RHINOPLASTY
“Rhinoplasty” refers to any procedure in which the nose is reshaped with the goal of improving either the breathing function or the nasal aesthetic. These two aspects of the nose are intertwined and cannot be separated from each other; the best rhinoplasty surgeons have dedicated their careers to understanding this relationship.
The best rhinoplasty surgeons also approach the operation with a keen eye for facial harmony, an understanding of the patient’s desires, and a respect for sociocultural, familial, or ethnic identity. The best rhinoplasty results occur when these factors are taken into account and used to form an individualized rhinoplasty plan.
There are a variety of reasons for which people consider a Rhinoplasty in New York City. But no matter your reason for needing a rhinoplasty, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Dibelius can help.
GOALS OF RHINOPLASTY SURGERY
There are several common goals of rhinoplasty, which range from facilitating breathing to improving appearance. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon may attempt to do one or more of the following:
- Remove a hump
- Modify the bridge
- Reshape the tip
- Reshape or resize the nostrils
- Repair an injury
- Open breathing passages
- Increase or decrease size
- Correct problems from a previous rhinoplasty or septoplasty
Rhinoplasty can involve modifying bone, skin or cartilage, or all three.
RHINOPLASTY: THE PROCEDURE
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Two techniques are typically used. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the columella, the skin bridge at the bottom of the nose between the nostrils. With both methods, the soft tissues covering the nose are gently lifted, and the bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape. The nose is then closed back up, and the tissues are allowed to heal over the newly created shape.
In order to make changes to the nose without creating weakness or collapse of the nose, cartilage or other tissue is often added to create sufficient nasal structure. Cartilage can be obtained from the nasal septum, or from more remote sites such as the ear or the rib cage in cases where a larger amount of cartilage is required. Which techniques will be required varies as each rhinoplasty patient is unique.
In order to determine which techniques will be needed in your specific case, it is important to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty.
“In rhinoplasty there is no separation of form from function – a beautiful nose should always breathe beautifully”
