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Rhinoplasty Nose Job Surgery Houston

Houston Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for nose-reshaping surgery. Another term for this procedure is a nose job. During nose-reshaping surgery, a plastic surgeon modifies the shape of the patient’s nose to enhance its appearance. If the patient has breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum, the plastic surgeon may address this issue by performing a septoplasty during the same surgical session. At Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, Dr. Shitel D. Patel help men and women breathe more freely, and attain the nose characteristics they desire.

What is a Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that plastic surgeons use to modify the appearance of an individual’s nose.

The Structure of the Nose

The upper portion of the nose consists of bone and the lower portion consists of cartilage. During a nose-reshaping procedure in Houston, Dr. Patel can make changes to the cartilage, bone or skin of the patient’s nose, or to all three.

How Common Are Rhinoplasty Procedures?

According to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, more than 350,000 nose-reshaping procedures were performed in the U.S. This places rhinoplasty as the number one plastic surgery procedure performed in the U.S. for 2020. Although nose-reshaping procedures are beneficial to both genders, in 2020, more women (287,434) than men (65,121) chose to have a nose job.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nose-Reshaping Surgery?

The characteristics that a patient would like Dr. Shitel Patel to address may be natural features present at birth (i.e., congenital), or undesirable characteristics resulting from some type of trauma or injury.

During a rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon reshapes the nose to make it aesthetically pleasing. In addition, when applicable, Dr. Patel addresses any problems with the nasal structure (e.g., a deviated septum) that are negatively affecting the patient’s ability to breathe with a septoplasty.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is the wall that divides the nasal passages. When the septum is off-center, it can negatively affect an individual’s ability to breathe. During a septoplasty, Dr. Shitel Patel corrects this deviation. Once recovery is complete, the patient should be able to breathe through both nasal passages, effortlessly.

Plastic Surgeons Address Aesthetic Issues and Structural Problems During the Same Surgical Session

Dr. Patel frequently performs nose-reshaping and septoplasty procedures during the same surgical session.

Issues that Dr. Shitel D. Patel can address with nose-reshaping surgery include:

  • Bumps on the nasal bridge.
  • A dorsal hump.
  • An indentation on the nasal bridge.
  • A wide nose.
  • An asymmetrical (i.e., uneven) nose.
  • Cosmetic irregularities resulting from an injury or trauma to the nose.
  • A thick, boxy or droopy nasal tip.
  • An undesirable nose shape, size or angle.
  • Nose characteristics that are not in proportion with the rest of the patient’s facial features.
  • An undesirable nose profile.

The decision to have nose-reshaping surgery is a highly personal one, with most patients choosing to have a rhinoplasty because they are unhappy with the way their nose looks. Furthermore, patients who are experiencing breathing difficulties due to irregularities associated with the nasal passages may choose to have a septoplasty as well.

With a septoplasty, Dr. Patel addresses:

  • A nose that appears to be off-center. A crooked septum is usually responsible for this cosmetic irregularity.
  • Breathing difficulties due to a bent or crooked septum.

What is the Difference Between a Rhinoplasty and a Septoplasty?

Although many people use these terms interchangeably, the septoplasty and nose-reshaping surgery are two very different procedures. Individuals typically have a rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons (e.g., to address bumps or indentations in the bridge of the nose). Whereas, a septoplasty is the term used for the procedure in which a plastic surgeon corrects a deviated septum.

At What Age Does an Individual Become Eligible for a Houston Rhinoplasty?

This is a very common question. Nose-reshaping surgery should only be performed after nasal development is complete, which typically occurs by age 15 or 16 for females and age 17 or 18 for males. Disregarding this requirement could lead to complications.

Is Rhinoplasty Surgery in Houston Painful?

As with the majority of surgical procedures, patients usually experience the most discomfort within the first day or two following surgery. Initially, the patient’s face looks puffy and he or she may have a headache. While still in the recovery area, patients should speak with their plastic surgeon or a member of the medical staff to either receive medication, or find out which pain medications are acceptable.

At Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, Patients Receive Personalized Treatment Plans

Dr. Patel knows that every patient is unique, which is why they create custom-tailored nose-reshaping surgical treatment plans for each of their patients. Dr. Shitel Patel customizes these surgical treatment plans to address a variety of issues, including any of the patient’s ethnic-specific goals.

