Face

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) Houston

Nose reshaping or rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be both cosmetic and functional. Cosmetically, this surgery can make your nose more visually appealing and bring it into balance with the rest of your facial features. Functionally, rhinoplasty can be used to correct structural defects in the nose, such as a deviated septum, that may be causing you breathing problems, chronic stuffiness, post-nasal drip and even snoring.

Nose reshaping offers the following benefits:

  • Enhances the size, shape or contour of the nose
  • Removes unattractive features like a bump on the bridge of the nose
  • Brings your nose in proportion to your other facial features
  • Brings the tip of the nose up or down as needed
  • Gives the nose and nostrils symmetry and balance
  • Corrects structural problems that make breathing difficult

This surgery may be performed alone, but is often done in conjunction with other procedures, like a chin implant or chin advancement, cheek or jaw augmentation or eyelid surgery.

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Nose Reshaping Houston

Options in Rhinoplasty

There are two methods of rhinoplasty surgery:

  • Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision in the tissue between the nostrils.
  • Closed rhinoplasty keeps incisions inside the nose.

Whether your procedure will be open or closed depends on the details of your case. Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Rappaport will advise you on the surgical method he recommends for you and explain the procedure.

How is Nose Reshaping Performed?

Nose reshaping surgery typically takes one to two hours and is done on an outpatient basis. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is used, depending on your preference and Dr. Rappaport’s recommendation. Through small incisions made either internally or externally, Dr. Rappaport can remove excess tissue and cartilage, correct internal defects and create a new contour for the nose.

What is the Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

You will wake up with a splint, some small tubes and minimal packing in your nose and a drip pad for drainage. You can expect to be swollen, bruised and stuffed up during the first few days after surgery and your cheeks and jaw may be sore. We will prescribe oral medication to keep you comfortable during those first post-operative days.

Most Houston patients are able to return to normal activities almost right away, although exercise will be restricted until the nose has a chance to heal fully. You will be wearing splints for a week or so, and you will likely experience some degree of swelling for the first month. It typically takes the nose about 12-18 months before the full results of the procedure can be seen.

Dr. Rappaport Answers Questions about Rhinoplasty?

Is rhinoplasty ever performed for rejuvenation?
Yes. As people age, the tip of the nose often starts to droop. Nose reshaping can be done in conjunction with a facelift to raise the tip of the nose by putting in a piece of cartilage. This results in a more youthful appearance.

What will my face look like after nose reshaping?
Computer imaging technology has made this question easier to answer. During your personal consultation with Dr. Rappaport, we will take photos of your face and use computer imaging to simulate how you will look after nose reshaping surgery. In this manner you can visualize your options and make it easier to decide whether to go ahead with any additional procedures such as chin enhancement which may further improve your facial profile.

Is rhinoplasty considered cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery?
Nose reshaping can be cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery — or both. For example, you may have a rhinoplasty to reshape the tip of your nose, which is considered cosmetic surgery, as well as to correct a deviated septum, which is a reconstructive procedure.

When is rhinoplasty considered reconstructive surgery?
Nose reshaping is considered reconstructive plastic surgery for patients with:

  • A traumatic injury to the nose
  • A congenital abnormality
  • A functional or obstructive disorder of the nose, such as a deviated septum

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?
If rhinoplasty is performed to correct an abnormality, it is considered reconstructive surgery and may be covered by insurance. Our office can help answer your questions about whether the nose reshaping procedure you have in mind is reconstructive surgery and, if so, help you apply for insurance benefits.

How does insurance handle a rhinoplasty that is both reconstructive and cosmetic?
If some portions of your nasal reshaping procedure are reconstructive and others are strictly cosmetic, we will help you request insurance authorization for the reconstructive portion only. The costs for the cosmetic portion of the procedure, as well as any charges for reconstructive surgery not covered by your insurance and are your responsibility.

How has rhinoplasty changed over the years?
Rhinoplasty today is a much more conservative procedure than it was in the 1960s or 1970s. When I perform a nose reshaping, I strive for an appearance that’s going to stand the test of time—not just a ‘bobbed’ or ski-slope nose. I concentrate on structural integrity and a nose that will be in optimal balance with your facial features. The results of nose reshaping should be appropriate for a lifetime—you don’t want to someday have an 18-year-old’s nose on an 80-year-old’s face. It’s not a good look.

How old should a patient be before having rhinoplasty surgery?
It’s important for a patient to have reached physical maturity before having nasal reshaping surgery. Girls tend to mature more quickly than boys and may undergo rhinoplasty as early as age 15 or 16. Boys normally reach physical maturity by age 17 or 18. It’s also important that an individual has developed emotional maturity before undergoing nose reshaping surgery.

Are there special concerns for younger rhinoplasty patients?
Like all plastic surgery patients, teens undergoing nose reshaping surgery need to have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery can indeed improve your appearance—but it can’t be expected to make you more popular or solve other problems in your life.

Will you have to break my nose?
In nasal surgery today, the smallest possible instruments are used to cut and shape structures of the nose including the bone in a controlled manner.

My friend looked awful after her rhinoplasty surgery. Can you help me heal better?
Anytime there is trauma to the nose, you will experience bruising and swelling around the immediate area. To help you heal better, I will prescribe special pre- and post-surgery vitamins and supplements to reduce bruising and promote healing. It is also important to sleep upright for the first week and use cold compresses to reduce the swelling.

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that requires a skilled and experienced surgeon to ensure a successful procedure and a positive outcome. Dr. Rappaport has been performing nose reshaping on patients for many years and uses techniques that will provide natural, beautiful results. To learn more, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at 713-790-4500.

Houston Center For Plastic Surgery

6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc