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Rhinoplasty in Houston, TX

Changing the shape and appearance of your nose can be transformative.

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with advanced training in rhinoplasty and complex nasal surgery, Dr. Sean Delaney helps patients achieve natural, balanced nasal refinement while preserving both facial harmony and nasal function. At Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, rhinoplasty is approached with the same precision, artistry, and commitment to patient care that have defined the practice for decades.

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What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a highly individualized procedure designed to improve the shape, proportion, and function of the nose. Patients may seek rhinoplasty to smooth a dorsal hump, refine the nasal tip, improve a crooked appearance, adjust projection, narrow the bridge, reduce nostril flare, or create better overall balance with the face.

During your rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Delaney performs a comprehensive evaluation of the external nose as well as the septum, nasal valves, turbinates, and internal nasal airway.

Comprehensive Rhinoplasty with FPSA includes Septoplasty, which is the correction of a deviated septum, and Inferior Turbinate Reduction, as recommended by Dr. Delaney during your consultation.

What is Septoplasty and Inferior Turbinate Reduction?

It is extremely common that patients also experience some degree of nasal obstruction as a result of a deviated septum and/or enlarged turbinates.

It is quite common that Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, and Inferior Turbinate Reduction are performed at the same time. A septoplasty corrects a deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the bone and cartilage that separates the nose into two chambers, is shifted away from the midline. This can cause one or both of the nasal passages to be constricted, which can lead to breathing problems, congestion, or nasal discharge. The most common symptom is trouble breathing through the nose, which is often worse on one side. As a key structural portion of your nose, a significantly deviated septum can also affect the appearance of the nose and is frequently associated with a crooked nose.

The inferior turbinates play a major part in regulating airflow. Their function is to help moisturize, filter, and warm incoming air. Persistent enlargement of the turbinates takes up valuable space and can cause nasal obstruction.

Why should I select Dr. Delaney for my Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Sean Delaney is double board-certified in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, giving him specialized training in both nasal appearance and nasal function. His rhinoplasty approach emphasizes natural refinement, structural support, long-term stability, and facial harmony.

Dr. Delaney trained directly under Dr. Russell Kridel, one of the most respected rhinoplasty surgeons in the country. That mentorship shaped the practice’s continued emphasis on meticulous technique, honest counseling, and individualized nasal surgery.

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What is the surgical technique that

Dr. Delaney use for Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful analysis of nasal shape, facial balance, skin thickness, support, and breathing function. Dr. Sean Delaney uses precise, tailored surgical techniques designed to achieve natural, balanced results while preserving long-term structural support.

There are two primary surgical approaches to rhinoplasty: open and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision placed discreetly between the nostrils, allowing improved visualization of the nasal framework and greater precision for more complex cases. The incision typically heals extremely well and is usually difficult to detect. Closed rhinoplasty, also known as endonasal rhinoplasty, places all incisions inside the nostrils with no visible external scar. This approach may be appropriate in select patients with less complex structural concerns.

Whenever possible, Dr. Delaney emphasizes preservation of healthy nasal tissue and structural support while customizing the procedure to each patient’s anatomy and goals. Depending on the areas being addressed, a variety of advanced rhinoplasty techniques may be used to refine the bridge, tip, projection, symmetry, and overall facial harmony.

The most appropriate surgical approach and techniques depend on the complexity of each individual nose and are determined during a thorough consultation and examination.

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Inside Your Rhinoplasty Consultation: What to Expect?

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How a facial plastic surgeon sees your nasal anatomy

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FPSA Pore Extraction Facial For Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty Recovery: Insight on what to expect after surgery and tips for a smoother recovery

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Why Rhinoplasty is Dr. Delaney’s favorite surgery to perform

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How does a facial plastic surgeon look at the inside of the nose

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When does the splint come off after rhinoplasty?

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Fixing A Crooked Nose

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Rhinoplasty: The Day After… and Home Aftercare

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Timing Your Rhinoplasty Planning for Your Big Day

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Rhinoplasty Case Study

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How Human Evolution Shaped the Crooked Nose

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Am I a good candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Every patient interested in Rhinoplasty has a special story, a reason they believe their nose is not becoming to them.  Rhinoplasty can be a life changing surgery.  However, it is also one of the most technically difficult facial plastic procedures.  Healthy, positive thinking patients of every ethnicity from the age of 16 and up are overall the best candidates for Rhinoplasty.  Dr. Delaney does not operate on patients with a currently active history of smoking, vaping, or using illicit drugs, because these activities significantly compromise the healing process.

