Rhinoplasty

Introduction to Rhinoplasty

Because of its location in the centre of the face, the nose has a great influence in facial aesthetics and attractiveness. Generally, a nose that has a refined tip, and a straight and symmetric profile that blends elegantly into the face is considered attractive. Rhinoplasty is a general term that refers to the various procedures to correct and modify the shape and form of the nose. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed worldwide. Rhinoplasty aims to reshape the nose so that the nose matches and enhances the overall facial profile. Rhinoplasty may involve reshaping the tip of the nose,  the nose bridge, nostrils, columella, and the skin and soft tissues of the nose.

Based on the method used, rhinoplasty can be categorized into surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty includes filler injection and thread lifting of the nose (see Filler and Thread Lift). Non-surgical rhinoplasty procedures are simpler to perform and the recovery is faster. These non-surgical procedures can produce minor enhancement to the nose in simple case. In addition, for more demanding cases, non-surgical rhinoplasty may not be able to provide satisfactory results.

Surgical rhinoplasty, or usually simply known as rhinoplasty, is a nose reshaping procedure that involves surgery. Based on the surgical approach in regards to the location of incision and exposure of the nose, surgical rhinoplasty can be divided into closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty.

In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made entirely inside both the nostrils and access to the nose is gained through these incisions. Closed rhinoplasty is suitable for cases that require minor to moderate correction and reshaping, such as augmentation of the nasal bridge or minor refinement of the nasal tip. The advantages of closed rhinoplasty are shorter operating time, less swelling, and faster recovery time. Since the incisions are made within the nostrils, there will be no visible external scarring. However, because of the limited exposure and access, closed rhinoplasty may not be suitable for cases that require complex reshaping and major changes to the nose.

Open rhinoplasty involves an additional incision to the columella besides the incisions within the nostrils. This additional columellar incision enables the skin of the nose to be lifted to open up the nose. The main advantage of the open rhinoplasty over the closed rhinoplasty is that it offers a much better exposure and visualization of the internal structures of the nose. This enables the surgeon to manipulate and alter internal nasal structures with great control and precision. Open rhinoplasty is a versatile rhinoplasty approach that can address a wide range of nose conditions effectively, such as correction of a bulbous nose, short nose, upturned nose, deviated nose, and refinement of the nose tip (tip-plasty).

The selection of which procedure to perform in nose reshaping depends on various factors. These include the changes of the nose that the patient desires, the anatomy of the individual’s nose, the presence of existing abnormalities of the nose, history of previous nose surgery, and the preference of the patient. Each case of rhinoplasty is unique and needs to be assessed and planned individually and carefully. Proper discussion between the patient and the surgeon is important to ensure a good understanding regarding treatment options and the anticipated outcome.