When your nose is imbalanced or asymmetrical, it can make your entire face seem unharmonious. Rhinoplasty, popularly known as a nose job, can help you correct these structural irregularities and achieve more proportionate facial features. Dr. Erickson offers a variety of surgical options, including open rhinoplasty in Houston, for more subtle cosmetic adjustments.
Rhinoplasty
Houston
The Erickson Difference
Dr. Erickson believes in taking a personalized approach to nose jobs. Instead of following a cookie-cutter approach, he curates personalized rhinoplasty surgical plans based on your unique goals and expectations, anatomical considerations, ethnicity and background, and other factors. The goal is to improve the shape, structure, size, and proportions of your nose to facilitate optimal facial harmony. He also supports you throughout the surgical process.
What is Rhinoplasty?
A Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting and reconstructing the nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed to improve the appearance of the nose, correct birth defects or injuries, or relieve breathing problems. The procedure involves making structural changes to the soft tissues, cartilage, and bone of the nose to change the shape, size, and overall proportions of the nose to promote better balance with other facial features.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the nose. It can involve changing the size, shape, or angle of the nose to improve overall facial harmony and contours. Some cosmetic rhinoplasty can be done in combination with other techniques and offer functional improvements by correcting breathing issues, but the primary goal is cosmetic enhancement.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is performed to improve breathing. It can involve correcting a deviated septum, removing a polyp, or correcting other structural obstructions that lead to breathing issues, sleep problems, and frequent sinus infections. In some cases, functional rhinoplasty can also improve the appearance of the nose.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is performed to change the shape of your nose in accordance with your ethnic facial features. The surgeon enhances the contours of your nose and restores optimal facial harmony without wiping away the markers of your ethnic identity and background.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty is performed through small incisions made inside the nostrils so no visible scarring is evident. Since the surgeon can only make adjustments to your nose through the nostrils, this technique is only suitable for mild cosmetic adjustments.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty in Houston is performed when more extensive corrections are needed. The surgeon makes an incision across the columella, the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to have a clear view of the inside of the nose, following which they can change the shape and structure of the nose.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is performed to correct a deviated septum — the wall of cartilage that divides the nostrils and supports the nose. A deviated septum occurs when this wall is crooked, and it can cause difficulty breathing. Septoplasty involves removing and straightening the septum to restore optimal breathing — this can be performed with other surgical techniques.
Goals of Rhinoplasty:
- Improving the shape of an overly large or disproportionate nose
- Correcting a nose that’s too wide or narrow
- Adjusting a bump on the bridge of the nose
- Correcting a drooping nasal tip
- Correcting a large or bulbous nose
- Correcting excessively flared nostrils
- Balancing the proportions of a crooked nose
- Correcting issues related to asymmetry
- Improving the functionality of the nose
- Correcting breathing problems and sinus problems
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
After your open rhinoplasty in Houston, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will be closely monitored by a nurse. You will most likely have a splint on your nose, which will stay in place for approximately one week to protect your nose as it heals. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your nasal splint and incisions. You must follow these instructions carefully to avoid infection and promote healing.
Most patients report feeling some pain and discomfort following surgery. This is normal and can be managed with medications. Many patients also experience some bruising and swelling around the eyes. This usually subsides within a week or two. By two weeks post-op, most patients feel well enough to return to work and other normal activities. However, you should still avoid strenuous activity and excessive bending or twisting.
The final results of your surgery will not be visible for several months. However, you will start to see a change in the shape of your nose within a few weeks.
Dr. Erickson’s Rhinoplasty Technique
Dr. Erickson performs highly personalized rhinoplasty, including open rhinoplasty in Houston, based on your unique needs, anatomical concerns, and goals. As mentioned previously, rhinoplasty can be performed using numerous techniques and for different reasons. The specific surgical techniques used for the procedure will depend on your goals. Dr. Erickson carefully evaluates your concerns, reviews your medical history, discusses your goals, and curates a personalized treatment plan, following which he describes what you can expect.
Your rhinoplasty surgery is performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia at our accredited surgical facility. During the rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Erickson makes small incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or along the base of the columella (open rhinoplasty). The closed technique doesn’t leave any visible scars, and the open technique leaves a small scar at the base of the nose, which is virtually undetectable.
After making incisions, Dr. Erickson reshapes the bones and cartilage tissues to change the shape, size, and general appearance of the nose. In some cases, the surgeon for your open rhinoplasty in Houston may have to harvest cartilage tissues from other parts of the body, such as the ears or ribs, to build up the nose and correct a pinched nasal tip. After making the necessary adjustments, the surgeon sutures the incisions closed and places a nasal splint and packing.
Rhinoplasty concludes within 1 to 3 hours, depending on your goals.
Open Rhinoplasty FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about the open rhinoplasty procedure:
Is open rhinoplasty better than closed?
Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are both effective techniques, but open rhinoplasty offers better visibility and access to the nasal structures. This makes it suitable for more complex cases, allowing the surgeon to achieve precise results with greater control.
Why do people get open rhinoplasty?
People choose open rhinoplasty for various reasons, including addressing functional issues like breathing difficulties and correcting aesthetic concerns such as a crooked or disproportionate nose. The open approach allows surgeons to make more extensive modifications, making it ideal for complex cases.
Are there any risks or complications associated with open rhinoplasty?
As with any surgical procedure, open rhinoplasty carries potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon and follow their post-operative instructions.
How long does it take to recover from open rhinoplasty?
Recovery time for open rhinoplasty varies from person to person, but most patients can expect the initial swelling and bruising to subside within two weeks. However, it can take several months for the final results to fully manifest and for the nose to completely heal.
Will there be visible scarring after open rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty involves making an incision across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils), which may result in a small, well-concealed scar. With proper care and healing, the scar typically fades over time and becomes less noticeable.
Can open rhinoplasty correct both functional and aesthetic issues?
Yes, open rhinoplasty can address both functional and aesthetic issues simultaneously. The technique allows surgeons to modify the underlying structures of the nose to improve breathing and correct functional abnormalities while also reshaping the nose to enhance its appearance and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
Is open rhinoplasty suitable for all patients?
Open rhinoplasty is a versatile technique that can be performed on a wide range of patients. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as individual anatomy, specific goals, and overall health should be considered. Dr. Erickson will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for an open rhinoplasty.
How much does open rhinoplasty typically cost?
The cost of open rhinoplasty varies depending on factors such as the type of anesthesia used, the specific details of the surgery, and more. Dr. Erickson will perform a thorough evaluation and curate a personalized treatment plan, following which you’ll receive an accurate quote.
Consult Dr. Erickson
Dr. Cameron Erickson is a highly-acclaimed facial plastic surgeon known for his subtle, natural-looking, and safe outcomes. He takes a patient-centered approach to rhinoplasty, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process. You will also receive his personal number and maintain a direct line of communication throughout your recovery process. Schedule an appointment for more information about your surgical options and ask about our specialized rhinoplasty options in Houston.
