Rhinoplasty

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The nose is the most prominent feature of the face, affecting its overall appearance.

Many factors determining Rhinoplasty surgery is the shape of the nose including size, width, length, tip-shape, and symmetry. With so many factors “shaping” it, the nose is one of the most common physical attributes transformed through surgery.

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, which means “nose molding,” refers to the procedure by which the structure of the nose is reformed. Using Rhinoplasty, Dr. Rivela can modify undesirable features of the nose and reshape them, creating a more desirable appearance. With his Woodlands office just 30 minutes north of downtown, Dr. Rivela sees patients from all over the Greater Houston area.

The two main categories in Rhinoplasty are reduction and augmentation. In reduction Rhinoplasty, after removing some cartilage and bone, the nasal bone is filed down and the nose cartilage is shifted and reshaped. Augmentation Rhinoplasty, as the name implies, requires adding tissue to the nose is often more complex, and requires more time to perform. In some cases, a combination of both reduction and augmentation is required to achieve the desired appearance.

A good candidate for Rhinoplasty is physically healthy, over the age of 13, does not smoke, and has realistic expectations about the outcome. By consulting with Dr. Rivela, you will enjoy one-on-one time and receive answers to all your questions.

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation with Dr. Rivela

During a personal consultation with Dr. Rivela, you will be thoroughly evaluated and assessed. Through discussion, he can discern what you would like to achieve through Rhinoplasty and explain how these goals can be best met. This is your chance to ask questions, make your desires known, and discuss what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. Surgical risks will be explored at this time and a release form signed. Dr. Rivela will also discuss with you any additional surgeries that may be needed to create facial balance.

Be prepared to discuss:

  • The desired outcome of your Rhinoplasty
  • Surgical options available
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Use of current medications being taken including prescriptions, OTCs, vitamins, herbal supplements, tobacco, and drugs
  • History of previous surgeries

Dr. Rivela will also:

  • Evaluate physical health and discuss any pre-existing health factor that could be considered an additional risk
  • Take photographs for medical records
  • Discuss options for best achieving desired results

The caring staff at Rivela Plastic Surgery in The Woodlands looks forward to hearing from you soon to answer questions about this, or any other, procedures. By providing support and information, our goal is to create the most stress-free environment possible each step of the way on your cosmetic enhancement journey.

Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

Dr. Rivela performs Rhinoplasty under general anesthesia. The surgery takes between 1-3 hours, depending upon which features are reconstructed, and can be done at either a hospital or surgical center. An overnight stay is usually not required.

About the Procedure

  • AnesthesiaGeneral
  • Location of operationHospital or surgery center in The Woodlands/North Houston area
  • Length of surgery1-3 hours
  • Length of stayOutpatient (home same day)

Rhinoplasty The Woodlands TX

Your Rhinoplasty Recovery

Discomfort after a Rhinoplasty: You may have moderate pain for 2-7 days requiring the use of pain medication. You may also have numbness at the tip of your nose lasting for several weeks. For keeping nasal passages moist, it is helpful to use either a humidifier or nasal passage spray. If the bone has been broken, you may have pain for 5-10 days.

Swelling and Bruising: All swelling and bruising should improve within 10-14 days. It is important to keep your head constantly elevated and frequently apply ice packs to help reduce swelling during the first three days. Black eyes may also develop temporarily during the healing process. Bruising will begin to disappear before the swelling does.

Bandages: Upon completion of Rhinoplasty, your nose will be taped. If it is necessary to break the bone, a small cast will be applied. After the cast or hard splint is removed, a soft splint will be in place for one week. Both will be removed in 5-10 days. Depending on the amount of bleeding involved, packing may be used. The packing has some discomfort while in place and will be removed in 1-7 days. Removal of the packing has minimal discomfort as well.

Stitches: Absorbable stitches on the inside of the nose will be removed in 4-7 days. If you have an open Rhinoplasty, there will also be stitches under the tip of the nose.

Make-up: Make-up may be applied after the removal of the tape and soft splint.