While creating a surgical treatment plan, Dr. Patel must take the other features of the patient’s face into consideration. This is a vital aspect of treatment plan creation because balancing facial proportions and scale is crucial to ensuring the patient receives a harmonious result.

Preparing for Nose-Reshaping Surgery in Houston: The Initial Consultation

The first step in determining if an individual is a good candidate for nose-reshaping surgery is to schedule an initial consultation with one of the surgeons at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston. During this consultation, patients need to provide the surgeon with their medical history. This information must include herbal supplements, vitamins and medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that he or she is currently taking, chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) as well as all previous surgical procedures and nasal obstructions.

The surgeon wants to know what the patient would like to accomplish with a Houston nose-reshaping procedure.

A Physical Examination

The surgeon examines the patient’s facial features, including the inside and outside of the nose. This examination helps Dr. Shitel D. Patel determine how the patient’s physical features (e.g., skin thickness, cartilage strength at the tip of the nose) may affect his or her results. In addition, this physical examination helps the surgeon determine if there are any irregularities affecting the patient’s ability to breathe.

Photographs

Dr. Patel, or one of his medical assistants takes photographs of the patient’s nose from different angles. Patients usually find these photos useful while explaining what they would like to accomplish with nose-reshaping surgery.

The surgeon uses these photos while creating the patient’s rhinoplasty treatment plan, as well as during the surgical procedure. In addition, these photos serve as the perfect before-and-after comparison tools.

Find a Driver for the Day of Surgery

Since the patient receives anesthesia, he or she is unable to drive following the nose-reshaping procedure. Therefore, on the day of surgery the patient needs to bring a driver. If a patient arrives without a driver, his or her nose-reshaping procedure will be rescheduled.

Lift Plastic Surgery’s For-Hire Transportation Policy

To ensure the safety of their patients, Dr. Patel have a transportation policy prohibiting the use of for-hire transportation services following any procedure that requires anesthesia.

After Surgery, Patients Need a Caregiver for At Least 24 Hours

For the sake of convenience, many patients ask their driver to remain with them as a caregiver for at least 24 hours after their surgery. Whomever the patient chooses should be someone that he or she feels completely comfortable with and trusts implicitly.

Ideally, Dr. Patel like their patients to have someone remain with them for 48 to 72 hours following their rhinoplasty procedure.

Possible Side Effects Following General Anesthesia

For several days following general anesthesia use, the patient may experience a slow reaction time, lapses in memory and impaired judgement. These are the reasons that Dr. Patel  like their patients to have a friend or family member remain with them for several days after their nose-reshaping surgery.

Preparing for a Houston Rhinoplasty

Avoid These Medications, Vitamins and Herbs

Some medications, vitamins and herbs can increase the likelihood of excessive bleeding. Therefore, patients need to avoid these products for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.

Patients who take prescription medications should not stop taking these medications without first speaking to the prescribing physician or their plastic surgeon.

Products to avoid include:

  • Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Motrin® IB, Advil®).
  • Blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin®).
  • Vitamin E.
  • Herbal supplements (e.g., Ginger, St. John’s Wort).

If a patient needs to take medication for pain within the two-week timeframe before or after surgery, the patient can safely take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®).

Stop Using Products That Contain Nicotine

Patients who use products that contain nicotine (e.g., traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum and any of the other cessation products) must stop using them for at least four weeks before and four weeks after their rhinoplasty.

How Nicotine Affects the Healing Process

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it causes the blood vessel walls to contract. Once these vessel walls contract, the blood can no longer move through the circulatory system efficiently, which interrupts the body’s natural healing process. This inability for the wound to heal in a timely manner can lead to open wounds, infection and necrosis (i.e., skin tissue death).

Do Not Drink Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol tends to increase inflammation, which is why Dr. Patel recommend that patients avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours before and 48 hours after their nose-reshaping surgery.

A Rhinoplasty in Houston

A nose-reshaping procedure in Houston usually takes from three to four hours to complete.

Anesthesia Options

Patients may receive general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia.

