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Rhinoplasty

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RHINOPLASTY in Houston, TX

Dr. Livingston is a highly accomplished rhinoplasty surgeon in Houston with a proven track record of excellence in operative skills, as well as state-of-the-art techniques in facial plastic surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Are you having problems breathing due to structural defects in your nose? Looking to improve the appearance or proportion of your nose — a nose job (nose job surgery) and rhinoplasty surgery can help. During rhinoplasty surgery, the nose is modified to help correct a variety of imperfections, such as size, shape, width and asymmetry improving nasal shape, nasal tip definition, and facial balance.

To learn more about rhinoplasty surgery, nose surgery or nasal surgery, or to discuss your different options, request a consultation today.

Christopher Livingston, MD

“The most important part of plastic surgery is achieving a youthful, refreshed look, with minimal downtime.”

Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive surgeon

Chris Livingston, MD

I believe that every design is personal. The connection we have with clients determines how the projects will look at the end of the design process. We must understand the clients and bond with them, be a part of their dream. Their dream is our dream.

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RHINOPLASTY HOUSTON, TX

Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A. is a highly-skilled plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty surgeon, providing excellence in operative skills with state-of-the-art techniques for rhinoplasty procedure planning and patients interested in nose jobs/nose job surgery. Located at the Houston Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical center, Dr. Livingston is highly regarded among patients and peers. The calm, non-pressuring environment we provide at Livingston Plastic Surgery attracts patients throughout Texas, from southeast cities such as The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Pearland.

In addition to his skills, Dr. Livingston is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Our cosmetic professional is also the Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston – the Division of Plastic Surgery and Department of Otolaryngology. He is also a plastic surgery consultant for cosmetic procedures for WebMD.com.

Dr. Livingston is an amazing surgeon, with a phenomenal bedside manner, and office staff you’ll fall in love with.

– Meredith (Google Reviews)

Proven Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Whether you want to reshape your nasal bridge, lift or refine the nasal tip, smooth a nasal hump, or bring better balance to your facial features, Dr. Livingston will tailor rhinoplasty and nose reshaping surgery plan to your unique goals. It enhances the size, shape, and symmetry of your nose, making it harmonize beautifully with the rest of your face.

But the benefits go beyond cosmetic refinement. If you struggle with breathing issues due to structural concerns like a deviated septum, nasal obstruction or narrowed nasal passages, functional rhinoplasty can help. Dr. Livingston’s comprehensive approach addresses aesthetic and nasal function needs in a single surgical procedure, so you look your best while breathing easier through a healthier nasal airway.

Many patients report increased confidence, improved airflow, and even better sleep after surgery. In Dr. Livingston’s Houston practice, rhinoplasty is more than a cosmetic upgrade – it’s a life-enhancing solution that blends comfort, clarity, and confidence.

What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a highly precise rhinoplasty procedure involving aesthetic and structural changes to bone and cartilage. Depending on your needs, Dr. Livingston may make incisions hidden inside your nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or a small incision between them (open rhinoplasty) to access the underlying nasal bones, nasal cartilage, and internal support structures. This careful approach considers external nasal anatomy and internal nasal anatomy to optimize surgical outcomes.

Through these incisions, he’ll carefully shape your nasal framework – refining the bridge (nasal dorsum), reshaping the tip (nasal tip), and repositioning internal structures to create a more balanced, natural look. If your nose needs extra support or elevation, he may use cartilage grafts (including, in select cases, rib cartilage) to reinforce specific areas and maintain long-term stability — supporting the upper lateral cartilages, lower lateral cartilage, and the nasal skeleton where needed.

To correct breathing issues, he can perform septoplasty at the same time to straighten the nasal septum and open the airway—improving airflow through the nasal cavity, supporting the internal nasal valve, lateral nasal wall, and the nasal lining to reduce nasal obstruction. In select cases, attention to the external nasal valves and other airway structures may be part of functional rhinoplasty planning.

After reshaping your nose, he’ll gently redrape your nasal skin over the new structure, resulting in a nose that blends seamlessly with your facial features while preserving your natural expressions.

Recovery typically involves nasal splints and light packing for the first week. Swelling and bruising fade within days, but your result will continue to refine over several months as tissues settle and scar lines soften — including gradual softening of scar tissue from the initial surgery.

