Looking in the mirror and becoming more pleased with what you see can be life-changing. Dr. Susan Tan of Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is double board-certified and is highly regarded for providing the finest rhinoplasty Honolulu has to offer. Her caring, patient-centered approach assures complete comfort throughout the process.
There are cosmetic and medical reasons for rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty in Honolulu can make a crooked nose appear straighter, reduce size or prominence, and remove bumps and humps. When expanded to functional rhinoplasty, the procedure has health benefits — helping you breathe properly.
Hawaii’s patient population includes a high proportion of patients of Asian, Pacific Islander, Filipino, and mixed heritage — patients whose nasal anatomy and aesthetic goals require a different surgical approach. Dr. Tan designs every rhinoplasty around the patient’s own heritage, facial structure, and desired outcome.
A nose that appears too large or too prominent in proportion to the face can be refined — reducing overall size while maintaining natural harmony with your other features.
A bulbous, drooping, or asymmetric nasal tip can be refined — one of the most technically demanding aspects of rhinoplasty, requiring precise cartilage work and aesthetic judgment.
A bump or hump on the nasal bridge is one of the most common rhinoplasty concerns. Smoothing the dorsal profile is among the most impactful changes for facial harmony.
Nasal asymmetry from prior trauma or previous surgery can be corrected — improving both the aesthetic appearance and, when structural deformity is present, nasal breathing.
The decision about whether you’ll benefit most from open or closed rhinoplasty depends on your nasal structure and aesthetic goals. Dr. Tan’s experience and training inform the advice you’ll receive — she works with each patient uniquely.
Closed rhinoplasty is the best option for patients requiring less complex changes. All incisions are made from inside the nostrils — no external scarring. It works well for finite changes when less restructuring is needed, with faster recovery and less swelling.
Open rhinoplasty allows for more significant structural alterations — including a small incision on the columella (the strip between the nostrils) that provides full visibility of the nasal structure. Incisions are precise and carefully placed in the skin’s natural folds to conceal them.
Septoplasty corrects a crooked or deviated septum and improves breathing. It can be done alone or combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty for patients with both functional and aesthetic concerns — and may qualify for partial insurance coverage when functional impairment is documented.
Dr. Tan has extensive experience with rhinoplasty across Hawaii’s full range of patient backgrounds — Asian, Japanese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, and mixed-heritage. She designs results that improve balance and proportion without erasing the patient’s natural facial identity.
Cosmetic nose surgery is an option for anyone who would like to improve the size or shape of their nose. There is no optimal age — people in their teens (with fully grown noses), through their 20s and 30s, and even into middle age and beyond are candidates.
When you make an initial visit for a consultation with Dr. Tan, she will explain your options, review aesthetic and medical considerations, and discuss the rhinoplasty approach best suited to your specific anatomy and goals.
Does Rhinoplasty Change Your Face?
Rhinoplasty improves facial appearance by helping achieve harmony and balance. Because the nose influences people’s perception of all facial attributes, nose surgery can have a significantly favorable impact. A reshaped nose helps bring out natural beauty and boosts self-confidence. If your nose is large or irregularly shaped, it can draw attention away from your other attractive characteristics — such as your eyes or smile.
What Can I Expect During a Rhinoplasty Consultation?
Dr. Tan follows a careful, thorough, patient-focused approach. When you contact the office, we gather as much information as possible to understand your needs and goals — even before the initial consultation. When you first meet Dr. Tan, she will listen and ask questions to understand what you’d like to change. The next step is a thorough medical examination of your nose — covering nasal structures, any history of trauma, and whether breathing issues need correction. The detailed examination covers visual aspects — whether you are bothered by the front view, side profile, or both. You’ll also receive information about recovery times and post-operative care.
What Happens on the Day of My Rhinoplasty?
On the day of your rhinoplasty, both you and Dr. Tan will arrive early for a pre-surgery consultation. She will go over your surgical plan and answer any last-minute questions. Dr. Tan believes firmly in thorough patient education — her goal is to help you understand all phases of the process and ease any anxiety. During the procedure, she works meticulously, paying close attention to every medical and aesthetic detail.
How is Dr. Tan’s Approach to Rhinoplasty Unique?
Approaching each patient individually is a cornerstone of Dr. Tan’s practice. She has trained with some of the best surgeons in the field and incorporated their techniques — including taking an objective scientific view of your needs, following a problem-solving approach, and creating custom-tailored surgical plans. Her process includes carefully measuring facial proportions and conducting a detailed analysis of your nose from the front, side profile, and base. The goal is to match what you see and ensure surgery accomplishes your desired changes.
What is the Rhinoplasty Recovery Process Like?
Everyone’s recovery is unique, but it may be easier than expected. For the first few days, keep your head elevated at all times — including while sleeping — and apply cold compresses to your cheeks. The small nasal splint is removed at your one-week appointment. Most patients return to work at 7–10 days. Most see significant reduction in bruising around day 10 and are ready to go out in public. After 6 weeks, swelling will have reduced considerably. Complete and final results can take up to one year as subtle changes occur when final swelling fades.
Can a Nonsurgical Nose Job Help Me?
The introduction of cosmetic fillers has made nonsurgical nose jobs an option. They cannot reduce the size of your nose, but they can improve its shape — smoothing the nasal bridge, reshaping the tip, or softening sharp angles. Because the fillers are not permanent, results are temporary and need to be repeated periodically. This is different from surgical rhinoplasty, which is permanent.
Schedule a consultation with the best facial plastic surgeon for nose surgery Oahu has to offer. Every plan begins with an honest conversation — not a treatment menu.