Rhinoplasty
Nose Reshaping
in Dallas–Fort Worth
The nose is the central feature of your face — its shape, size, and proportion influence how your entire face is perceived. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons combine surgical precision with an artistic eye to deliver rhinoplasty results that look natural and feel right, at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
Reshaping the nose for improved balance and function
Rhinoplasty — commonly known as a nose job — is a surgical procedure that reshapes the external structure of the nose and, when indicated, corrects internal structural problems that affect breathing. It is one of the most nuanced and complex procedures in all of facial surgery, because even small changes to the nose have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the face.
At DFWOMS, rhinoplasty is performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who bring a deep, comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, structure, and proportion developed through years of surgical training and practice. Our approach is always personalized — designed to enhance your natural features and achieve your specific goals, while preserving the character and identity that make your face uniquely yours.
Aesthetic and functional concerns we treat
Rhinoplasty can address a wide range of concerns — both aesthetic and functional. Many patients seek rhinoplasty for both reasons simultaneously, and our surgeons are trained to address them together in a single procedure.
Open vs. closed rhinoplasty — choosing the right approach
The two primary techniques used in rhinoplasty differ in how the surgeon accesses the nasal structures. The most appropriate approach is selected based on the nature and extent of the changes needed.
A small incision is made across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils), in addition to incisions inside the nose. This approach lifts the skin away from the underlying cartilage and bone, giving the surgeon full, direct visualization of all nasal structures. Open rhinoplasty is preferred for more complex procedures — significant tip reshaping, substantial structural grafting, revision rhinoplasty, or cases requiring precise anatomical changes. The small external scar typically fades to near-invisibility within several months.
All incisions are made entirely inside the nose — no external scar. The surgeon works through the nostrils to reshape the cartilage and bone. This approach is well-suited for more limited changes — such as hump reduction, minor tip refinement, or narrowing the nasal bridge — where direct visualization is less critical. Recovery is often slightly faster than open rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will determine which technique best serves your specific goals and anatomy at your consultation.
What to expect, step by step
We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your concerns, your aesthetic goals, and your medical history. Our surgeons examine your nasal structure in detail — assessing skin thickness, cartilage strength, the relationship of the nose to the rest of your facial features, and any functional issues such as breathing difficulty. Using advanced imaging, we provide a preview of potential outcomes to help you visualize the planned changes and make a fully informed decision.
Every rhinoplasty at DFWOMS is planned individually. We design the surgical approach — open or closed — and the specific maneuvers needed to achieve your goals, taking into account both the aesthetic changes you desire and any functional improvements to breathing. Grafts from your own cartilage (typically harvested from the ear or septum) may be planned when structural support or augmentation is needed.
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Operating time typically ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on complexity. The nasal structures are reshaped with precision — reducing, repositioning, or augmenting cartilage and bone as planned. All incisions are closed carefully, and a protective nasal splint is placed at the end of the procedure to support the new shape during initial healing.
Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes peak in the first 2–3 days and improve significantly within 1–2 weeks. The nasal splint is removed at approximately one week. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 10–14 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. Our opioid-free pain management protocol keeps recovery comfortable from day one.
While the general shape is visible within the first few weeks, rhinoplasty results evolve gradually as residual swelling resolves — particularly in the nasal tip, which can take up to 12 months to reach its final form. We schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any questions. The final result is a nose that is natural in appearance, balanced with your facial features, and lasting.
Surgical precision meets artistic vision
Common questions about rhinoplasty
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are adults whose facial growth is complete (typically age 16–17 for women and slightly older for men), who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcome, and are motivated by their own desire for change rather than external pressure. Candidates may have aesthetic concerns, functional breathing problems, or both. The best way to determine candidacy is through a personalized consultation with our surgeons, who will evaluate your nasal structure, skin type, and goals.
A well-performed rhinoplasty should enhance the nose without drawing attention to itself — people should notice that you look better without necessarily being able to identify exactly why. Our surgeons are committed to results that complement your existing facial features rather than imposing a standardized look. We discuss your goals carefully, use imaging to align expectations, and design the surgical plan to achieve a balanced, natural outcome that reflects your individual anatomy and aesthetics.
The splint is removed at approximately one week. Most patients are comfortable being seen in public within 10–14 days as bruising and swelling subside. Strenuous activity, contact sports, and sun exposure should be avoided for 3–4 weeks. The general shape of the nose is visible within the first month, but residual swelling — especially at the nasal tip — can take up to 12 months to fully resolve. The final result is most accurately assessed at one year post-operatively.
If your breathing difficulty is caused by a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or other internal structural problems, these can often be corrected during the same surgery as cosmetic changes to the nose exterior — a procedure called septorhinoplasty. This approach addresses both concerns simultaneously, reducing recovery time and the total number of procedures. We evaluate breathing function as part of every rhinoplasty consultation and will include functional improvements in your surgical plan when indicated.
Yes — rhinoplasty results are permanent. The changes made to the cartilage and bone of the nose are lasting. However, natural aging of the skin and soft tissues over many years may cause very gradual changes in nasal appearance, just as it does throughout the rest of the face. The structural changes made during rhinoplasty remain stable for life.
Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered by insurance. However, the functional component — septoplasty or nasal valve repair to correct breathing problems — may be covered by medical insurance when medically documented. If your procedure addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns, the functional portion may be partially reimbursable. Our team will help you understand what may be covered for your specific situation — contact us before your consultation for guidance.
The nose that fits your face — and your life.
Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis combine surgical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver rhinoplasty results that look natural, feel right, and last a lifetime. Schedule your consultation today.