Rhinoplasty in Houston, TX
Given the central location of the nose, it plays a key role in achieving a balanced, attractive face. The eyes, mouth, cheekbones, and face shape all play a supporting role to the most defining feature of a person’s face. The shape, size, width, curvature, and contour of the nose determine how the other features of the face are viewed as a congruent whole.
Thus it is no surprise that surgery to change the features of the nose, called rhinoplasty surgery, is the third most popular plastic surgery procedure and the most common facial plastic surgery procedure.
For those hoping to alter the way their nose looks with the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Texas, Dr. Lapuerta is a rhinoplasty procedure specialist who can help. Our friendly team is available to answer any and all questions you may have about this procedure as well, such as “how much is a nose job?” and “what will recovery be like?” Schedule your consultation today to learn how rhinoplasty can help you achieve your most harmonious, confident look.
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“I had the best experience with Dr. Lapuerta and his staff from beginning to end. I've dreamed of a rhinoplasty my entire life and finding this location and doctor gave me the courage to go forward. Everyone was attentive and understanding of my fears and appointment requirements(late appointments with 2 kids in tow). I booked my surgery the same day as my consultation. I immediately felt comfortable. Surgery went beautifully, no unexpecteds and I was in and out exactly on time. I had 7 days with cast then a post op where all was removed and I could more or less go back to normal while I continued healing. My nose gets prettier by the day. This was the best decision I've ever made ! (I recommend having some help for up to 3 days if you should have children with you at home) Good luck!”
Review from A.R. | Source: Google | Jun 03, 2022 Plastic Surgery Patient
A rhinoplasty, more commonly referred to as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure offered by Dr. Lapuerta that helps Houston, Pearland, and Katy patients have a more desirable nose that is proportional with the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty is done for a number of reasons, including altering how the nose bridge looks, reshaping the nose tip, and enlarging or reducing the nose size.
A nose job is sometimes performed to correct nasal breathing and to shorten or widen the base of the nose. It is important for patients to find an experienced surgeon when considering rhinoplasty, and Dr. Lapuerta’s 30 years of experience will benefit any patient considering a nose job in Houston.
Rhinoplasty is most recognized as a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the nose and its proportion to the face. However, it can also be a useful procedure to address a deviated septum. This version of a nose job is referred to as septoplasty.
A deviated septum occurs when one of the nasal passages is narrower than the other, which can happen due to a birth defect or from an injury. Many people experience no symptoms from a deviated septum and don’t require surgery to fix it. However, others may find it difficult to breathe through their nose or snore when sleeping. Other symptoms can include experiencing pain on one side of the face, suffering from frequent nosebleeds, and allergy symptoms.
While it’s possible to just fix the breathing issue with septoplasty, it’s often beneficial to have a plastic surgeon perform the procedure in tandem with a rhinoplasty to correct any visual issues at the same time. A plastic surgeon will also be able to ensure that the appearance of the nose is symmetrical and balanced. You can feel confident about working with a deviated septum doctor in Houston under the expert care of Dr. Lapuerta.
Rhinoplasty is a broad term that is used to cover a wide range of surgical techniques that are used to address different aesthetic nasal issues. Since rhinoplasty can be applied to multiple procedures, there are various surgical considerations to consider prior to having this surgery. Two of the most common surgical techniques for a nose job are open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.
Many surgeons prefer the open rhinoplasty approach during nose surgery because they can gain a better view and access to the inside of the nose. Many times the open approach is required to access the structures necessary to achieve the desired corrections. The incision using this approach is made either on the skin between the nostrils or under the nose near the nostrils. Once the incision is made, the skin is moved back to allow access to the internal structures. The incision lines, which will heal nicely and leave scars that are barely visible, are fairly small and usually measure between two and three mm.
The closed rhinoplasty technique is used on noses that have features that are more easily corrected. It is commonly used when the tip of the nose has an aesthetically pleasing shape and is not too long, too wide, or over- or under-projected. The incision made during this approach leaves no visible scar after surgery because it is made on the inside of the nose.
About half of rhinoplasty patients may benefit from a manual nasal fracture during surgery. This planned break of the nose allows access to perform certain functions during surgery such as narrowing the width of the nose or correcting an asymmetrical nose. This is a common practice and heals within just a few weeks following surgery.
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, such as Dr. Lapuerta’s on-site operating room and surgical facility in Houston, TX. Rhinoplasty in Houston typically takes around two to three hours to complete and is considered an outpatient procedure.
It is essential to make sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as a nose job plastic surgeon. Dr. Lapuerta is an expert rhinoplasty specialist in Houston TX, with over two decades of experience, including nose jobs, to correct the full spectrum of cosmetic concerns with the nose.
