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Understanding Whether the Nose Needs to Be “Broken” During Rhinoplasty

Do Osteotomies Need to Be Performed in Rhinoplasty? | Dr. Kailash Narasimhan – St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay, FL

Understanding Whether the Nose Needs to Be “Broken” During Rhinoplasty

Patients commonly ask, “Do you have to break my nose during rhinoplasty?” The short answer is: Sometimes—only when necessary for the desired cosmetic or functional result. At Narasimhan Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, Florida, Dr. Kailash Narasimhan uses advanced, minimally traumatic techniques to reshape the nose with precision, safety, and natural-looking outcomes.

What Are Osteotomies in Rhinoplasty?

Osteotomies are controlled, strategic cuts along the nasal bones performed during rhinoplasty. They do not involve actually “breaking” the nose in a traumatic sense. Instead, they are precise adjustments made to:

  • Narrow a wide nasal bridge
  • Straighten a crooked nose
  • Close an open-roof deformity after hump reduction
  • Improve symmetry and nasal contour
  • Correct traumatic or congenital deformities

When performed by an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Narasimhan, osteotomies are safe, predictable, and rarely associated with significant discomfort.

Do All Rhinoplasty Procedures Require Osteotomies?

No. Many rhinoplasty procedures do not require bone reshaping.

Situations Where Osteotomies Are Needed

Osteotomies are commonly performed when:

  • The nasal bones are wide and need narrowing
  • A dorsal hump is removed and the roof of the nose must be closed
  • The nasal bones are asymmetric or crooked
  • Post-traumatic deformities require realignment
  • Significant structural changes are needed for reshaping

Situations Where Osteotomies Are Not Needed

Osteotomies are often unnecessary in:

  • Tip-only rhinoplasty
  • Small dorsal refinement without roof destabilization
  • Minor cosmetic adjustments
  • Many ethnic rhinoplasty procedures where cartilage work is the primary focus
  • Preservation rhinoplasty techniques that maintain bone integrity

During your consultation, Dr. Narasimhan will examine your nasal anatomy, breathing function, and goals to determine whether bone work is necessary.

Does the Nose Really Get “Broken”?

The term “breaking the nose” is misleading. Dr. Narasimhan does not fracture the bones in a blunt way. Instead, he performs controlled micro-osteotomies using delicate instruments or piezoelectric tools when appropriate. This precision approach:

  • Minimizes trauma
  • Reduces bruising and swelling
  • Speeds recovery
  • Improves accuracy and symmetry

Most patients experience less discomfort than expected, even when osteotomies are part of surgery.

Types of Osteotomies Performed by Dr. Narasimhan

To maximize precision and natural results, Dr. Narasimhan may utilize:

• Medial Osteotomies

To adjust the upper nasal bones and close an open roof.

• Lateral Osteotomies

To narrow the nasal bridge or reposition crooked bones.

• Intermediate or “double-level” Osteotomies

For complex corrections or trauma cases.

• Piezo Ultrasonic Rhinoplasty (when indicated)

A vibration-based system that reshapes bone while protecting soft tissue—ideal for precision refinements.

Rhinoplasty by Dr. Kailash Narasimhan: Expertise in Structure, Function & Aesthetic Balance

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in primary and revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Narasimhan is recognized in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region for his expertise in:

  • Cosmetic rhinoplasty
  • Functional and breathing-focused rhinoplasty
  • Preservation rhinoplasty techniques
  • Revision rhinoplasty
  • Ethnic rhinoplasty
  • Trauma reconstruction

His approach focuses on harmonizing nasal shape, improving proportion, and optimizing breathing—while keeping results natural and balanced with your features.

Recovery After Osteotomies

When osteotomies are performed, patients can expect:

  • Mild to moderate swelling for 1–2 weeks
  • Bruising that typically resolves within 7–10 days
  • A nasal splint for about 1 week
  • Return to non-strenuous work in 7 days
  • Final results refining over 6–12 months

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and manageable the recovery is.

Before & After Rhinoplasty Results

(Insert gallery block for Before and After Rhinoplasty Photos – Dr. Kailash Narasimhan)

Showcasing natural profile refinement, bridge reshaping, correction of crooked noses, and subtle aesthetic balancing.

Financing Options

Narasimhan Plastic Surgery offers several financing programs including:

  • CareCredit®
  • Patient Fi Credit®

These programs make rhinoplasty more accessible with flexible monthly payment options.

Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation in St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay

If you’re wondering whether your nose needs osteotomies or if your procedure can be performed without bone reshaping, schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Kailash Narasimhan. He will provide a detailed anatomical evaluation and explain the best approach for your goals.

Contact Narasimhan Plastic Surgery

Locations: St. Petersburg, Florida & Tampa Bay, FL Specialty: Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, Functional Nasal Surgery