What can I expect at my consultation?

Our Rhinoplasty consultations are quite comprehensive, you can expect to be with us for an hour or so. When you first arrive, a Team FPSA member will take your photograph at multiple angles and will also review your medical history and patient information forms with you.

Dr. Sean Delaney was first board certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, as well as in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, so they will examine the inside of your nose as well as the outside.  They can determine whether or not your septum is deviated or inferior turbinates are compromised.  Dr. Delaney makes it a priority to make sure you can breathe better as well as making sure your nose looks better.  Many of our patients also benefit from a Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum and Inferior Turbinate Reduction to improve breathing, along with a Rhinoplasty.  All of these procedures can be performed at the same time so separate surgeries will not be needed.

During your Rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Delaney will ask you what bothers you about your nose and any other features, such as your chin or jawline. The surgeon will also ask you to share what you would like to see changed.  They will also review your medical history. Based on your discussion and agreed upon goal for surgery, we will digitally morph your photos so that you can visualize the potential results from surgery.  Dr. Delaney will review the imaged photos with you and revise if needed to make sure that you share the same aesthetic vision. Of course, every person heals differently and there is no such thing as perfection, but Dr. Delaney  bring the imaged photos into surgery with them so that he can come as close as possible to your surgical goal. Very few plastic surgeons do this. You will have the opportunity to share all your questions and concerns with your surgeon during your consultation.  In addition, one of our patient concierges will accompany you every step of the way as your guide throughout your consultation. Your concierge will review before and after photos, educational materials specific to Rhinoplasty, and provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan and also answer questions you may have prior to booking your surgery.

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When is my pre-operative appointment?

Once you have decided to proceed with your Rhinoplasty, your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible. At this appointment, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions, review and sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment.  You will also receive the list of your prescriptions. Most of our patients find that using our Capsule Pharmacy service in advance of the pre-op is quite convenient because all prescriptions will be delivered to our office and ready for you at the pre-op appointment.

Dr. Delaney also believes that having healthier skin at the time of surgery will also help the healing process.  Since you will have a splint on your nose for the first week, we provide patients with a complimentary nasal pore extraction treatment with our medical esthetician, Maria Alanis at your pre-op appointment. No other plastic surgery practice in Houston provides this complimentary service. Patients also receive a lovely beauty kit with post-operative supplies, hair towel and eye mask. At this appointment, patients like to select skin care products appropriate for pre-operative and post-operative skin health and optimal healing.

Before Your Rhinoplasty

What do I need to do before surgery?

With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.

Dr. Delaney does not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect on the healing process. Surgery can be canceled if drug tests prior to surgery indicate usage.

We recommend that patients avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar.  Some patients eat pineapple for the anti-inflammatory effect of its naturally occurring Bromelain. We recommend taking Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin C supplements 5 days before the surgery and 1 week following surgery.   It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure.

Can I combine Rhinoplasty with other procedures?

During your consultation, Dr. Delaney examines your nose along with your face as a whole to provide the ideal treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goal.  For some patients, additional procedures, such as a Chin Implant (also known as Chin Augmentation) or Submental Liposuction, can provide the most optimal and balanced results. Dr. Delaney commonly performs these procedures at the same time as Rhinoplasty surgery.

Some patients also take the opportunity to make additional improvements of the eyelids and brows at the same time as their Rhinoplasty so that there is just one recovery period.

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DAY OF SURGERY

What happens on the day of surgery?

Rhinoplasty is an out-patient procedure performed under general anesthesia at Hermann Surgery Center Kirby Glen and typically takes approximately 3.5~4 hours to complete.  You should have nothing to eat or drink (not even water, candy, or gum) after midnight the night before your procedure. Patients should arrive approximately 1.5 hours prior to the start time on the day of surgery. You should wear a button-up top or loose-fitting clothing to allow you to change easily without placing unnecessary pressure or stress on the nasal area. You will need an adult driver on the day of your surgery to bring you to the surgery center and to take you home.

