Nose Job Overview

Excellence in Surgical Artistry and Patient Care

Dr. Ricardo Meade is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 17 years of experience and has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for ten consecutive years. His dual focus on aesthetic refinement and functional restoration makes him uniquely qualified to deliver natural and life-changing results. Patients trust Dr. Meade for his advanced surgical skills and compassionate, patient-first philosophy.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to:

  • Improve its appearance
  • Restore balance among facial features, or correct structural problems that interfere with breathing. Because the nose sits at the center of the face, even subtle refinements can significantly impact overall harmony.

From an anatomical standpoint, the nose is made up of three main components:

  • Nasal Bones: Form the upper third and give structure to the bridge.
  • Cartilage: Shapes the lower two-thirds, including the tip and nostrils.
  • Septum: A partition of cartilage and bone that divides the two nasal passages and directs airflow.

Rhinoplasty works by carefully modifying these structures through one of two surgical approaches:

  • Open Rhinoplasty: A small incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) provides full visibility and access to reshape bone and cartilage.
  • Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are placed inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar, and is typically used for more straightforward refinements.


Depending on your goals, surgery may involve:

  • Sculpting cartilage to refine the nasal tip or narrow a wide bridge
  • Removing a dorsal hump for smoother nasal contours
  • Straightening or reconstructing the septum (septoplasty) to improve airflow
  • Reinforcing support with cartilage grafts harvested from the septum, ear, or rib when needed

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

  • Creates natural balance and symmetry with surrounding facial features
  • Improves breathing by correcting septal deviations or nasal valve collapse
  • Reduces snoring and sleep disruptions linked to airway obstruction
  • Restores appearance after nasal trauma or injury
  • Provides lasting self-confidence with proportional nasal refinement
  • Can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other facial surgeries for comprehensive rejuvenation
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Are You a Good Candidate?

Rhinoplasty can be performed for both aesthetic refinement and functional correction. Candidates should be in good overall health, have completed facial growth and development, and maintain realistic expectations about their results. Facial growth is typically complete by age 15–17 for women and slightly later for men.

Cosmetic Candidacy

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have nasal asymmetry or proportions that feel out of balance with your other features
  • Wish to refine the bridge, tip, or nostril shape for greater facial harmony
  • Have concerns about congenital differences in nasal shape or contour
  • Possess skin of sufficient thickness and elasticity to adapt well to surgical adjustments

Functional Candidacy

You may be a candidate for a nose job in Dallas if you:

  • Experience airway obstruction due to a deviated septum or narrowed nasal valves
  • Have a history of nasal fractures or trauma that impair breathing or create structural deformity
  • Suffer from chronic nasal obstruction not relieved by medical management
  • Have congenital nasal abnormalities affecting breathing efficiency or airflow
  • Do not have untreated sinus disease, uncontrolled medical conditions, or active infections

Rhinoplasty Before & After

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Real Rhinoplasty Patient Reviews

Dr. Meade is Simply THE BEST

“I have nothing but amazing things to say about my experience at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. Everyone that works there is so warm and inviting, and Dr. Meade has such a great personality. I was initially nervous for my consultation, but the moment Dr....”

“I had the pleasure of undergoing a rhinoplasty with Dr. Meade, and I can't express how thrilled I am with the results! From the very first consultation, Dr. Meade was incredibly professional and attentive, taking the time to address all my questions and concer...”
S.S.

“Doctor Meade was very professional and empathetic to my needs. Maria, Allison and Heather were very supportive as well. I got my rhinoplasty there and now I feel confident enough to show my side profile!”
C.A.
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Why Choose Meade Aesthetic Surgery?

Beyond his surgical expertise, Dr. Meade is an educator and leader in the field. He trains residents as a faculty member at UT Southwestern’s Plastic Surgery Residency Program and directs the Resident Cosmetic Clinic at Baylor Hospital. His contributions to published research in rhinoplasty techniques and hundreds of 5-star patient reviews underscore his reputation as an innovator and a trusted surgeon.

Learn More About Dr. Meade

What to Expect Before, During, and After Rhinoplasty

Consultation

  • Initial Visit: During your private appointment, Dr. Meade will evaluate your anatomy, review your health history, and listen carefully to your goals before developing a personalized surgical plan.
  • Cost: The cost of rhinoplasty in Dallas varies depending on complexity and whether functional corrections are required. A detailed estimate will be provided after your consultation.

Procedure

  • Anesthesia: Performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
  • Approach: Either open or closed rhinoplasty, depending on your goals.
  • Refinement: Cartilage reshaping, bone adjustment, or grafting techniques are used to achieve structural and aesthetic balance.
  • Timeframe: The procedure generally lasts 2–3 hours, with patients returning home the same day.

Recovery and Results

  • 1–2 Weeks: Initial swelling and bruising improve; most patients return to work or school.
  • 3–4 Weeks: Resume light exercise and daily routines.
  • 3 Months: Noticeable refinement as swelling continues to decrease.
  • 6–12 Months: Final definition achieved as tissues settle fully.

Subtypes of Rhinoplasty

  • Revision Rhinoplasty: Addresses unsatisfactory results from prior surgery.
  • Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Refines the nose while preserving cultural identity.

Alternatives and Related Procedures

If rhinoplasty in Dallas, TX, is not the right option, or to complement its results, patients may consider:

RhinoplastyFAQs

How long will my nose stay swollen after rhinoplasty?

When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?

Will rhinoplasty change my voice?

Can rhinoplasty fix sleep apnea?

How soon can I exercise after rhinoplasty?

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

Can rhinoplasty improve sinus problems?

Is there an age limit for rhinoplasty?

How long will my nose stay swollen after rhinoplasty?

Most swelling subsides within the first 2–3 months, but minor residual swelling—especially at the tip—can take up to a year to completely resolve.

When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?

Patients should avoid resting glasses directly on the bridge of the nose for about 4–6 weeks, until the nasal bones have stabilized. In the meantime, tape or lightweight frames may be used.

Will rhinoplasty change my voice?

In rare cases, rhinoplasty can subtly alter vocal resonance by adjusting airflow through the nasal passages. These changes are usually minimal and often unnoticed in daily conversation.

Can rhinoplasty fix sleep apnea?

Rhinoplasty may reduce snoring or mild sleep-disordered breathing by improving airflow, especially if paired with septoplasty. However, it is not considered a definitive treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.

How soon can I exercise after rhinoplasty?

Light walking is encouraged early, but strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks to prevent bleeding, swelling, or trauma to the healing nose.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

Like any surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks, though they are uncommon when performed by an experienced surgeon. These may include infection, bleeding, difficulty breathing, asymmetry, or the need for revision surgery. Dr. Meade minimizes these risks through advanced techniques and careful planning.

Can rhinoplasty improve sinus problems?

If sinus congestion is caused by a deviated septum or narrowed nasal valves, functional rhinoplasty combined with septoplasty may improve airflow. It is not designed to treat sinus infections or allergies.

Is there an age limit for rhinoplasty?

There is no strict upper age limit as long as the patient is in good health. Rhinoplasty can be safely performed on adults of all ages, provided they are medically cleared for surgery.

References

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