, have a fully grown nose, and have realistic goals. An examination determines whether surgery can address your concern.
The office is in University City at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Monday hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Pacific Time. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. Call (858) 247-2933.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office as your consultation. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices. Get the operating facility's address before arranging transportation. If you are traveling, ask how long to stay nearby and when to return for follow-up.
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