Nose Surgery – Rhinoplasty

At our facility in El Paso, nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty or sometimes a “nose job,” is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures that we perform. The nose is a central focal point of the face, and many people are interested in changing the shape to flatter their other features. At the Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers, we have seen rhinoplasty greatly improve many patients’ sense of confidence by helping them feel better about their appearance.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that reshapes the nose. Rhinoplasty can contour the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Nose surgery may also correct a birth defect or injury, or even improve breathing problems related to a deviated septum or overactive allergies.

What Does Rhinoplasty Treat?

Cosmetic Concerns

Nasal Hump

Also called a dorsal hump, this bump occurs on the bridge of the nose and is made of extra bone or cartilage. It is most noticeable from the side. This is one of the most common complaints for patients seeking rhinoplasty. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto shave or file it down, or use a push-down technique to lessen the prominence of this feature. 

Nostril Width

Wide or flared nostrils can look out of proportion with the rest of the face. Your surgeon can use various techniques to narrow the base at the nostrils to bring the tissue in and reduce the size of the openings. 

Drooping or Curved Tip

A lack of support at the tip can cause this area of the nose to droop. Reshaping the cartilage lifts the tip and creates a more flattering angle between the nose and upper lip. 

Asymmetry

Sometimes a nose can lean to one side or look uneven, whether from an old injury or natural growth. Rhinoplasty can straighten the bone and cartilage and center the nose on the face. 

Breathing & Functional Concerns

A deviated septum means the wall of bone and cartilage between your nostrils sits off center, which blocks airflow on one side. When breathing problems and shape concerns exist together, Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto combine rhinoplasty with septoplasty in one operation called a septorhinoplasty.

23 percent of couples sleep in separate bedrooms because of their partner’s loud snoring, which interrupts their sleep. Many of these couples could benefit from rhinoplasty, but assume that it is only used for cosmetic purposes. The combination of septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeries straightens the septum and the appearance of the nose, improving both facial symmetry and breathing efficiency.

At our facility in El Paso, nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty or sometimes a “nose job,” is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures that we perform. The nose is a central focal point of the face, and many people are interested in changing the shape to flatter their other features. At the Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers, we have seen rhinoplasty greatly improve many patients’ sense of confidence by helping them feel better about their appearance.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that reshapes the nose. Rhinoplasty can contour the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. Nose surgery may also correct a birth defect or injury, or even improve breathing problems related to a deviated septum or overactive allergies.

What Does Rhinoplasty Treat?

Cosmetic Concerns

Nasal Hump

Also called a dorsal hump, this bump occurs on the bridge of the nose and is made of extra bone or cartilage. It is most noticeable from the side. This is one of the most common complaints for patients seeking rhinoplasty. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto shave or file it down, or use a push-down technique to lessen the prominence of this feature. 

Nostril Width

Wide or flared nostrils can look out of proportion with the rest of the face. Your surgeon can use various techniques to narrow the base at the nostrils to bring the tissue in and reduce the size of the openings. 

Drooping or Curved Tip

A lack of support at the tip can cause this area of the nose to droop. Reshaping the cartilage lifts the tip and creates a more flattering angle between the nose and upper lip. 

Asymmetry

Sometimes a nose can lean to one side or look uneven, whether from an old injury or natural growth. Rhinoplasty can straighten the bone and cartilage and center the nose on the face. 

Breathing & Functional Concerns

A deviated septum means the wall of bone and cartilage between your nostrils sits off center, which blocks airflow on one side. When breathing problems and shape concerns exist together, Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto combine rhinoplasty with septoplasty in one operation called a septorhinoplasty.

23 percent of couples sleep in separate bedrooms because of their partner’s loud snoring, which interrupts their sleep. Many of these couples could benefit from rhinoplasty, but assume that it is only used for cosmetic purposes. The combination of septoplasty and rhinoplasty surgeries straightens the septum and the appearance of the nose, improving both facial symmetry and breathing efficiency.

Who Is a Candidate?

Cosmetic nose surgery is appropriate for both adults and teens whose noses have settled into their permanent shape. We consider candidates who are in general good health, do not smoke and have realistic goals for what this surgery can and cannot do. Teens should wait until facial growth finishes, usually around age 15 or 16 for girls and a year or two later for boys. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto review your medical history at your consultation to confirm you can have surgery safely.

Rhinoplasty Types and Techniques

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty utilizes an extra incision on the columella, the line of cartilage between your nostrils, to allow your surgeon greater access to the inside of your nose and the ability to manipulate it more delicately. If you are correcting breathing problems or if you are hoping to alter the shape of the tip of your nose, you will likely need an open rhinoplasty. It does result in a small, visible scar and a slightly longer recovery time than a closed rhinoplasty, but many surgeons prefer the open technique because it gives them greater control over your results.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty keeps all incisions inside the nostrils, so no scar is visible on the outside. Recovery tends to be faster with less swelling. This approach suits smaller changes to the bridge or minor reshaping where the surgeon does not need full access to the tip.

