Rhinoplasty Approaches
Los Angeles is home to millions of noses, and hence, thousands of nose-jobs (or rhinoplasties). Noses come in many sizes and shapes. Some small, some big, some wide, and some “pinched’.
In Beverly Hills, one would think that the main function of the nose is to provide rest for Gucci sunglasses. But the nose is much, much more than a designer sunglass holder (off Rodeo Drive, anyway). But one thing is true no matter where your nose lives. Noses are the centerpiece of the face.
Some noses have infrastructure that make breathing difficult. Rhinoplasty is surgery of the nose, either for cosmetic improvement of corrective breathing. It is a surgery of SUB-millimeters. Meaning, small changes make a BIG difference! For before and after rhinoplasty photos check out this gallery.
When it comes to the nose as an aesthetic part of the face, we must consider its units: dorsum, side walls, tip, ala (part around the nostril), columella (part between the nostrils), and its shape: big, wide, bulbous tip, etc. Depending on the ‘problem’, the nose can be approached surgically either ‘closed’, meaning incisions are hidden within the nasal passage, or ‘open’, meaning that the nose is approached with an incision over the columella.
I approach noses either open or closed depending on the surgical plan for its units. Generally, when the tip needs work, open approaches offer an advantage of better visibility and exposure to the tip. However, it can leave a tiny scar (usually not visible at conversation distance) on the columella and result in longer tip swelling.
The closed approach is best reserved for noses that need little to no tip work. And the swelling from a closed rhinoplasty has less significant swelling.
Today in the office, I saw a patient who asked some very good questions about her upcoming rhinoplasty. And it reminded me that patients are more informed than ever! Perhaps from too many late night blogs by bored plastic surgeons?
Dr. Tim Neavin is a board-certified plastic surgeon located in Beverly Hills, California.
