face procedures
Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure aimed at reshaping the nose and enhancing definition.
Rhinoplasty can increase or reduce the size of the nose, alter the shape of the tip, bridge, and nostrils, adjust the angle between the nose and upper lip and straighten the septum through septoplasty.
However, it is important to note that there are limitations to how much the nose can be altered. The final outcome depends on factors such as the size of your nose, the thickness of your skin, and your age.
Why Have Rhinoplasty?
Many individuals feel self-conscious about the shape of their nose and opt for rhinoplasty for aesthetic purposes. The primary goal of this procedure is to enhance the appearance of your nose and boost your self-confidence. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of what aspects of your nose you are dissatisfied with and effectively communicate this to your surgeon. By doing so, your surgeon can provide you with information on what can and cannot be achieved through surgery.
Rhinoplasty is commonly performed to address various concerns:
- reduce a hump on the bridge of the nose
- reshape the tip of the nose
- alter the length or width of the nose
- adjust the width of the nostrils
Additionally, some individuals may choose rhinoplasty due to a nose injury resulting from an accident, such as a break or bend. Furthermore, there are patients who experience breathing difficulties related to their nasal airways and may opt for septoplasty. In such cases, rhinoplasty is considered reconstructive rather than purely cosmetic. In certain instances, septoplasty can be performed simultaneously with cosmetic nose enhancements.
How is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?
Rhinoplasty can be conducted through two different methods. The first method, known as closed rhinoplasty, involves operating from inside the nostrils. Alternatively, open rhinoplasty involves making a small incision between the nostrils and lifting the skin. The specific approach taken during the operation depends on the particular area of the nose being treated. Consequently, the resulting scar may appear as a straight line, a V-shape, or a zigzag pattern.
Changing the bridge of the nose
If the bridge of the nose is being operated on, your surgeon will remove the bone and cartilage responsible for the nasal ‘hump’. Subsequently, the nose may undergo a controlled fracture to reposition the remaining bone fragments closer to each other, resulting in a narrower nasal appearance.
Changing the tip of the nose
If the tip of the nose is being operated on, it is necessary to partially remove or reshape the cartilage that provides support underneath. This can be achieved through either closed or open rhinoplasty procedures.
Changing the length of the nose
Your surgeon will adjust and reduce the septum in order to shrink the tip and overall length of the nose. Additionally, altering the cartilage at the tip of the nose can also result in a reduction in nose length. Undergoing an open rhinoplasty and nostril width adjustment surgery may result in a noticeable scar.
Changing the width of the nose
The width of the nose can be altered by your surgeon through a procedure that involves breaking the bone and repositioning it to achieve a narrower appearance.
Increasing the bridge or tip of the nose
Surgeons can enhance the bridge or tip of the nose by utilising bone, cartilage, or an implant to modify the shape of a ‘flat’ bridge or tip. This procedure is known as augmentation rhinoplasty or additional rhinoplasty. The bone or cartilage can be sourced from the nose itself (the nasal bone or the septum), or from other places like the rib, hip, or ear.
Changing the septum
In the event that your nose has been flattened due to an injury, it is possible that the septum has become buckled, resulting in difficulties with breathing. This issue can be addressed either the same time or as a separate operation.
Our Doctors
Michael McBride FRCS (Plast)
