Your nose is the central feature of your face. When you are not happy with the size or shape of your nose, it can negatively affect your confidence.
Rhinoplasty in Clear Lake is a facial plastic surgery technique that can help bring your nose into balance with the rest of your features, enhancing your overall appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Olivier Deigni can tailor your procedure to produce the best outcome for your goals.
A rhinoplasty can change shape and size by manipulating bone and cartilage. Highly trained Clear Lake plastic surgeon Dr. Deigni can use an open or closed approach to making these changes.
A closed rhinoplasty uses incisions inside the nostril so that none are visible. Patients have a relatively quick recovery, but it does not allow the surgeon good access to the bone and cartilage. This procedure is often used when significant changes will not be made.
An open rhinoplasty uses an incision made at the base of the columella—the area of tissue at the base of the nose that separates the nasal cavity into two areas. This allows the surgeon to lift the skin off the nose, giving greater access during surgery. When the incision heals, the scar tissue is hidden in the fold at the base of the columella.
While a closed rhinoplasty has a shorter recovery, an open rhinoplasty allows Dr. Deigni to make more dramatic improvements.
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are individuals typically not satisfied with the shape or size of their nose or may have difficulty breathing through one side. Difficulty breathing can be caused by a deviated septum—the bone and cartilage that separates the nasal cavity into two areas. A deviated septum can increase the risk of chronic sinus infections and nasal congestion, making breathing difficult.
Although health insurance policies typically do not cover cosmetic surgery, they may cover part of the cost when it improves function or reduces the risk of an infection. It is worth checking with your insurance provider and getting prior authorization before having surgery.
Ideal candidates are in good general health and have no underlying medical condition that can impair healing or cause complications during surgery. Candidates should not smoke for six weeks before and after the surgery. This includes any nicotine delivery device, such as smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Nicotine increases the risk of complications from anesthesia, impairs healing, and increases the risk of infection.
In many cases, you can go home on the same day of your surgery in Clear Lake. Dr. Deigni will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself in the weeks following your rhinoplasty.
Since our skilled plastic surgeon works on bone and cartilage in your nose, you will have a splint over the top of your nose and potentially one inside. In the coming weeks, it is essential to protect your nose from injury. Generally, this means no contact sports or participating in activities that involve a risk of falling.
You will experience swelling and discomfort in the first week and potentially develop two black eyes. It is important to rest in the seven days following your surgery to allow your bone and tissue to heal appropriately. It would be best to refrain from large facial expressions, as this will stress the splint and sutures. The splints are usually removed within the first one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.
You should avoid all strenuous activities, including bending over and heavy lifting, to help reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. After roughly two weeks, most people can return to work and resume normal activities. As the swelling subsides, the nose begins to take on its final shape, typically not fully apparent until approximately one year after surgery. If you have external incisions, the scars will continue to fade and mature.
Feeling like your nose is misshapen, crooked, or out of balance can be disheartening. When you feel this way, we encourage you to call our office at 281-724-3138 and schedule a consultation to learn more about how rhinoplasty in Clear Lake can help address your concerns and improve your self-confidence.
