A nose, which is too large, too small, deviated or out of proportion to the rest of the face, can be altered surgically, not only to look better but often to enable better breathing. Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase 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. While the greatest number of rhinoplasty procedures are performed in the younger age groups, excellent results are obtained in patients in their fifties, sixties and beyond.

Most rhinoplasties are performed because the patient desires improved appearance and/or nasal function. Some patients have deformities on the inside of the nose that impair breathing and can cause headaches or sinus trouble which cannot be satisfactorily corrected without also straightening the external nose. Rhinoplasty entails removing excess bone or cartilage and/or augmenting areas of the nose deficient in bone or cartilage. The nose is then repositioned and reshaped to correct the deformity of the external and internal nose and the skin is allowed to redrape over the newly shaped framework to give the nose its new appearance. Typically, rhinoplasty renders excellent results with no external scarring.

Dr. Alford strives for subtle yet effective results for his rhinoplasty patients. His goal is to produce a nose that appears natural, functions properly and is in balance and harmony with the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty requires a high degree of artistry on the part of the surgeon but, regardless of the skill a surgeon brings to the procedure, rhinoplasty is limited in its ultimate result based upon facial contour and shape, skin texture and thickness, the inclination of the chin, lips and forehead, the depth of the angle between the forehead and the nose, and other factors. In some cases, it is necessary to augment the chin or perform additional surgery to achieve the desired facial balance and symmetry.

The Texas Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery uses advanced technology computer imaging as an educational tool to allow you and Dr. Alford to see a realistic potential outcome of your surgery. This allows you the opportunity to "see" the possible results of surgery and provide feedback to Dr. Alford as to what you like and dislike about the result. This valuable educational interaction allows you and Dr. Alford to clearly understand the goals and possibilities of any nasal surgery and to become equal partners in your care.