For select candidates not ready for surgery, a liquid rhinoplasty may temporarily camouflage minor irregularities, but it does not correct bone and cartilage structure or nasal function.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, a personalized consultation is the best place to start. Dr. Livingston uses advanced 3D imaging to help you visualize potential outcomes and understand the surgical plan. Ideal candidates typically:

Are 16 or older, with completed facial growth
Are in good health and at a stable weight
Feel dissatisfied with their nasal shape, size, or symmetry
Have breathing difficulties due to structural issues like a deviated septum or narrowed nasal passages/nasal airway
Have realistic expectations and a commitment to proper healing

You might be a strong candidate if you’ve noticed:

A nose that looks out of proportion with your face and other facial features
A nasal hump or other profile irregularities along the nasal dorsum
A drooping, bulbous or undefined nasal tip
Trouble breathing or sleeping due to nasal obstruction
Trauma such as a broken nose
Trauma or unsatisfying results from a previous rhinoplasty (which may require revision rhinoplasty or secondary rhinoplasty)

During your consultation, Dr. Livingston will evaluate your nasal anatomy, breathing function, and aesthetic preferences using a detailed nasal analysis. Whether your primary goal is to breathe easier or refine your appearance, he’ll tailor your rhinoplasty to your unique features and lifestyle. Your medical history is reviewed carefully to plan safe anesthesia and surgical technique.

Houston RHINOPLASTY SURGERY

A pleasing facial appearance can make an important first impression. So in this quest toward a more attractive look, patients may wish to alter the shape of their nose with rhinoplasty.

Nose surgery/nasal surgery can be an intricate and delicate surgical procedure, in which the nasal structures are modified to help correct a variety of imperfections, such as:

Size
Shape (nasal shape)
Width
Asymmetry
Profile (nasal bridge/nasal dorsum)
Breathing difficulty (nasal obstruction)

Whether you are dissatisfied with your nose due to heredity, a previous injury, or cancer, Dr. Livingston will evaluate your concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your aesthetic goals including cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, or nasal reconstruction when appropriate. By creating a complimentary nose, or merely helping a patient breathe better, nasal surgery can be helpful, and sometimes life-changing, for any patient who is 16 years of age or older. Computer imaging can also be utilized to help the patient preview his or her potential outcome from nasal surgery.

Our rhinoplasty patients may also be interested in nasal surgery in order to correct breathing problems due to a deviated septum (“septoplasty”)—addressing the nasal septum and improving airflow through the nasal passages and nasal cavity.

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RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURAL STEPS

General anesthesia is usually required to provide patients with a pain-free experience, although local anesthesia may be discussed for select cases depending on the surgical plan and medical history. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure.

Performed by using either a closed rhinoplasty approach with incisions made inside of the nose or by an open rhinoplasty approach where incisions are hidden along the bottom of the nose (“columella”), the tissue covering the nose will be separated from the underlying support and cartilage reshaped. This step allows the plastic surgeon to reshape bone and cartilage, including nasal bones and nasal cartilage, while preserving nasal blood supply. Paired nasal bones and cartilage structures may be refined to improve symmetry and support.

Grafted cartilage is sometimes necessary to enhance the features of the nose. Cartilage grafts may support the nasal tip, nasal dorsum, and nasal bridge, and may involve septal cartilage or—when needed—rib cartilage for additional strength in reconstructive surgery or revision rhinoplasty.

In order to help patients with deviated septums breathe better, the nose will be straightened and tissue projections removed to open and clear the nasal passage way, improving nasal function by addressing the nasal septum, internal nasal valve, and lateral nasal wall. Finally, the nasal skin will be redraped and all incisions closed. Attention to nasal lining, nasal floor, and the anterior nasal spine may be part of internal support planning in select cases.

THE RESULTS OF A RHINOPLASTY

Following surgery, nasal packing and splints are applied for one week and the patient should stay as upright as possible, with the head elevated during sleep.

Swelling and bruising will begin to diminish within the first few days and patients will be able to return to work or school within three to five days. Scarring from the procedure will be minimal. Patients should expect to see the final results from their nasal surgery within 6-12 months. During this time, nasal tissues continue to settle, and scar tissue continues to soften — helping refine surgical outcomes, especially around the nasal tip and nasal dorsum.

To see some of our patient results, feel free to browse Dr. Livingston’s rhinoplasty before and after photos. For additional information regarding the procedures available, you can view our featured videos in the media gallery.

To learn more about rhinoplasty in Houston, TX, with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Livingston, please schedule an initial consultation. During your visit, the two of you will discuss your expectations and goals, your medical history, and the risks and benefits of nose surgery.

Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland, and The Woodlands patients may call (281) 501-1812 to schedule a consultation. If you prefer, you can fill out our online contact form.