General vs twilight anesthesia:

  • With general anesthesia, medication helps the patient fall into a deep sleep.
  • Twilight anesthesia includes the use of local anesthesia with IV sedation. This type of anesthesia places the patient into a lighter sleep. Plastic surgeons use twilight anesthesia while performing relatively simple nose-reshaping procedures.

The plastic surgeon determines which type of anesthesia will serve a patient best, and then discusses the reasons for this belief with the patient.
Since each nose-reshaping procedure is custom-tailored to meet the needs of a specific patient, procedure steps vary. Nonetheless, here is a general overview of a rhinoplasty with Dr. Shitel Patel in Houston.

There Are Two Nose-Reshaping Surgery Techniques That Dr. Patel Uses

While performing nose-reshaping surgery, plastic surgeons can use an open- or a closed- surgical technique.

An open- vs a closed- surgical technique for aesthetic improvement of the nose:

  • An open rhinoplasty involves the creation of a small incision on the columella, which is the tissue at the base of the nose, between the nostrils. Although this incision is external, it is very small and, with time, the visibility of the resulting scar diminishes. The plastic surgeon also creates an incision inside each nostril. Through these incisions, the surgeon readjusts the cartilage and bone.
  • A closed rhinoplasty involves performing the nose-reshaping procedure without external incisions and, instead, through a small incision created within each nostril.

How Plastic Surgeons Change the Shape of a Patient’s Cartilage and Nasal Bones

The technique Dr. Shitel Patel uses depends on how much material needs to be added or removed from the structure of the nose.

When just a small amount of material needs to be added to the nose, the surgeon may harvest cartilage from the ear or from deep inside the patient’s nose.

If larger changes are necessary, Dr. Patel can use nasal implants or harvest bone from other parts of the patient’s body (e.g., from the rib).

After making the aesthetic changes the patient desires, the surgeon moves the skin and tissue back in place, before closing the incisions.

During this surgical session, Dr. Shitel D. Patel can also perform a septoplasty. With a septoplasty, the surgeon corrects a crooked or bent septum, which improves the patient’s ability to breathe.

Depending on the reason for the patient’s surgery, he or she may receive an internal splint as well as an external splint. In addition, the surgeon may place packing within the nasal passages.

Most patients remove their nasal packing within a day or two. However, the patient continues to wear the internal splint for about a week and the external splint for approximately a month.

After surgery, patients move to the recovery area. While in recovery, medical staff monitor the patient until he or she fully awakens.

Upon fully awakening, the patient receives information related to caring for his or her nose, when to return for a follow-up visit and restrictions that the patient must follow during the recovery process. To ensure the best rhinoplasty results and an uneventful recovery, it is imperative that patients follow the restrictions that their plastic surgeon provides.

Post-Surgical Side Effects

Patients should expect to have bruising and inflammation around their eyes following their nose-reshaping surgery. Typically, these issues peak about three days after surgery.

Other short-term side effects patients may experience include:

  • A slight headache.
  • A numb sensation on the face.
  • Nose pain.

The recovery process following nose-reshaping surgery is gradual. Patients typically return to work about a week after their Houston rhinoplasty. Once a couple of weeks have passed, patients can usually return to their normal activities. Nonetheless, for about six more weeks patients must refrain from participating in sports and activities that could result in a nose injury (e.g., basketball, tennis, football).

What Patients Who Wear Eyeglasses/Sunglasses Need to Know

Patients who wear eyeglasses/sunglasses need to refrain from placing them directly on the bridge of their nose for at least four weeks. If a patient places the glasses on his or her nose bridge too soon, this could negatively affect the patient’s rhinoplasty result.

Tips for wearing eyeglasses/sunglasses after nose-reshaping surgery:

  • There are eyeglass suspension products available that are specifically designed to allow a patient to wear his or her eyeglasses/sunglasses after nose-reshaping surgery. Prices vary greatly; therefore, patients should research these products online to find an affordable option.
  • Patients can also tape the glasses to their forehead. Patients who choose this option need to make sure that they tape their eyeglasses/sunglasses securely.

If a patient wears contact lenses, he or she can usually put them in shortly after surgery.

