Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
in Los Angeles
Experience expert cosmetic and functional nasal
surgery with Dr Amit Kochhar, Double Board-
Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Rhinoplasty — often called a nose job — is one of the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery. The nose sits at the center of the face, and even small changes can dramatically affect overall harmony and balance. Dr. Amit Kochhar performs rhinoplasty in Los Angeles with a philosophy rooted in precision and proportion. As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained in both head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery, Dr. Kochhar understands the nose not just as an aesthetic structure but as a functional one — how it breathes, how it ages, and how it interacts with every other feature of your face. Whether you are seeking to refine the tip, reduce a dorsal hump, straighten a crooked nose, improve breathing, or address prior surgery, Dr. Kochhar tailors every rhinoplasty to the individual patient.
What Can Rhinoplasty Correct?
Cosmetic Concerns
- Dorsal hump (bump on the bridge)
- Wide or bulbous nasal tip
- Drooping or upturned tip
- Crooked or asymmetric nose
- Wide nostrils or flared alar base
- Nose disproportionate to face
- Prior rhinoplasty revision
Functional Concerns
- Deviated septum affecting breathing
- Chronic nasal obstruction
- Post-traumatic nasal deformity
- Turbinate hypertrophy
- Combined cosmetic + functional correction (septorhinoplasty)
Why Patients Choose Dr. Kochhar for Rhinoplasty in Los Angeles
Rhinoplasty demands a surgeon with both artistic sensibility and deep anatomical knowledge. Dr. Kochhar’s dual board certification in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery gives him a rare combination: the structural understanding of a head and neck surgeon and the aesthetic precision of a facial plastic specialist. He has published peer-reviewed research on nasal anatomy and reconstruction, and has performed rhinoplasty across a broad patient population — from first-time cosmetic patients to complex revision cases. His practice in Santa Monica serves patients throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank and the greater Southern California area. Every rhinoplasty at Kochhar Facial Plastic Surgery begins with a thorough in-person consultation, during which Dr. Kochhar takes the time to understand your goals, evaluate your nasal anatomy, and discuss a realistic surgical plan.
Double Board-Certified
ABOTO & ABFPRS
Cosmetic & Functional
Primary & revision rhinoplasty
Santa Monica, CA
Serving all of Los Angeles
Your Rhinoplasty Journey: What to Expect
Step 1
Consultation
Dr. Kochhar meets with you to review your goals, examine your nasal anatomy, discuss surgical options, and set realistic expectations. Imaging may be used to visualize potential outcomes.
Step 2
Surgical Planning
A customized surgical plan is developed based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals — open or closed approach, cartilage grafting if needed, combined septoplasty if breathing is affected.
Step 3
Surgery
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2–3 hours. It is done on an outpatient basis.
Step 4
Recovery
Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. A splint is worn for the first week. Swelling gradually resolves over 3–12 months, with final results visible at the one-year mark.
Step 5
Follow-Up
Dr. Kochhar sees all patients for post-operative follow-up visits to monitor healing and address any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Facelift & Neck Lift
Good candidates are adults in good general health who have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. Nasal growth should be complete (typically by age 16–18). A consultation with Dr. Kochhar is the best way to determine candidacy based on your anatomy and goals.
Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), providing greater visibility and precision. Closed rhinoplasty uses internal incisions only, leaving no visible external scar. Dr. Kochhar selects the approach based on your specific anatomy and goals.
Most rhinoplasty procedures take 2–3 hours and are performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.
Most patients return to work within 1–2 weeks. A nasal splint is worn for approximately one week. Bruising and swelling typically subside within 2–3 weeks, though subtle swelling continues to resolve for up to 12 months.
Initial results are visible within a few weeks once major swelling resolves. Final results, especially tip refinement, are typically fully visible at the 12-month mark.
For open rhinoplasty, a very small scar is placed at the base of the columella. This typically heals to be barely perceptible. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no external scars.
Yes. When breathing problems are caused by a deviated septum or nasal obstruction, these can often be addressed simultaneously through a combined procedure called septorhinoplasty.
Revision rhinoplasty corrects unsatisfactory results from a prior nose surgery — either cosmetic or functional. It is generally more complex than primary rhinoplasty and requires a surgeon with advanced nasal reconstruction skills. Dr. Kochhar performs revision rhinoplasty and welcomes consultations from patients who have had prior surgery elsewhere.
Rhinoplasty cost varies based on the complexity of the procedure and whether functional correction is included. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is typically not covered by insurance. Functional septoplasty may be partially covered depending on your plan. Pricing is provided at your consultation.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance. However, functional procedures such as septoplasty for a deviated septum may be partially covered. Our team can help you understand your coverage at the time of your consultation.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation in Los Angeles
Dr. Kochhar meets personally with every rhinoplasty patient to discuss your goals and evaluate
your anatomy. Consultations are available at our Santa Monica practice, serving patients
throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, and surrounding communities.