Houston Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedures
What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery of the nose, commonly called a nose job. Rhinoplasty can help balance facial features to give your face more symmetry. It can also help fix breathing problems caused by a deviated septum or problem with other structures inside the nose.
Dr. Do is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Houston. He has performed hundreds of nose jobs in Houston and can help you achieve your desired look. If you’re like most patients, you probably already have an idea of what you want. Maybe you’re unhappy about a bump on the bridge of your nose or would like a narrower tip. Rhinoplasty can help:
- Improve a crooked appearance
- Remove a hump or bump
- Reduce a bulbous tip
- Change the size or shape of the nostrils
- Adjust a tip that hangs down too much
- Increase or decrease the overall size of the nose.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY?
If you are 18 or older, are in good physical and psychological health, would like to improve the appearance of your nose, and have realistic expectations, you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty.
If you are younger than 18 you must have parental consent.
Dr. Do will meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your goals and expectations.
Rhinoplasty can help correct:
- Breathing Difficulties
Deviated septum (uneven nostrils) and collapsed nostrils are common anatomical problems that can make it hard to breathe.
- Snoring
Snoring is mainly caused by deviated septum (uneven nostrils). It can be congenital, meaning you’re born with it, or caused by trauma, such as an injury to the face.
- Nose Shape
Rhinoplasty can help correct a nose bridge or nostrils that are too big or too small, narrow nostrils, and even a short philtrum (the vertical groove between the nose and upper lip).
- Nose Size
Rhinoplasty can help reduce or enlarge the overall size of the nose, correct a bulbous tip or a tip that hangs down too low, or change the size of the nostrils.
- Asymmetry
Symmetry means a person’s facial features are proportional. An overly large or small nose can create asymmetry. Rhinoplasty can help balance your facial features and call attention to your eyes and lips.
Types of Rhinoplasty
- Reduction Rhinoplasty
This procedure involves reducing the size of the nose. Dr. Do may correct the bridge, tip, and/or nostrils, depending on your goals. He will use 2D and 3D models for optimal results.
- Reconstructive Rhinoplasty
Accidents, congenital conditions, and cancer are some common reasons for nasal deformity and loss of nasal structure. Reconstructive rhinoplasty involves using grafts and other advanced technology to help reconstruct the nose. Reconstruction may involve more than one surgery and requires an extremely skilled surgeon, like Dr. Do.
- Augmentation Rhinoplasty
This procedure involves using bone or tissue grafts to build the tip and/or bridge of the nose. Dr. Do may use cartilage from the nasal septum to create a graft. He will also use 2D and 3D models for optimal results.
- Aging Rhinoplasty
Normal aging can cause the nasal tissues to droop and sag. Rhinoplasty can help restore a more youthful look.
- Post-traumatic Rhinoplasty
Since the nose projects outward, it is vulnerable to injury. Trauma can cause serious functional and aesthetic damage, including damage to the nasal septum. Post-traumatic rhinoplasty can help correct nasal structure after an injury or accident.
- Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Each of us has unique facial features based on our racial backgrounds, which are often complex. People of African descent tend to have noses that feature a low bridge, bulbous tip, and round nostrils, while Caucasians tend to have a narrower bridge and pronounced tip with more projection and definition. The decision to alter your nose to achieve a certain look is a very personal one. It’s important to choose an experienced surgeon who has a thorough understanding of ethnic anatomical variations, like Dr. Do.
- Adolescent Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is usually reserved for those who are done growing (typically, people 18 and older). However, exceptions may be made for teenagers who are having difficulty breathing or have suffered nasal trauma from an accident or disease.
Rhinoplasty
Procedure
Dr. Do uses two primary surgical techniques to perform nose job procedures:
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty involves hiding the small incisions inside the patient’s nose. It is used in cases where the tip of the nose does not need to be modified. Scars are virtually undetectable with a closed rhinoplasty, but it’s not the appropriate technique for every procedure.
Open Rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty involves making an incision between the nostrils to expose the tip of the nose. Open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon better access to the cartilage. It is used when the lower third and tip of the nose need to be restructured.