What can I expect right after Rhinoplasty surgery?

Dr. Delaney does not utilize uncomfortable Doyle splints. Instead, special soft material is placed inside your nose to hold the newly repositioned tissue in place. You will be seen the very next day in our office, and the material will be removed. You will need to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first several days to a week after surgery.

Our patients often comment that the discomfort is far less than they expected. Most patients feel very little pain immediately after surgery but may experience some discomfort later in the evening or the next day or so.  We prescribe pain medications to help you feel more comfortable.  However, we have found that most patients transition to Tylenol after 24-36 hours.

What is the recovery period for Rhinoplasty?

Our surgical techniques and pre-operative and post-operative care are designed to minimize bruising and help the healing process. Swelling will take place, along with some bruising, but the majority subsides within a few weeks. When your splint comes off after 5-7 days, you will see noticeable improvement, but there will still be swelling. You will also notice improvement in your breathing.

It takes approximately 3 months for about 80% of the swelling to go down. Your nose will continue to look better and better over the months to come until you see the final result “settle in” within a year.

Most patients feel like themselves after just a few days. As a general rule of thumb, patients can return to work after a week to two weeks, after the splint and compression tape comes off.

Dr. Delaney will be with you every step of the way during your journey.  We will see you multiple times over the first two weeks, and also at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Our high standard of patient care, including follow-up care, is unparalleled in Houston.

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How do I find the best Rhinoplasty surgeon for me?

Rhinoplasty surgery is the most complex and difficult surgery of the face. It is important that patients select a facial plastic surgery specialist who is familiar with the anatomy and has extensive training and experience specific to nasal surgery. If nasal surgery is unsuccessful, the impact can be devastating to patients and expensive to repair.

Dr. Delaney is board-certified in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, so they have a unique knowledge of the function, anatomy, and the aesthetics of the nose. With our surgeon, you are in the hands of award-winning expert recognized by other physicians for his expertise and he has published extensively in scientific medical journals and textbooks on Rhinoplasty. Needless to say, you will be in the best of hands when your trust your face to our expert, Dr. Delaney .

There is much, much more to selecting your Rhinoplasty surgeon than reviews and media posts.  We have provided a handy guide of the 10 best questions when selecting a surgeon for your Rhinoplasty.

Can my Ethnicity be preserved?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a procedure that can be performed on individuals of every ethnicity. With skill and precision, Dr. Delaney makes great effort to ensure that your ethnic heritage is preserved during surgery.

The surgeon’s primary focus is to create an aesthetic result that the patient desires while working within the confines of an individual’s nasal structure, which varies by ethnicity. During your comprehensive consultation, you will share your goals for surgery, including the amount of transformation desired.  Based on your discussion with your surgeon, one of our FPSA Team members will image your digital photo taken during your visit so that you can visualize the goal for surgery and feel comfortable that the surgical goal maintains the level of ethnicity you desire.

Learn more about Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Can RHINOPLASTY IMPROVE MY NASAL FUNCTION?

Although Rhinoplasty is commonly sought for cosmetic enhancement, it can also help with improving nasal function.

For those dealing with persistent congestion, breathing difficulties, or structural nasal concerns, Functional Rhinoplasty can help restore healthy airflow—while also offering the opportunity to enhance the nose’s appearance.

Learn more about Functional Rhinoplasty

Does insurance cover surgery?

Insurance does not cover Rhinoplasty because it is an elective, cosmetic procedure. Most patients also have Septoplasty surgery to correct a septal deviation and Inferior Turbinate Reduction to correct other functional medical conditions.  Dr. Delaney does not accept insurance and is considered an out-of-network provider.

IS RHINOPLASTY PAINFUL?

Not as much as you might think.  With the advanced surgical techniques that are used by Houston Rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Sean Delaney, the majority of our patients tell us that they experience only mild discomfort after surgery.  Dr. Delaney will also prescribe medication that will keep you comfortable, in case you need it.

Fully Accredited

On-Site Surgical Facility

Dr. Sean Delaney and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.

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