Rhinoplasty
Conveniently located to serve Dallas and Plano, TX
Rhinoplasty, or nose job, describes a procedure to alter the shape of the nose principally for cosmetic purposes but it can also be for functional reasons too, i.e., for breathing. Dr. Lam has extensive experience in both functional and cosmetic improvement of the nose. Since the nose is a respiratory organ, Dr. Lam also strives to enhance breathing if it should be impaired and to avoid problems with breathing that can arise after poor rhinoplasty. Dr. Lam has a broad experience in both primary (not previously operated on) and revision (secondary or more) rhinoplasty. He has performed many reconstructive rhinoplasties for cancer operations on the nose and has intimate knowledge of both the inside and the outside of the nose. He also specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty for Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and other ethnicities. Dr. Lam’s recovery following his rhinoplasty is typically short (approximately a week), relatively pain-free, and does not involve extensive swelling or bruising in most cases.
Key Points:
- Dr. Lam maintains dual board certification in both otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ear, nose, and throat) and facial plastic surgery, so he is as concerned about your breathing as well as your cosmetic desires for your nose. He uses very advanced techniques that preserve the architecture of the nose so that not only will the nose look natural and attractive but should remain that way as time progresses. Many over-aggressive (destructive) rhinoplasties look good initially and then over time progressively collapse. Dr. Lam has followed his results for over 15 years and has maintained excellent cosmetic results over that period.
- Dr. Lam is very careful with the male patient to maintain a strong nasal profile and a nose tip that is appropriate for a man. Too often rhinoplasty for the male patient has relied on techniques intended for a woman in which the nose is over-reduced and the tip is over-refined, losing or compromising the masculine quality of the nose.
- Dr. Lam practices ethnically sensitive rhinoplasty that looks natural for various ethnicities. For example, over-narrowing an African-American nose does not look natural. Over-elevating the nasal bridge for an Asian does not look natural; and, conversely, over-reducing the nasal bridge for a Middle Eastern patient looks unnatural. He artistically balances ethnicity, gender, facial features, and your desires to accomplish the best results for you. Further, with thick-skinned ethnicities over reduction of the cartilage of the nasal tip under thick skin can promote scar tissue to develop under the skin and thereby make the nose appear even larger. Having extensive experience with all ethnicities, Dr. Lam understands how to avoid this problem.
- There are certain stigmata of bad rhinoplasties that Dr. Lam absolutely must avoid for you that you may not even notice are bad outcomes (because you may not have as much sensitivity to fake results as Dr. Lam’s trained eye). A scooped nose (concave nose) that was popular in the 1980s is unnatural, and Dr. Lam always says “God never created a scooped nose, only man does that.” A nasal tip that has lost the natural dome highlights (two distinct light reflexes that bounce off the skin) is also very unnatural and has been known as a pinched nasal tip. The overturned nasal tip is also unnatural and unattractive. The slit-like nostrils that lose the nasal sill (the part that attaches the nostril to the upper lip) is a telltale sign of bad rhinoplasty. Dr. Lam avoids all the bad techniques that lead to these types of outcomes.
- Balanced rhinoplasty is very important. Balance means that each part of the nose: nasal bridge (dorsum), nasal tip, and nasal sides (alae) are in harmony. For example, if the nasal bridge is over-reduced, the nasal tip can then look too large in relative proportion. Based on the natural cartilage structure of the nasal tip, Dr. Lam can only reduce the nasal tip so much. Accordingly, that may limit how much he should reduce your nasal bridge. Similarly, making the alae (sides of the nose) too small can also make the nasal tip appear too large. A balanced approach is critical to creating a harmonious outcome.
- Dr. Lam uses 3D Vectra imaging preoperatively to show you how your nose would appear after a rhinoplasty. Although imaging does not provide you with a perfect reproduction of your nose after a procedure, it gives you a very accurate portrait of what is possible and provides a platform for discussion and dialogue with Dr. Lam.

FAQs
What is the nature of the procedure and recovery process?
The splint comes off within a week and all sutures (stitches) dissolve over a week or two. You will be able to return to work in most cases after the first week. The tiny stitches that remain are typically hard to see to the casual observer. At night you will have to tape the nose between 1 to 3 months. Taping the nose will help reduce swelling, minimize swelling that may occur in the morning, reduce the risk of scar tissue under the skin’s surface, and speed up the result of seeing the refinement to the nasal tip. Depending on your skin thickness Dr. Lam will instruct you on how long to tape the nose at night. For the first few days after the splint comes off, you should wear the tape if you are resting at home. Otherwise, just wear the tape at night. If you miss one or two nights of taping that is not a big deal. Dr. Lam will provide you with the tape and show you how to do it. He has an instructional video on YouTube and his website if you forget (just search “how to tape a nose after rhinoplasty Dr. Lam”).
Can I wear glasses after a rhinoplasty?
When can I work out after my procedure?
Does Dr. Lam make any external incisions on my nose?
For Asian rhinoplasty, what techniques does he have to raise my bridge?
Can Dr. Lam perform an injectable rhinoplasty?
How often does Dr. Lam want to see me after a rhinoplasty?
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The total cost of Rhinoplasty surgery is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Lam Facial Plastics today to schedule a consultation for your Rhinoplasty in Plano, Tx. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Contact us today!
Your Rhinoplasty will be performed by Dr. Lam' surgery center located in Plano, TX.
I highly recommend Dr. Lam. He is a perfectionist and took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the procedure in detail. His staff has always been warm and welcoming from the day of my consultation, throughout the procedure and follow-up appointments. I am very happy with the results of my procedure! Thank you, Dr. Lam!
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