In some cases, Dr. Do may use advanced techniques, including making bone alterations and using the patient’s own blood as adhesive to seal the incisions.
The surgery is done under general anesthesia and starts with incisions on the inside of nostrils to lift a flap and gain access to underlying bone and cartilage. The required addition by grafts or reductions by removing tissues gives the desired result. The flap is then closed and sutured.
OUTCOME OF RHINOPLASTY
When done by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Do who understands ethnic variations in anatomy, rhinoplasty results are often outstanding. Rhinoplasty surgery can:
- Improve the size and shape of the nose
- Balance out facial symmetry
- Correct breathing difficulties caused by trauma or a congenital issue
- Improve self-esteem and quality of life
Dr. Do strives to achieve natural-looking results. A crooked nose, large hump or bump, or sagging tip can take attention away from your eyes, lips, cheeks, and other features. Rhinoplasty can help balance out the size and shape of your nose to let your other features shine.
The psychological impact of having a nose job can be huge—especially for those who have suffered teasing or bullying or who have trouble breathing because of a trauma-related injury or congenital issue. A nose job can help you look and feel your best. Greater self-confidence can make a huge difference in your quality of life. If you’re unhappy with the appearance or function of your nose, Aesthetic Surgery Institute is here to help.
Recovery from
Rhinoplasty
Dr. Do performs rhinoplasty procedures at an accredited surgery center with a highly trained medical team, including an experienced anesthesiologist. Nose job surgery usually lasts 2-3 hours.
After surgery you will be in recovery for about an hour. The surgery team may pack your nostrils with stabilizing materials, which will stay in place for 1-7 days. You may have a nasal splint, and it’s important to keep this in place as directed by your doctor (usually around 7 days). Stitches are typically removed within 5-7 days after surgery. Inner stitches dissolve on their own.
Most patients can return to work or school within 10 days. Most patients can exercise around 2 weeks after surgery, but you should not resume vigorous activities for 6-8 weeks.
WHEN WILL I
see the results?
Patience is a virtue after rhinoplasty surgery. It’s normal to have swelling and bruising after the procedure, but this can make it hard to see the changes right away. The nose is more prone to swelling than other areas of the body and swelling in the nose takes longer to go down. There’s not much that can be done about this—your body needs time to heal.
After around 6 weeks the swelling should go down enough to start seeing the results. It’s important to know you may not see the final results of your nose reshaping for 6 months to a year after surgery. But you’ll have a lifetime to enjoy your new look.
FAQs
Q:WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?
Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is a cosmetic procedure to change the shape, size, or profile of the nose. A skilled surgeon can remove an unsightly “bump” on the bridge of the nose, reduce the width of the nose, reshape a bulbous tip, and even change the shape of the nostrils.
Q:How long do rhinoplasty results last?
Unlike facelift procedures, which may require later revision because of natural aging, the results of rhinoplasty are permanent. If you’re satisfied with the result after the swelling subsides, you will not likely need a repeat nose surgery in the future.
Q:What are the risks of having nose job surgery?
As with all surgical procedures, rhinoplasty comes with some risks. These can include anesthesia risks (your doctor will explain these), infection, poor wound healing, change in skin sensation, nasal septal perforation (rare), skin discoloration, and trouble breathing. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon can help you reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Do is one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in Houston. He is double board-certified and has performed more than 10,000 surgeries. Your safety is his top priority.
Q:I HAD A BAD NOSE JOB. CAN DR. DO FIX IT?
Dr. Do is an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon. He has performed many nose job revisions and may be able to correct problems resulting from a prior surgery you had. Dr. Do will explain what can be done to correct a bad nose job during your free consultation.
Q:HOW MUCH IS A RHINOPLASTY IN HOUSTON?
The cost of nose job surgery depends on how extensive your procedure is. If you have breathing problems because of a deviated septum or another medical issue, your insurance company may pay for some of the surgery costs. But cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Aesthetic Surgery Institute is committed to offering affordable rhinoplasty in Houston. We offer financing to make rhinoplasty accessible to all patients.
Q:WILL RHINOPLASTY FIX MY BREATHING PROBLEMS?
