PATIENTS
WELL INFORMED PATIENTS TENDS TO BE MORE SATISFIED
LEARN MORE ABOUT RHINOPLASTY
Understanding and clearly articulating the changes you require with regards your nose will greatly assist the rhinoplasty surgeons to assess if the results are plausible or not. Having a consultation with an expert surgeon is the first step towards gaining understanding of the process.
PRIMARY RHINOPLASTY
The term rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, refers to a surgical procedure done to change the structure of the nose. Primary is used to denote the first or initial experience one has ever had. Primary rhinoplasty would therefore imply the first rhinoplasty procedure that a patient has ever had. Any subsequent rhinoplasties undertaken to correct imperfections are termed revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasties can be secondary, tertiary etc. depending on the number of prior rhinoplasties the patient has had. With each revision the surgery gets even more challenging and the outcomes less predictable.
The goal of primary rhinoplasty can be to improve the external appearance of the nose (known as cosmetic rhinoplasty) or to improve a breathing (termed functional rhinoplasty) or a combination of the two.
WHAT IS ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is an all encompassing term referring to rhinoplasty done on patients of non-caucasian descent. This group includes African (Black) , Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian, mixed ethnicities. Therefore the term ethnic rhinoplasty doesn’t exclusively refer to rhinoplasty done on African patients. Ethnic rhinoplasty puts emphasis of attaining the best aesthetic outcome while balancing it with the patients ethnicity. This approach ensures harmony and a non-operated look which most patients desire.
HOW IS RHINOPLASTY PERFORMED?
Rhinoplasty is performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia. The operation entails elevating the skin envelope.The operation is performed by elevating the skin from the underlying structures, and then altering the bone and cartilage that makes up the structural aspects of the nose. The skin is then set back down on to the structures and the nose is left to heal. All Surgeons have different methods and surgical techniques of performing primary rhinoplasty. However, two major approaches distinguish the post-operative healing course in this operating. Some surgeons prefer to perform primary rhinoplasty by making incisions inside the nostrils and working on the underlying structures through these incisions. Others prefer to perform an open rhinoplasty and make an incision in the columella that allows direct visualization of the structures of the nose by lifting the entire skin envelope.
The results expected depend on the surgeon and the patient’s desires. Certain results are possible and others are not. Therefore, it is up to the surgeon to listen to the patient’s desired results and then let them know if those results are possible or unattainable. Ensuring the patient will achieve their desired with minimal chances of revision surgery is what makes a rhinoplasty operation successful.
MAKING THE DECISION
The decision to have a rhinoplasty should begin with understanding the goal of the surgery and evaluating if this goal is attainable or not. Rhinoplasty is an operation which includes preoperative analysis, operative planning, and surgical execution. Having a consultation with an expert surgeon is the first step towards gaining understanding of the process.
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It is helpful for you to assess the appearance of your nose and communicate to your surgeon exactly what you want to change about your nasal appearance. A rhinoplasty procedure may involve surgery for a deviated nasal septum, correction of a fractured nose, or reconstruction of a congenital or birth defect. Rhinoplasty can have a profound effect upon your life. Re-shaping your nose by making it smaller or larger, refining the nasal tip and removing excess cartilage from the bridge of the nose are some of the commonly performed surgical procedures during a rhinoplasty.
In addition to improving one’s appearance, rhinoplasty may also benefit those who suffer from difficulty breathing through their nose, allowing for an improved airflow through the nostrils. If you are interested in this procedure and would like to learn more about it, please contact one of our expert surgeons.
OPEN
RHINOPLASTY
rhinoplastyThis technique is also known as structural rhinoplasty. For an “open” rhinoplasty, a small incision is made under the nasal tip, between the nostrils. This approach allows the cosmetic surgeon more complete access to the nasal structures, where he or she can then sculpt the nose into the desired shape. Because of this increased access, cosmetic surgeons will typically use the open rhinoplasty approach for patients requiring more extensive reshaping. The resulting scars are well-hidden in the natural contours of the nose so they are as inconspicuous as possible.
CLOSED
RHINOPLASTY
For a “closed” rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostril. This approach is most commonly used for patients who need more minor adjustments to the nasal structures to achieve their desired improvements. The advantage of closed rhinoplasty is that there is no visible scarring after surgery; however, this approach may not be suitable for more extensive rhinoplasty procedures.
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PRESERVATION
RHINOPLASTY
This technique is also referred to as a dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. The technique iadvocates minimal disruption of the the soft tissue envelope, including the nasal ligaments and the osseocartilaginous vault. The preferable access incision would be that of a closed rhinoplasty. The advantage of this technique is less postoperative morbidity (swelling, numbness) and revisions are far simpler (less scar tissue) when compared to conventional techniques.
TIPLASTY
RHINOPLASTY
A “tiplasty” refers to the area of reshaping, rather than the incision techniques. As you might have guessed, tiplasty involves reshaping the nasal tip only, without affecting the other nasal structures. Cosmetic surgeons may use the open or closed approach for tiplasty.
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"EVERY RHINOPLASTY IS DIFFERENT, AND WETHER AN OPEN OR CLOSED SURGERY IS THE BETTER CHOICE DEPENDS ON THE SHAPE AND STRUCTURE OF THE NOSE."
