Rhinoplasty in The Woodlands, TX

A nose job (rhinoplasty) can make your nose smaller by reshaping and reducing the bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. Surgeons can refine the nasal bridge, tip, and nostrils to create a more proportionate appearance. The goal is to achieve a natural-looking result that complements your facial features.

It’s recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least one to two weeks after rhinoplasty. Sleeping on your side too soon can put pressure on your healing nose, potentially affecting the final result. Using extra pillows or a travel pillow can help keep you in position while you sleep.

Nasal polyps typically do not change the external shape of the nose. They are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses and can cause congestion, breathing issues, and sinus infections.

Rhinoplasty alone is usually cosmetic, but when combined with functional procedures like septoplasty or sinus surgery (sometimes called functional rhinoplasty), it can help improve breathing and address sinus problems. If sinus issues are caused by structural problems like a deviated septum or narrow nasal valves, a surgeon can correct these during rhinoplasty to enhance both appearance and function.

Standard septoplasty to correct a deviated septum focuses on improving airflow and typically does not change the outer appearance of the nose. However, if there is a significant deviation that affects the nose's external shape, a surgeon may recommend combining septoplasty with rhinoplasty (called septorhinoplasty) to straighten and refine the nose both internally and externally.

Rhinoplasty recovery typically involves swelling, bruising, and some discomfort for the first few days, but most people manage well with prescribed medications. Most swelling and bruising improve within one to two weeks, though subtle swelling can take several months to fully resolve. Many patients return to light activities within a week but should avoid strenuous activities for four to six weeks.

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. Good 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.

Most noticeable swelling subsides within the first two to four weeks, but subtle swelling, especially at the tip, can take up to a year to fully resolve. The final shape of the nose becomes more defined over time as swelling decreases.

The cost of a nose job varies widely based on the surgeon’s expertise, location, and complexity of the procedure. This price usually includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for an accurate estimate tailored to your goals.

A bulbous nose tip refers to a rounded, wide, or enlarged nasal tip that lacks definition. This can be caused by thick skin, excess cartilage, or weak tip support. Rhinoplasty can refine a bulbous tip to create a more sculpted and balanced appearance.

There are two different techniques Dr. Rivela uses in performing Rhinoplasty/Nose Surgery in The Woodlands TX. 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 columella, that separates the nostrils. Open Rhinoplasty is more invasive than closed and is often more painful during recovery, often requiring a longer recovery period. There are many procedures addressing various issues. A few of these procedures are tip, bridge, and hump rhinoplasty, re-shaping of cartilage and nostrils using rhinoplasty, and correcting angles and twists using rhinoplasty. Dr. Rivela will discuss which techniques are best-suited for optimal outcome of your surgery at the personal consultation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.