Rhinoplasty

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 20 years of experience will benefit any patient considering a nose job in Houston.

Rhinoplasty for Deviated Septum

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.

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. While a rhinoplasty procedure can address both cosmetic and functional concerns, most patients seek to correct one of the following problems:

• Size
• Width
• Shape
• Bulbous or square-shaped tip
• Nostril size and shape
• Angle of the nose in relation to the face, including the profile and projection of the nose
• Humps and bumps
• Depressions or indentations

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.

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.

Open 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.

Closed Rhinoplasty

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.

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.

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.

Contact Us Today

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 canschedule a free consultation to find out more about this type of cosmetic surgery.