Every rhinoplasty is, in its way, unique. Every patient has their own particular needs, and there are many factors to consider.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, you should start by considering these factors. There are among some of the most common conditions rhinoplasty can rectify.
Nose or Bridge Reduction?
Many rhinoplasties have a goal of nose reduction. However, what that means can depend on your goal when entering your consultation. Your nose is made up of both harder cartilage and softer flesh – known as “soft tissue.”
Suppose you want the actual bridge of your nose to be adjusted. In that case, this will require an operation that alters the cartilage – this might require external incisions or an open rhinoplasty procedure. On the other hand, if you only need the tip or nostrils adjusted through nose reduction, you may only need incisions within the nose itself.
Essentially, if you have any distinctive feature of your nose that you would like to be less pronounced, you should consider a nose reduction rhinoplasty of any type.
Wide or Big Nose?
Some patients have a hard time outlining a specific feature of their nose that they want to be adjusted. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable approaching a plastic surgeon if you can’t quite articulate the issue.
Many people simply have a nose that is too wide or large for their face – better known as a “bulbous nose.” A wide or big nose can be caused by an overabundance of soft tissue or because of weak cartilage.
Thankfully, corrective rhinoplasty can resolve these issues. Cartilage reshaping or grafts can help give a more defined profile to your nose, and the soft tissue can be reduced and trimmed. This will provide you with a much sleeker profile and not make your nose an overly prominent facial feature.
Do You Have an Overprojected Nasal Tip?
Most of the nose works well for some patients, but they feel they have an over projected nasal tip. Such a feature can quickly become a distraction for many patients. Having at least some of a nasal tip is vital since this helps define the nostrils and allows for adequate airflow. Many patients know this and worry about any adjustments to the nasal tip.
However, there are many safe rhinoplasty surgeries to help reduce an over projected tip. These simply require some incisions in the nasal tip to help reduce the projection of the soft tissue.
Adjustments to the shape of the cartilage in the bridge of the nose can also give similar results.
Do You Need Nostril Revision?
Sometimes you are looking for relief after a previous rhinoplasty gave some unintended side effects. With a trusted rhinoplasty surgeon, this should, of course, not happen. However, you may have had a rhinoplasty that was too aggressive in removing tissue, leading to breathing issues.
Thankfully, a skilled plastic surgeon, especially one that specializes in revision procedures, can solve this through nostril revision.
Rhinoplasty can be about addition as well as subtraction. Cartilage from the patient’s body, including even the rib cage, can be used to perform a nostril revision, giving the nose a complete shape and helping return normal breathing.
Do You Need a Botched Nose Job Fixed?
A botched nose job can be an embarrassing issue – but there are many options. You need to consider that many nose jobs take a while to heal and give the final shape entirely.
Patience is often the best cure.
If you do need another rhinoplasty, your choices depend on what you desire in a follow-up surgery.
If you simply want even more of a nose reduction, that is an easy fix with a second rhinoplasty. If you felt too much was taken off, you may need a surgical graft to return some of the removed cartilage.
The most important thing is to find a rhinoplasty surgeon who will listen closely to your concerns and be upfront about what you can expect.
Have More Questions?
Dr. Richard Rival is a board-certified Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Rival can help with your revision rhinoplasty, an overprojected tip, as well as other cosmetic surgery or plastic surgery needs.
Are you looking to schedule a consultation for nose surgery or to reduce the size of your nose? Just like to learn more about rhinoplasty in general? Feel free to contact us – we’re happy to help!