Primary Rhinoplasty
At Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, triple board-certified Dr. Michael Eisemann is proud to offer life-changing rhinoplasty procedures to his patients in Houston and the surrounding areas. Using advanced open and closed rhinoplasty techniques and profound experience built on decades spent as a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Eisemann can help you truly love the way you look. Rhinoplasty is a highly-customizable procedure with many moving parts, allowing for completely individualized results tailored to your unique needs.
What Is Primary Rhinoplasty?
Primary rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that focuses on improving the shape, size and symmetry of the nose according to the patient’s vision. Often referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of facial plastic surgery and can be performed on most adult patients.
Rhinoplasty can be performed using different methods depending on the patient’s needs. While rhinoplasty is purely a cosmetic surgery, elements of septoplasty can also be incorporated into the procedure to target a deviated septum causing nasal airway obstruction. Dr. Eisemann will work with you during your in-person consultation to develop a personalized treatment plan using advanced video imaging, as well as physical and endoscopic evaluation.
Commonly, patients choose to undergo rhinoplasty to target:
- A wide bridge width
- Overall nasal asymmetry
- Wide or enlarged nostrils
- A hooked or droopy nasal tip
- A pronounced nasal hump
- Damage from physical trauma
- Nasal airway obstruction
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Most patients make good candidates for rhinoplasty. Once the appearance and structure of the nose have finished developing and maturing—typically by age 15 for girls and age 17 for boys—patients are able to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure. In order to be considered for rhinoplasty, patients should be healthy enough for surgery and be prepared to spend time away from work or other daily responsibilities for up to two weeks to focus on healing. Interested patients should also be appropriately motivated with realistic expectations about their results.
During an in-person consultation, Dr. Eisemann will evaluate your nose and listen to your concerns to learn how rhinoplasty can help you. Patients interested strictly in addressing functional concerns related to breathing issues may not be candidates for rhinoplasty but instead might benefit from a septoplasty procedure, sinus procedure or nasal turbinate reduction. Dr. Eisemann can discuss the differences between each type of nose surgery and help you determine which is best for your needs.
To find out if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eisemann. As a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), he is uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic nasal surgery. Dr. Eisemann is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS). Additionally, he lectures, publishes articles and educates residents on various aspects of plastic surgery. For over 20 years, Dr. Eisemann has helped men and women in the Houston area, as well as around the world, restore balance to their facial features through personalized rhinoplasty procedures.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Primary rhinoplasty is performed to alter the cosmetic appearance of the nose. During the procedure, small pieces of bone and cartilage are added, removed or rearranged to change the outward appearance of your nose. If you are concerned primarily with the shape, symmetry or size of your nose, then primary rhinoplasty may be right for you.
Rhinoplasty may be completed using two different procedural methods:
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Open rhinoplasty:An incision is made across the columella, the piece of tissue between the nostrils, as well as within each nostril. The overlying nasal tissue is then pulled back to provide direct access to the internal structure. Open rhinoplasty results in a small external scar but allows for increased visibility during surgery and a greater degree of adjustment.
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Closed rhinoplasty:Incisions are kept entirely within the nostrils to prevent visible scarring. However, access to the internal structure of the nose is limited. Patients interested in making large changes to the shape of their nose may not be candidates for a closed procedure.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty may be completed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of your surgery and your preference. Dr. Eisemann will discuss anesthesia with you prior to your procedure. Once you have been numbed and sedated, Dr. Eisemann will make the necessary incisions inside the nostrils, as well as across the columella and at the corners of the nostrils if an open rhinoplasty is being performed.
Through the incisions, Dr. Eisemann will adjust, remove and/or manipulate the underlying bone and cartilage of your nose. Exactly which steps he will take during surgery depend on your individual needs. Once he has achieved your desired results, Dr. Eisemann will suture the incisions shut using dissolvable sutures. Every rhinoplasty procedure is unique and requires a tailored approach. The entire procedure can last anywhere from one to four hours.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Initial recovery from rhinoplasty typically takes about two weeks. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, tenderness, congestion and mild discomfort. The majority of the side effects will greatly improve within the first two weeks, but residual bruising and swelling will affect your ability to see your final results. Once swelling completely subsides, your newly contoured nose will be fully visible. You may notice an immediate improvement in the shape or appearance of your nose, but it will take several months for all swelling to completely dissipate and for your final results to become apparent.
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Uncomfortable Symptoms
Headaches or uncomfortable swelling around the nose are common during the initial recovery period. Any pain or discomfort can be managed using medication and head elevation. Regularly applying ice packs and avoiding strenuous or excessive movements can help reduce swelling and ensure a more comfortable recovery. Dr. Eisemann will provide you with a complete list of aftercare guidelines that go over what you can and cannot do following surgery to facilitate a more comfortable recovery and more successful results. -
The Last Stretch
During your one-week follow-up appointment, splints, nasal packing and nasal tape are removed. At this time, most patients are comfortable returning to work, depending on the requirements of their jobs. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your procedure or your recovery, Dr. Eisemann and his expert staff are only a phone call away.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
During your rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Eisemann will perform a comprehensive examination of your nose to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. As part of your examination, Dr. Eisemann will check for any functional airway problems which can also be addressed during your procedure using septoplasty. A rhinoplasty procedure is appropriate for most patients over the age of 16 who are physically and psychologically healthy and whose facial maturation is complete.
To help you visualize your postoperative nose, Dr. Eisemann will take photographs of your face using the latest technology and incorporate video imaging to show you what kind of results you can expect. He will discuss this image with you, allowing for modifications as needed to ensure that all of your goals are met.
Your rhinoplasty procedure may be performed in a hospital setting or our fully accredited facility, accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF).