Individuals unhappy with the shape or size of their nose or portions of the nose make for good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery. A nose job may also be a great option for individuals who have trouble breathing out of their nose, including those with a deviated septum.
Candidates for a nose job in Houston should be in good overall health, have specific concerns that can be addressed with a nose job and understand the benefits and limits of a rhinoplasty.
Patients considering rhinoplasty should be mature both physically and mentally. The nose continues to grow from birth through adolescence and most will be mature between the age of 15-17. The age of 17-18 is an ideal time for those considering rhinoplasty for a few reasons.
The nose is physically mature and patients are generally mentally and emotionally mature enough to make this choice appropriately. Additionally, it is a time associated with significant changes in most people’s lives as they graduate high school and begin educational pursuits or enter the workforce.
Choosing to have a rhinoplasty procedure at this stage of life, allows patients to be known and remembered by the appearance they feel confident sharing with the world without drawing undue attention to the changes they have made. Regardless of when a patient decides to have a rhinoplasty, it will allow the world to appreciate the harmony of one’s facial features without focusing on the nose itself.
Patients considering rhinoplasty in Houston by plastic surgeons should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery. During a consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will review the concerns regarding the nose and determine whether a rhinoplasty can achieve those goals. A clear understanding of the patient’s goals and what can and cannot be achieved with rhinoplasty is an important part of developing an individualized surgical plan that will achieve the desired outcome.
Dr. Lapuerta uses photo imaging of the patient’s face and nose to discuss and describe what can be done. Patients are able to visualize a general idea of how their rhinoplasty surgery will alter the shape of their nose and impact their overall appearance. An informed discussion that allows for patients’ questions to be fully addressed is essential to optimizing the outcome of rhinoplasty surgery.
While a rhinoplasty procedure can address both cosmetic and functional concerns, most patients seek to correct one of the following problems:
Rhinoplasty can also address functional concerns like a deviated nasal septum, narrow nasal airway, or internal nasal valve collapse, helping relieve chronic nasal obstruction or congestion.
Patients can expect to have moderate discomfort to mild pain after rhinoplasty surgery. During rhinoplasty recovery, patients will wear a nose splint and will experience bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Expect bruising and swelling to begin to subside after a few days. Once the bandages and splint are removed, the nose will look normal, but patients may experience some tenderness around the nose, and will still have swelling.
Any discomfort or pain can be appropriately managed with medication. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least the first four weeks of rhinoplasty recovery to allow for sufficient healing. While most people are comfortable with the appearance of their nose and can return to work after three to five days, it can take up to a full year for all swelling to subside and for the nose to gain its new contour and softness.
Patients who undergo rhinoplasty often notice significant improvements in both their appearance and breathing. The nose looks more harmonious with the rest of the face, and any previous structural issues, such as nasal obstruction, are resolved.
Once healed, results are long-lasting and do not require further surgery, provided no additional trauma occurs. With Dr. Lapuerta’s expert technique, you can expect natural, refined results that enhance your confidence and quality of life.
To learn more about rhinoplasty in Houston and how much it may cost, you can discuss your goals with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lapuerta has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures for his patients. He has more than two decades of experience and will answer all your questions and provide you with information on the cost for your procedure. You can schedule a free consultation to find out more about this type of cosmetic surgery.
Recovery time
Average Procedure time
Post-op Follow-up
Procedure Recovery Location
1-2 Weeks
2-3 Hours
1 Week
Outpatient
Rhinoplasty is a tailored surgery, thus the cost of a nose job in Houston will vary depending on the aesthetic goals of the patient, as well as any functional corrections that need to be made. Some procedures will involve soft tissue only, while others will involve bone and possible skin grafting and cartilage reconstruction.
On average, patients can expect rhinoplasty to cost $5,483, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, this price doesn’t include anesthesia, the cost of operating rooms, and other related expenses.
You can find out the cost for your procedure by asking a respected plastic surgeon to discuss female or male rhinoplasty costs with you. Just ask them how much is a nose job to get information about your procedure.
Dr. Lapuerta often uses a closed technique, leaving no external scars. For open procedures, the small incision at the base of the nose typically heals with minimal visibility.
Yes, if you’re addressing issues like a deviated nasal septum or nasal obstruction, functional rhinoplasty can improve airflow for easier breathing.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on aesthetic enhancements, while functional nasal surgery corrects breathing issues. Dr. Lapuerta can often address both in a single procedure.
Yes, nasal surgery can repair trauma-related damage to the nasal bones and cartilage.
While initial improvements are visible once swelling subsides, final results may take up to 12 months to fully develop.
Yes. Many patients combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation or other cosmetic surgery to enhance facial harmony.
Dr. Lapuerta will provide pre-surgery instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications and stopping smoking.