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Houston Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that can be performed to alter the natural shape of the nose or correct the appearance that may have been altered from an injury or during prior surgery, creating a more harmonious union between the face and the nose while enhancing facial symmetry. The procedure is often performed to enhance the appearance of the nose.

Westlake Dermatology offer rhinoplasty procedures in Houston at our River Oaks and West University locations. Our skilled plastic surgeons and caring staff are dedicated to working with patients to safely and effectively improve the appearance and functioning of the nose.

What Results Can Rhinoplasty Provide?

Rhinoplasty procedures can enhance the overall appearance of the nose, correcting a variety of aesthetic issues including:

  • Size (overly large or small nose)
  • Visible humps or bumps
  • Depressions
  • Bulbous, drooping, or upturned nasal tips
  • Crookedness
  • Overly large or wide nostrils
  • Nasal asymmetry
  • Damaged or broken nose

Visit our Before & After Photo Gallery.

Am I A Good Candidate?

The ideal candidate for rhinoplasty is a healthy, non-smoker with no serious medical conditions. There is no age limit for rhinoplasty, although patients should be old enough such that their facial growth is complete, and young enough such that their skin still has elasticity.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Patients are able to return home directly after surgery. Depending on the technique utilized the procedure can be performed using either general or local anesthesia.

The procedure begins with the surgeon creating tiny incisions in an inconspicuous area such as within the nostrils or below the columella (the bit of skin that separates the nostrils). Soft tissues are then separated from the cartilage and bone of the nose allowing the surgeon to reshape the underlying scaffolding (or add volume if needed) in order to enhance the appearance. The procedure concludes with the surgeon closing the incisions with sutures or stitches.

Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty 

Open and closed rhinoplasty describe two different surgical approaches to a nose procedure. Which technique your surgeon chooses will depend on the current anatomy of your nose as well as the changes you’d like to make.

Closed rhinoplasty places one incision within each nostril. The benefit is that incisions are well hidden and patients generally recover more quickly from this less invasive procedure. Closed rhinoplasty is more complex to perform, however, as it does not give surgeons easy access to the structure of the nose. It does not allow for reshaping of the nose tip.

Open rhinoplasty places the incision underneath the columella between the nostrils. This allows easier access to underlying bone and cartilage for greater contouring and improved accuracy. Visible scarring is only a minor risk, and often outweighed by the benefit of greater access to the inner structure of the nose.

What Is Recovery Like?

Most rhinoplasty patients will experience a relatively short and simple recovery period. Patients may experience mild pain and discomfort directly following their surgery which can be managed using prescribed medication. Stitches or splints, if used, will be removed within 7-10 days following surgery. Most people will feel ready to return to work, school, normal daily activities, and mild exercise after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, patients can typically undertake moderate physical activity (as long as any potential contact with the nose is avoided) and most bruising and swelling is subsided. However, the results of rhinoplasty will continue to refine and improve until 1 year after the procedure, when the optimal result is achieved.

About Westlake Dermatology Houston

As a leading provider of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, Westlake Dermatology is dedicated to providing the best care to its patients. Our Houston team prides itself on focusing on the individual patient, making the entire process from initial consultation to follow-up assessments as easy and enjoyable as possible. We use the latest techniques in our state-of-the-art facilities to help patients safely achieve their desired end results.

Our Houston Locations

  • Houston

    West University

    2132 Bissonnet St. Suite 200
    Houston, Texas 77005

    281.203.0600

Meet Our Houston Plastic Surgeons

  • Cameron Erickson, MD: Dr. Erickson is a board certified plastic surgeon who believes in a patient focused approach with an emphasis on obtaining a true connection with his patients. He served as Chief Resident at UT Southwestern in Dallas, a leading plastic surgery training program in the country.  Dr. Erickson sees patients at our River Oaks location.

Are Rhinoplasty Results Permanent?

Depending on the technique performed, rhinoplasty procedures can alter any combination of the bone, cartilage or soft tissue of the nose. Although the procedure is considered permanent, soft tissues such as skin and fat can change over time, especially as we age.

So, although your rhinoplasty results will hold up well for 10 years or more and the structure of your nose will not change, no surgery can completely stop the aging process. Some people are genetically more inclined than others to experience a widening or drooping of the nose with age.

How To Maintain Rhinoplasty Results 

To ensure long lasting rhinoplasty results, closely follow your surgeon’s after care instructions. This will generally include the following tips:

  • Care for your incisions as instructed
  • Keep your head elevated
  • Avoid side-sleeping
  • Don’t wear glasses (or sunglasses) until directed
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Avoid smoking
  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by your doctor

Most importantly, avoid any and all activities that put you at risk for a direct hit, bump or trauma to your nose.

What Is Liquid Rhinoplasty (Non-Surgical)?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty reshapes the nose without surgery or the need for incisions. This procedure uses cosmetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers to provide more subtle alterations to the nose shape.

Liquid rhinoplasty is relatively painless, can be performed in minutes and requires no recovery time. Results last for approximately one year before touch ups are needed.

Liquid rhinoplasty can modify the nose’s profile and give the tip of the nose a more upward point. It cannot make large noses appear smaller, nor can it correct for nostril retraction or nasal obstruction.

What Is Revision Rhinoplasty? 

Revision rhinoplasty is done to correct the results of a previous nose job. This procedure is performed in cases where unexpected negative side-effects or complications occurred, or in cases when the patient feels they did not get the results they hoped for.  The procedure is more complicated than the first rhinoplasty for several reasons.

  • Scar tissue makes it difficult for surgeons to place incisions and manipulate the soft tissues of the nose and can alter the way the nose heals after the revision.
  • Nose strength is easily compromised, as cartilage may have been depleted during the original procedure. In some cases, surgeons may need to transfer cartilage to the nose from the rib or ear.
  • Unexpected complications can arise during the procedure, regardless of the planning done or the amount of information your doctor has about your first surgery.

Request A Rhinoplasty Consultation in Houston

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Additional Rhinoplasty Resources