Rhinoplasty is the science and art of surgically reshaping the cartilage and bone to create the perfect nose you’ve always wanted. But many don’t realize that another integral physical factor in rhinoplasty is the thickness of your skin.
People of Eastern European or African heritage are more likely to have thicker skin. In general, men have thicker skin than women. Thin skin can be caused by too much exposure to the sun, genetics, and aging. Some medications may cause a thinning of the skin.
If you have either thicker or very thin skin, how will its condition affect your new nose and the outcome of your procedure?
How skin thickness affects your rhinoplasty surgery
Your skin’s thickness can dictate the approach taken during the surgery and may affect the outcome. Both thin and thick skin around the nose have their benefits and present their problems. A skilled surgeon Dr. Richard Rival will take time to assess the thickness of your skin when preparing for your procedure.
Effects of thin skin
Thin skin will more aptly display the bone and cartilage changes made by your surgeon. But there is a downside in that thin skin will more obviously display irregularities in the surgery. When the skin is very thin, the surgeon must take great care.
Two challenges for the surgeon are creating a smooth nasal bridge and crafting a symmetrical nasal tip. The surgeon may use grafting techniques like the temporalis fascia technique. This has been proven to produce satisfactory outcomes even for patients with paper-thin skin. The procedure involves taking tissue from the temporalis muscle and using it to build a symmetrical nose.
Effects of thick skin
Thicker skin hides any asymmetries or surgical problems, but it may camouflage the changes made to the nose. Thicker-skinned patients sometimes have thicker nostril rims and a broader nasal tip. These features make nasal tip refinement harder to achieve.
The surgeon has options for ensuring your nose will look how you always wanted. The surgeon may choose to emphasize and exaggerate the nasal tip cartilage to achieve a satisfactory effect. The skin can also be stretched and thinned to enhance the final appearance.
Here is a before and after of a man identified as having thick skin, showing a thinner and more defined nose:
Thick skin rhinoplasty recovery
Thick skin rhinoplasty generally takes longer to recover. While thin-skin rhinoplasty usually takes about six months to a year to heal, thick skin rhinoplasty patients often take one to two years for the tip to completely heal.
Though every patient is different and every recovery journey is different, many thick skinned rhinoplasty patients experience more swelling and for a more extended period. If the swelling continues, your surgeon may administer a steroid shot to help the healing process.
The good news is that thick skin rhinoplasty is no more painful and should be manageable with your prescribed pain medication. The early healing milestones are the same. The thick skin rhinoplasty patient will be able to return to work in about two weeks, and any stent will be removed in the first week.
Rhinoplasty nose jobs in Toronto
Both thick and thin-skinned rhinoplasties need a skilled surgeon with the experience and the technique to create a smooth, symmetrical nose for their client and who understands both skin types’ opportunities and pitfalls.
When choosing a surgeon, check the before and after photo gallery on their website. Ask for examples of work on patients identified as having thick skin or very thin skin. Ensure that your surgeon is certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and specializes exclusively in plastic surgery of the face and neck. Your surgeon should perform surgery in an accredited hospital or surgical facility.
If you’re online searching for “nose job Toronto,” make sure you choose the best rhinoplasty Toronto has to offer. Dr. Richard Rival is a highly experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who takes pride in listening to what his clients want and then takes the time to understand what his clients need. Request a consultation with Dr. Rival today.