Cosmetic surgery itself will not improve your breathing, but Dr. Do can treat nasal airway obstructions during your cosmetic procedure. During your free consultation Dr. Do will thoroughly examine your nose and determine whether you are a candidate for multiple procedures.
Q:IF I HAVE A DEVIATED SEPTUM, WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR MY NOSE JOB?
A deviated septum happens when the thin wall of cartilage and bone that divides the two sides of the nose moves to one side. This can reduce airflow through the nose and make breathing harder. It’s common to combine deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) with rhinoplasty. If you have breathing problems, your insurance plan may pay for the septoplasty portion of the surgery, but insurance does not cover strictly cosmetic procedures. However, we may be able to bill your insurance plan for the functional part of your surgery, which can help offset many of the costs you would normally pay out of pocket, such as the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and anesthesia.
Q:WILL DR. DO SHOW ME HOW MY NOSE WILL LOOK AFTER SURGERY?
Dr. Do uses digitally enhanced photo software to give you an idea of how he expects your nose to look after surgery. The images will be based on his opinion of what will look best and what he believes he can achieve with surgery, based on the structure of your nose. You’ll have the chance to give Dr. Do your input on how you’d like your nose to look during this consultation.
Q:WHAT KIND OF RESULT CAN I EXPECT FROM RHINOPLASTY?
Dr. Do strives to create a natural look for all his patients. The goal with rhinoplasty is to reshape the nose so that it fits your face and is symmetrical, drawing attention to your eyes, lips, and hair.
Q:IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A NOSE JOB WITHOUT SURGERY?
Facial fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can be used to reshape the nose without surgery, but Dr. Do does not usually recommend this option. Fillers can lead to skin problems, permanent scarring, and irregularities, and they will not correct a deviated septum or fix other airway issues. Dr. Do may recommend fillers if you are not a good candidate for surgical rhinoplasty in Houston because of medical conditions. Otherwise, surgical rhinoplasty is the preferred choice.
Q:CAN RHINOPLASTY FIX A CROOKED NOSE?
The nose is a complex structure made of bones, tissues, and cartilage. Fixing a crooked nose requires a good surgical plan, because cartilage has “memory” and wants to move back to its original position. Surgery usually involves making controlled fractures of the nasal bones, using grafts, and other advanced techniques. While it’s never possible to completely predict how the nose will heal, Dr. Do is an experienced surgeon and will do everything possible to ensure your nose stays straight after surgery.
Q:AT WHAT AGE CAN I HAVE RHINOPLASTY?
Adults of all ages can have rhinoplasty, unless they have a medical issue that makes surgery too risky or difficult. Teens and young adults can have rhinoplasty surgery once their nose has stopped growing and they are out of the pubescent growth phase. This usually happens between 15-17 years of age (and possibly later for boys).
Q:WILL RHINOPLASTY CHANGE MY SMILE?
Rhinoplasty shouldn’t change your smile significantly. But, if you’re unhappy with how your nose droops or your nostrils flare when you smile, rhinoplasty can address these issues. If your surgery involves nasal tip rotation (tipping the nose upward), your upper lip might be more prominent after surgery. Dr. Do will discuss with you in detail how your overall facial appearance might change after surgery, including your smile.
Q:WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE AFTER RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?
Recovery from rhinoplasty is uncomfortable, but it’s rarely painful. It’s normal to have some discomfort for 2-3 days after surgery. After your rhinoplasty in Houston, Dr. Do will prescribe pain medication, but most patients need it for only a short time, and some don’t need it at all. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are normal after surgery. Dr. Do may recommend cold gel masks and herbal treatments to keep swelling under control. Recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks. Dr. Do will see you during this time and may remove your cast and some stitches during your first visit. After around 10 days most of your bruising should be gone. Most swelling should go away within 1-3 months; however, it can take up to a year for swelling to completely subside. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see a difference—most patients see the results of their rhinoplasty within a few weeks to a few months.
Q:IS RHINOPLASTY PERMANENT?
Unlike some other cosmetic surgeries (facelift, breast augmentation, etc.), the results of rhinoplasty are permanent. Unless you are unhappy with your results once the swelling is completely gone, you should not need a repeat surgery.