Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Nose Surgery Overview Recovery Possible Complications	Frequent Questions Before & After Photos $50 Consultation Certificate

Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) is concerned with the external appearance as well as the internal function of your entire nose. Do you have a bothersome bump or wide nostrils? Do you have a large tip? Do your nostrils droop? Do you experience trouble breathing? The purpose of this procedure is to enhance your looks and to maintain or improve your ability to breathe through your nose.

Your surgeon's sense of aesthetics, understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nose and technical abilities are the most important determinants of the final appearance and function of your nose shaping procedure. However, your final outcome is not completely under the control of the surgeon. It will be influenced by variables such as thickness and shape of your bones and cartilage, quality and thickness of your skin, your overall facial shape, age and heredity factors.

In some cases, patients who visit our centers are surprised when the surgeon recommends treatment for a receeding chin rather than a rhinoplasty. It is quite common to perform chin augmentation alone or in combination with rhinoplasty to balance facial features.

Tip Augmentation

If you believe the tip of your nose is too bulbous or flat, the fullness can be reduced by removing cartilage from the inside of the nose. Projection can be extended by using cartilage from the ear or nasal septum grafted to the nose tip. Nasal tip surgery allows you to have a narrower nose with a better defined tip.

Columellar Reduction or Augmentation

The Columella is the area on the under of the nose between the nostrils. On some people, the Columella sticks out from the underside of the nose. This can be resolved by making a small incision inside the nose and lifting the Columella so it is less visible and protrusive. Columellar augmentation procedures are performed most frequently on Asian noses.

Dorsal Reduction or Augmentation

Dorsal surgery involves manipulating the nose to either give a bridge or reduce a lump. Some people tend to have a significant amount of cartilage on the bridge, which gives the nose a hump-like appearance. This can be easily remedied with dorsal reduction. An incision is made inside the nose and the cartilage on the bridge and bone of the nose is reduced. The result is a smoother natural slope to the nose. Dorsal augmentation is commonly performed to enhance the bridge of Asian noses.

Minimizing Nostril Flair

Another common concern people share about their nose pertains to the flair or width of their nostrils. A narrow nose can be obtained with a procedure that removes tissues at the corners of the nostrils. This procedure decreases the flare of the nostrils and creates a narrower looking nose. This procedure is often referred to as minimizing wedges.

Rhinoplasty for Breathing Problems

Your ability to breathe depends in part on the anatomical configuration inside your nose--including the condition of the nasal septum (cartilage that divides your internal nose into two chambers, a left and a right) as well as the nasal turbinates (tissue along the sides of the nasal wall that function as baffles). Your surgeon will examine the inside of your nose to determine the condition of your septum and turbinates. If your breathing may be improved by straightening your septum or reducing the size of your turbinates, your surgeon will let you know.

Previous injuries, allergies, heredity, emotions and seasonal changes also influence your ability to breathe. If you have a breathing problem, your surgeon will evaluate these and other factors at the time of consultation.

Click here to request a certificate good for a Free Rhinoplasty Consultation and a chance to discuss your desired outcome with our surgeon.