How is Rhinoplasty Done?

Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or improving the nose, can be performed using two primary approaches:

• Closed Rhinoplasty: This method involves making incisions inside the nostrils, which leaves no visible external scars. It is less invasive and is often chosen for less complex cases or when the desired changes are limited.

• Open Rhinoplasty: This approach involves an additional small incision along the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils. This method provides the surgeon with a better view and access to the nasal structures, making it suitable for more complex procedures or significant reshaping.

The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the procedure, the extent of the changes needed, and the surgeon’s preference.

Surgical Procedure

The rhinoplasty surgery typically involves several steps:

1. Incision and Access: Depending on the chosen approach, the surgeon makes the necessary incisions either inside the nostrils (closed) or along the columella (open).

2. Reshaping the Nose: The surgeon reshapes the nasal bones, cartilage, and surrounding tissues. Techniques may include:

   • Removing Excess Tissue: This can involve trimming or resection of excess skin or cartilage.
   • Reconstructing the Nasal Skeleton: This may involve repositioning or reshaping the nasal bones and cartilage to achieve the desired shape.
   • Adding Implants or Grafts: Synthetic implants or grafts from the patient’s own body (such as cartilage from the ear or septum) may be used to enhance the nasal structure.

3. Supporting the New Shape: After reshaping, the surgeon may use nasal splints or packs to support and stabilize the newly shaped nose during the initial healing phase.

4. Closing the Incisions: The incisions are carefully closed with sutures. In open rhinoplasty, the columella incision is meticulously stitched to ensure minimal scarring.

The procedure usually takes several hours and is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and patient preferences. Postoperative care includes managing any swelling or bruising and following the surgeon’s instructions for recovery.

Aesthetic and Functional Benefits

Aesthetic Enhancement:

• Addressing Nasal Humps: The procedure can smooth out a pronounced back hump, creating a more streamlined appearance.
• Refining the Nasal Tip: Rhinoplasty can reshape a rounded or bulbous tip, giving it a more defined and attractive contour.
• Correcting Nasal Asymmetry: The surgery can correct any asymmetries in the nose, enhancing overall facial harmony.

Functional Improvement:

• Relieving Nasal Congestion: For patients with a deviated septum or narrow nasal passages, rhinoplasty can improve airflow and alleviate breathing difficulties.
• Restoring Nasal Function: By correcting structural issues, the procedure helps in restoring normal nasal function, which can be beneficial for overall health and well-being.

Personalized Approach

Rhinoplasty is a highly personalized procedure. Surgeons work closely with patients to:

• Understand Goals: During preoperative consultations, patients discuss their aesthetic and functional goals.
• Develop a Customized Plan: Based on the patient’s desires and anatomical features, a tailored surgical plan is created to achieve the best results while maintaining facial harmony.

Nose Augmentation

Nose augmentation involves enhancing the size or shape of the nose. This procedure is particularly sought by individuals who want:

• A More Defined Nose Bridge: To create a more prominent or refined nasal bridge.
• Increased Nasal Tip Projection: To improve the projection or definition of the nasal tip.
• Overall Nose Enhancement: For an increase in nose size or improved overall proportion.

Techniques Used

• Implants: Synthetic materials (e.g., silicone) or natural tissues (e.g., cartilage from the septum or ear) can be used as implants to augment specific areas of the nose.
• Grafts: Natural tissue grafts may be used to improve the nose’s shape and support its structure.
• Fillers: Temporary, non-surgical options like hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite can be injected to add volume or reshape the nose.