Recovering from a Houston Rhinoplasty — What Patients Can Expect

Patients must stay in bed, keeping their head elevated for 24 hours following their nose-reshaping procedure. Keeping the head elevated above the chest reduces bleeding and decreases inflammation.

About 48 hours after surgery, patients usually feel well enough to get out of bed.

Patients should expect to experience inflammation, a stuffed-up nose, light bleeding and bruising.

Congestion is a normal side effect of nose-reshaping surgery. This congestion usually occurs due to inflammation and the internal splints.

For a few days following surgery, or after dressing removal, patients should expect slight bleeding. In addition, the drainage of old blood and mucus is common during this time.

Most patients receive a drip pad. A drip pad consists of a small piece of gauze that is held in place beneath the nose with tape. This drip pad absorbs fluids as they exit the nasal passages. Patients need to routinely change out this gauze. Dr. Patel provides the patient with specific directions for removing and replacing this drip pad.

To reduce inflammation and bleeding, Dr. Patel may ask their patients to:

  • Take baths, not showers. This restriction usually remains in place until the surgeon removes the bandages on the nose.
  • Avoid participating in strenuous activities (e.g., jogging, aerobics, sports).
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber (e.g., fruits and vegetables). Constipation is a common side effect of pain medication, eating high-fiber foods helps prevent its onset. Preventing constipation is vital because it can lead to unnecessary straining, which places pressure on the surgical area.
  • Avoid blowing their nose.
  • Limit upper lip movement, especially while brushing their teeth. Patients using an electric toothbrush may want to switch to a manual one as they recover from their nose-reshaping surgery.
  • Avoid extreme expressions, including laughing and smiling.
  • Wear clothing that fastens in the front. This keeps the patient from pulling sweaters and shirts over the head.
  • Protect their nose from UVA and UVB rays. While outside, patients must protect their nose with a sunscreen that has an SPF value of at least 30. Patients who neglect to protect their nose while in the sun could experience hyperpigmentation (i.e., permanent discoloration of the skin).
  • Reduce sodium intake to decrease swelling.

For several weeks, patients may experience some temporary inflammation or eyelid discoloration. Residual inflammation can take up to a year to resolve; however, this inflammation is subtle and should not affect other areas of the patient’s life.

Results

With nose-reshaping surgery and a septoplasty, Dr. Patel makes permanent adjustments to the nose bone, cartilage and skin envelope.

Until the initial inflammation and discoloration following surgery subsides, most patients find it difficult to visualize how their new nose will look. Although residual swelling can last up to a year, most of the inflammation dissipates within a month or two.

To ensure the patient’s nose is healing as expected, he or she needs to schedule regular follow-up visits at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston. If a patient experiences any kind of discomfort after surgery, even if it is six months post-op, he or she should schedule a consult with the surgeon who performed their surgery as soon as possible.

Potential Complications Associated with a Houston Rhinoplasty

Complications are always possible; nonetheless, patients can reduce their likelihood of experiencing a complication by choosing a specialist to perform their nose-reshaping procedure.

Complications that are possible with any surgical procedure include:

  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • An adverse reaction to the medications or anesthesia used during surgery.

Possible complications specific to a nose-reshaping procedure include:

  • A nose that looks asymmetrical.
  • Permanent numbness around the nose.
  • Persistent pain, inflammation or discoloration.
  • Problems associated with breathing through the nose.
  • Visible scarring.
  • The need for additional surgical procedures.
  • Septal perforation (i.e., a hole in the septum).

During the initial consultation, Dr. Patel discusses these potential complications with the patient.

How Much Does Nose-Reshaping Surgery in Houston Cost?

How much an individual’s rhinoplasty costs depends on the specific needs of the patient. Surgeries that are complex cost more than relatively simple surgeries. To find out how much nose surgery will cost, schedule an appointment with one of the plastic surgeons at Lift Plastic Surgery.

Questions? Book a Consultation Now.

Contact Houston / Webster, Texas Plastic Surgeon Shitel D. Patel, MD at Lift Plastic Surgery.

For more information on cosmetic procedures and treatments provided please schedule a consultation.

Serving patients in Houston Texas, Webster, League City, Pearland, Galveston, Kemah, Seabrook and all other surrounding Greater Houston, Texas communities and more.

 

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