Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), nasal cosmetic surgery, is performed to improve the nose aesthetically - making it harmonize better with the other facial features - while maintaining or improving function. Because it is the most defining feature of the face, the size and shape of the nose has a significant impact on a person's appearance.

Some patients want their nose to be straight, others want the nostrils narrowed, and others say their nose sticks out to far from their face. Because the nasal tip loses support as we age, some patients are surprised to realize how significantly rhinoplasty contributes to a more youthful appearance. Once thought a beauty procedure sought by only wealthy women, men in today's competitive corporate workplace are increasingly seeking rhinoplasty to improve self-confidence and restore a younger look.

When discussing rhinoplasty the best place to start is by looking at before and after photos to see just what can be accomplished. As you will see in the photos, patients often ask to combine a rhinoplasty with a brow lift for correction of frown lines between the eyes or blepharoplasty for improvements in bags under the eyes. Chin implants, cheek implants, otoplasty (ear surgery), lip augmentation surgery and facelifts can also be performed in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Many patients seek information about improving superficial skin wrinkles with a chemical peel, laser surgery or similar skin resurfacing procedure.

When patients come to our office seeking facial plastic surgery, it's not uncommon for them to focus on a single aspect of their appearance rather than the overall picture. A board certified facial plastic surgeon, trained to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery exclusively on faces and necks, knows that his responsibility is to evaluate not only the areas of concern but also the motivation behind the requests. It goes without saying a rhinoplasty won't save a failing marriage. Similarly some patients not ready for cosmetic surgery are better served with conservative measures, such as Botox for fine lines and wrinkles or Collagen for crows feet. Patients who educate themselves know when and if the time is right to proceed.

At your initial consultation, we will evaluate the soft tissue and bony architecture as well as the form and function of your nose. An overall assessment of the face provides the basis for what one may expect from rhinoplasty. Skin type, ethnic background and age, along with the degree of deformity and function are important factors influencing the outcome of surgery. As with all facial plastic surgery, a thorough health assessment and realistic expectations are prerequisites.

Your understanding of procedures and routines is essential to a successful final result. Before we proceed to preoperative routines, we want to take a moment to include those patients who are referred to us for revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty - a term no one wants to hear! Whether due to trauma following original rhinoplasty, disease, pre-existing conditions or surgeon error, revision rhinoplasty occurs from 2-5% in any plastic surgeon's practice.

Although the preoperative and postoperative instructions for revision rhinoplasty are the same as for the primary (first-time) rhinoplasty patient, revision rhinoplasty has its own set of special considerations. If you are a patient seeking revision rhinoplasty, please a moment to scroll to review special considerations for revision rhinoplasty. Including revision rhinoplasty in our procedure instructions also brings up a very important point.

Facial plastic surgeons (board certified reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons that concentrate exclusively on the face and neck) are specialty trained to perform rhinoplasty, the most challenging of all cosmetic surgery. Not every plastic surgeon is trained in rhinoplasty and not all surgeons have the skill to perform rhinoplasty. More than any other cosmetic surgery, we highly recommend that you do your homework in selecting a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty. And if you are seeking revision rhinoplasty surgery, your thorough investigation before selecting a surgeon is critical. How do you do this? Start with our how to Select a Plastic Surgeon.

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For more information about this procedure, call 585.244.1000 or send us a message.