Push-Down Technique

The push-down technique treats a nasal hump by repositioning the bone and cartilage lower rather than removing much tissue. The surgeon creates cuts along the bone and removes a small amount of cartilage and bone, then applies pressure to the top of the nose to adjust it downward. This preserves the natural bridge line while lowering it for a smoother result and less risk of an uneven edge.

Alar Base Reduction

Alar base reduction narrows wide nostrils. The surgeon removes a small wedge of tissue where the nostril meets the cheek, then closes it with fine sutures. The result is a narrower nostril base that fits better with the width of the nose above it.

Rasping

Rasping is the use of a fine file to smooth down a small bony hump on the bridge. It works well for minor bumps that do not need a larger correction. Because it removes only a thin layer of bone, rasping is one of the more conservative ways to refine the profile.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty corrects or improves the results of a previous nose surgery done elsewhere. It is more complex than a first operation because scar tissue and altered cartilage change the anatomy. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto have the experience to handle these harder cases and are among the few surgeons in the El Paso area who regularly perform them.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty straightens a deviated septum to open blocked nasal passages. Unlike rhinoplasty, it changes the inside of the nose and not the outward shape. Patients who have trouble breathing but like how their nose looks may need septoplasty alone rather than a full rhinoplasty.

What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery

Your Consultation

Your first visit is a time to get to know your surgeon and for your surgeon to become familiar with your situation. You will go over your breathing and your health history, and see imaging of possible results while you move toward a clear plan for the surgery. This is your chance to ask about cost and recovery, or anything else that may be on your mind. 

How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty

In the weeks before your surgery, stop taking blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen unless your doctor says otherwise, since they raise the risk of bleeding. Smoking will increase risks after surgery and slow healing. You will need to stop before and after your surgery. If your surgeon has prescribed any medication for the recovery process, be sure to pick them up ahead of time so they are ready for you when you get home. Prepare a spot where you can rest your head in an elevated position and make sure you have someone to care for you during the first 24 hours, including driving you home.  

During Surgery 

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day, with most operations taking one to three hours depending on the changes involved. Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto use general anesthesia or IV sedation so you feel nothing during the surgery. Once it is done and you have recovered from anesthesia, a friend or family member drives you home.

Your Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

No matter which technique is used, you can expect to need between one and two weeks away from work or public events. You will have some bruising and swelling on your nose and face, which will have mostly subsided after the first 14 days post-op. At 3 weeks post-op, you should be healed enough to have a good idea of what your new nose looks like.

Many surgeons choose to take “after” photos at this point. However, it can take several months for swelling to disappear completely, and it can take up to two years for your scars and skin to fully settle. We encourage our clients to be patient with their results, and to take good care of their nose and general health throughout the entirety of their recovery.

Why Choose Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Centers of El Paso

Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto are among the top providers of rhinoplasty & revision rhinoplasty in Texas. When you visit our office, our trained staff will be available to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about rhinoplasty surgery. We can also take advantage of the latest technology, including computer simulation, to create a plan for your nose surgery and help you visualize what your new nose will look like.

We aim to ensure that you feel comfortable with your options and your surgery plans at all times. If you’ve been searching for the right place for nose surgery in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Jabor, Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Aburto may be the best choice for you.

Learn More About Rhinoplasty in El Paso, TX

Contact us today to learn more about the options we have available for those who are seeking nose surgery or to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure. When you come to our offices in El Paso for rhinoplasty surgery, we will sit down and discuss your needs and desires, formulating a plan that is best for you. The doctors’ knowledgeable staff are always available to answer your questions, and we pride ourselves on our priority to provide the highest standard of patient care. 

For the best nose surgery in El Paso, choose rhinoplasty at Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers to receive the care and expertise you deserve!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty

How much does rhinoplasty cost in El Paso?

Cost depends on the technique used, whether it is combined with a septoplasty and the complexity of your case. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is usually paid out of pocket. We give you a full price at your consultation and can discuss financing options.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

There will be discomfort, but no severe pain after rhinoplasty. The nose feels congested and tender for the first week, with pain that can be managed with medications. The worst of the discomfort eases within a few days as swelling goes down.

What’s the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Rhinoplasty changes the outward shape of the nose. Septoplasty straightens the septum inside the nose to improve breathing and does not change appearance. When patients need both, we combine them into one surgery called a septorhinoplasty.

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

Rhinoplasty results are permanent. Once the nose fully heals, its new shape holds for life. Normal aging changes the skin and soft tissue over decades, but the underlying bone and cartilage stay where the surgeon set them.