Rhinoplasty
- Rhinoplasty is a nose recontouring procedure designed to improve aesthetic facial balance and correct obstructions interfering with airflow.
- The procedure can create a more proportionate appearance in relation to your surrounding features by refining the nasal bridge, tip, nostrils, or septum.
- Healthy adults with realistic expectations for the final outcome are usually good surgical candidates, as well as older teenagers who have reached full nasal development.
- The recovery period usually lasts one to two weeks, with exercise prohibited until Dr. Wittpenn instructs otherwise.
For me, one of the most rewarding surgeries to perform is rhinoplasty. The nose is the most personal feature on the face…and each nose is distinctly different from any other nose – even for those in the same family…Sometimes it requires a subtle revision – just the tip of the nose, say – and sometimes more resculpting and reshaping is required to get the optimal outcome. It’s challenging, exciting surgery to perform – and gratifying. A good rhinoplasty makes the whole face look better. .
Since the nose is the central point of the face, it often draws unwanted focus and attention for men and women who feel it looks too dominant or disproportionate. Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can adjust the shape, angle, and proportions of the nose so it appears more harmoniously with your surrounding features. Functional breathing problems can also be addressed with nose surgery.
What Concerns Can Rhinoplasty Improve?
Rhinoplasty can help patients in Nacogdoches and beyond improve a wide range of aesthetic and functional concerns, often addressing multiple issues at the same time. In general, the rhinoplasty procedure can:
- Smooth and refine the nasal bridge for a straighter profile
- Correct a nose that appears too large or too small in proportion to the face
- Adjust and reposition the nasal tip to enhance definition and balance
- Narrow wide nostrils, reduce nasal flare, or refine the overall nasal width to create a more harmonious look
- Repair structural issues that interfere with breathing, such as a deviated septum
When rhinoplasty is performed to correct functional concerns, the aesthetic enhancements may be combined with a septoplasty to improve airflow. Structural support can also be reinforced if prior injury, trauma, or previous surgery has weakened the nose. For many patients, rhinoplasty not only enhances appearance but also significantly improves quality of life by restoring proper nasal function.
Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty patients must have fully developed facial anatomy and be in good mental and physical health before undergoing surgery. Patients younger than 16 are usually too young for nose surgery because their noses have not yet fully developed, however a consultation with Dr. Wittpenn would be necessary to make this determination. In general, rhinoplasty surgery is appropriate for patients who are concerned by any of the following:
- Nose size (too large or too small)
- Nose width (too wide or too narrow)
- Nose length (too long or too short)
- Crooked nose
- Dorsal hump (nose bump)
- Bulbous nasal tip
- Droopy nasal tip
- Upturned nose
- Asymmetrical or pinched nostrils
Patient Results
Before 
After What Can I Expect From the Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Depending on your cosmetic concerns and goals, Dr. Wittpenn will perform the necessary surgical techniques to give you the look you want for your nose. This may include an open rhinoplasty (minimal but visible external scarring) or closed rhinoplasty (no external scarring). The procedure takes 1-3 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Rhinoplasty recovery is typically about a week, but it may be as long as two weeks after surgery before you return to your normal daily activities. The nose must be protected for at least six weeks after rhinoplasty to ensure it is not bumped or impacted in any way, as this can compromise surgical results. It may take up to a year for nasal swelling to completely resolve, although most swelling resolves within 3-6 months.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty varies widely depending on several important factors, including the surgeon’s experience, your geographic location, and whether surgery is cosmetic, functional, or both. Rhinoplasty is highly individualized, so pricing is best determined during a personalized consultation with Dr. Wittpenn. Factors that influence your cost estimate include:
- The corrections necessary to achieve your results
- The complexity of surgery
- Associated fees, such as expenses for anesthesia, post-op care, the surgical facility, etc.
It’s important to remember that cost should not be the primary deciding factor when researching the rhinoplasty procedure. Nose surgery is one of the most technically demanding plastic surgery procedures, requiring a high level of precision and artistry to successfully execute. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in nasal surgery can help ensure safety and optimal results. At our Nacogdoches practice, Dr. Wittpenn also accepts plastic surgery financing through CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit to help make the procedure more accessible to all patients.
Contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery
If you’re interested in reshaping your nose or simply have questions about the rhinoplasty procedure, contact New Horizons Plastic Surgery at (936) 564-3744 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory Wittpenn. Dr. Wittpenn is an expert Nacogdoches rhinoplasty surgeon serving patients throughout eastern Texas and western Louisiana, including residents of Longview, Lufkin, Huntsville, Tyler and Shreveport.