Houston Rhinoplasty FAQs

Why do people choose rhinoplasty?

Cosmetic concerns may include issues such as a nasal hump, an overly broad or drooping nasal tip, or facial asymmetry. Functional needs often stem from breathing difficulties, such as those caused by a deviated septum or constricted nasal passages. Dr. Livingston specializes in combining these approaches when necessary, reshaping your nose to enhance facial harmony and create facial balance while restoring optimal airflow and nasal function. This dual-purpose strategy delivers results that give you the best of both worlds.

What happens during a rhinoplasty procedure?

Dr. Livingston uses either a closed rhinoplasty or open rhinoplasty technique to access bone and cartilage, including nasal bones, upper lateral cartilages, and lower lateral cartilage. From there, he’ll reshape your nasal framework, refining the nasal bridge, recontouring the nasal tip, and smoothing the profile along the nasal dorsum. If you have breathing issues, he’ll also address structural limitations, such as a deviated septum to reduce nasal obstruction and improve airflow through the nasal airway. Your aesthetics and nasal function can improve as the tissues and skin heal around the refined framework. Postoperative care includes splints to support the refined structure and promote healthy long-term breathing.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to rhinoplasty?

Injectable fillers can temporarily smooth minor irregularities or subtly enhance nasal projection (liquid rhinoplasty). However, these solutions only create mild refinements and do not address structural issues or nasal function. Surgical rhinoplasty remains the gold standard for permanent, anatomically transformative changes involving cartilage or bone. Dr. Livingston recommends a surgical approach to achieve a long-lasting refinement aligned with your facial harmony.

Can rhinoplasty improve my nose’s function?

Rhinoplasty is a breath of fresh air for many patients. Even if you have no concerns about your nasal appearance, internal issues like a deviated septum can quietly disrupt airflow, leading to chronic congestion, mouth breathing, and poor sleep.

During rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Livingston will correct these obstructions while also refining your nose’s shape. You’ll breathe easier and begin to see aesthetic improvements as swelling fades over the following weeks and months.

When will I see my results?

Recovery after rhinoplasty typically follows this timeline:

Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week. Many patients feel well enough to return to light work within this period.
Swelling continues to lessen over the next two to six weeks, and the shape becomes more apparent.
Delicate refinements take shape throughout the next several months – especially around the nasal tip.
Over a year, your nose settles fully into its improved shape, with improvements in contour and skin texture.

Dr. Livingston will provide you with guidance on splint wearing, activity limitations, and long-term care to optimize healing.

Will my nose look "overdone" after a rhinoplasty?

Dr. Livingston will do a detailed facial analysis to craft a rhinoplasty plan that suits your anatomy and aesthetic vision. Using modern imaging tools, he simulates outcomes to align expectations. His technique emphasizes nasal refinement that blends seamlessly into your facial proportions, accounting for your ethnicity, gender, angle of projection, and balance with the forehead and chin. This tailored artistry underpins his consistently natural, personalized outcomes.

Are rhinoplasty scars noticeable?

The open rhinoplasty technique leaves a tiny incision between the nostrils; closed rhinoplasty avoids external incisions entirely. Dr. Livingston places all incisions in natural creases to minimize visibility. He also uses fine suturing and provides postoperative care, like scar massage and sun avoidance, to ensure your rhinoplasty scars fade and blend gracefully with your skin tone over time.

What can I do to ensure long-lasting results?

Preserving your results starts with healthy habits. Avoid smoking, stay hydrated, and shield your nose from trauma – especially when playing sports or attending crowded events. Gentle skincare and sun protection preserve your skin quality and minimize scarring. Dr. Livingston encourages regular follow-up visits to monitor your healing and may recommend minor touch-ups after a year to refine your outcome. With care and consistency, your results can last beautifully for years.

How do I find the best rhinoplasty surgeon?

Rhinoplasty’s complexity demands a board-certified plastic surgeon with proven expertise in this specialized procedure. Dr. Livingston is an expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery who takes a meticulous approach to form and function, including cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty planning when needed. His commitment to natural, expressive results means patients enjoy enhanced nasal contours with lasting comfort and breathability. Houston patients consistently praise his care and outcomes, making him a trusted choice for a procedure that balances external nasal anatomy with internal nasal anatomy to improve both appearance and nasal function.

If you’ve had an initial surgery elsewhere and are considering revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Livingston can discuss revision rhinoplasty procedures and whether you may need secondary rhinoplasty to address scar tissue, nasal obstruction, or support issues (including cartilage grafts).