Work: If you are returning to work, you will be physically able to within a week. You will start feeling comfortable going out in public in 1-2 weeks.

Exercise: You may resume exercising in 3-4 weeks, but avoid contact sports for at least six weeks.

Final result: The amount of time it takes to see the final results of Rhinoplasty varies case by case. For some, it may take only three months. For others, it may take as long as two years. In most cases, final results are seen within six months.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

How do I prepare for a nose job?

At your consultation, Dr. Rivela will be asking questions about any medications you are currently taking and any pre-existing conditions you may have, while evaluating your over-all health. Full disclosure is extremely important for reducing the risk of complications. You may want to make a list of medications and any special questions and concerns you may have so you don’t forget anything.nnGood lifestyle choices are important in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of rest and follow all instructions given by Dr. Rivela to the letter as these are key elements to a speedy recovery. If you are a smoker, it is important that you quit prior to surgery. Smoking decreases the flow of oxygen in the blood resulting in increased healing time and risk of infection.

What types of nose jobs are there?

There are two different techniques Dr. Rivela uses in performing Rhinoplasty/Nose Surgery in The Woodlands TX/ Spring. The first, closed Rhinoplasty is performed by making tiny incisions on the inside of the nose. The second, open Rhinoplasty, involves an additional incision to the column of skin, the columellal, that separates the nostrils. Open Rhinoplasty is more invasive than closed and is often more painful during recovery, often requiring a longer recovery period.nThere are many procedures addressing various issues. A few of these procedures are:nTip, bridge and hump rhinoplastynRe-shaping of cartilage and nostrils using rhinoplastynCorrecting angles and twists using rhinoplastynnDr. Rivela will discuss which techniques are best-suited for optimal outcome of your surgery at the personal consultation.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Anyone over 18 years of age who is in good physical health, is a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations about the desired outcome. Plastic surgery is not a treatment or cure for mental health or self-esteem issues.

What factors should be considered when picking a rhinoplasty surgeon?

Always look for these traits in a plastic surgeon: medical training, experience, natural ability and accreditation. Dr. Rivela has trained under some of the country’s leading plastic surgeons and has membership in numerous medical societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgery. With many years of experience in the art of plastic surgery, he is accredited with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Combining his natural artistic abilities with his superior technical skills, Dr. Rivela has created an extremely satisfied patient-base. He was named “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online every year since 2010.

What happens during a rhinoplasty?

First, incisions are made for accessing the bone and cartilage support system. With most incisions being made inside the nose, in some cases there may be an additional external incision on the tip of the nose. Next, bone and cartilage will be removed, or added, in the required amount and reshaping will take place. And lastly, tissues are re-draped and incisions are closed. To help retain the shape while healing, a splint will be applied externally. Depending upon necessity, an absorbent packing may be used inside the nasal structure to provide stability.

What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?

At the consultation, Dr. Rivela will discuss the procedure with you in detail along with potential complications and associated risks. Upon assurance of understanding, you will be asked to sign a surgical authorization consent form.

What is rhinoplasty recovery like?

Depending on the procedure used, open or closed, recovery time varies. Also creating a difference is the specific type of procedure being performed. Therefore, the amount of time taken to see final results could be as little as three months or as much as two years with most seeing results within six months.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

The overall cost of a Rhinoplasty is affected by anesthesia fees, hospital fees, post-surgery garments, and medications. Price is also impacted by medical tests, surgeon’s fees, and the exact techniques employed.

Schedule a Consultation

As one of the most well-regarded plastic surgeons performing Rhinoplasty in The Woodlands, TX, Dr. Rivela is here to answer all your questions about Rhinoplasty. To confirm whether you are an ideal candidate for Rhinoplasty, contact us today to schedule your in-person consultation.

Rhinoplasty The Woodlands
Rhinoplasty The Woodlands
Many people have issues with the appearance of their nose, whether they feel the nose is too large for their face, the nose bridge is too wide or has bumps or indentations, or the nasal tip is too bulbous… Read More