When it comes to rhinoplasty, our patients often ask whether the procedure helps breathing or appearance. In many cases, there is confusion as to how the procedure is done for functional versus aesthetic reasons. Some of the techniques are identical, but it is critically important to really listen to my patients and their individual concerns.
Often patients want functional improvement (breathing, after trauma) but want minimal cosmetic change in their appearance, while others breathe fine and want a dramatic change in the shape of their nose. How, as a rhinoplasty surgeon serving St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa, FL, do I make this decision? Well, firstly, I would like to address why patients have rhinoplasty.
How Do You Know if You Need Rhinoplasty?
The main reasons my patients consider rhinoplasty are varied.
Cosmetic Reasons for a Nose Job
- —Remove the appearance of a hump on the bridge of the nose
- —Make the nasal tip smaller and more refined
- —Narrow the bridge of the nose
- —Decrease the width of the nose
- —Shorten (or lengthen) the projection of the nose
Functional Reasons for Rhinoplasty
- —Improve breathing
- —Straighten a deviated septum or deviated nasal bridge
- —Open the nasal valves and improve airflow
- —Restore the shape of the nose after trauma, injury or damage
How Is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?
Rhinoplasty is done through a closed or open approach. Usually for complex cases or tip work, the open approach is preferred. A septal cartilage harvest is almost always done, where part of the nasal septum is used to add structure to other parts of the nose. This is very important in my approach to rhinoplasty. Unlike older techniques which relied on removing all the structures of the nose–in the modern and more innovative techniques to rhinoplasty, we employ a balanced and nuanced approach in which we preserve cartilage and structure. This guarantees a natural and smooth result. You can learn more about septal cartilage grafts in the video below.
You can view some of my patients’ rhinoplasty before and after pictures to get an idea of the types of issues we can address with the procedure.
How Do I Find a Good Rhinoplasty Surgeon?
Just a few millimeters of change can make a dramatic difference to the way the nose looks and functions. That’s why it’s critical to find an experienced, qualified surgeon to perform your surgery. As a surgeon certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat), I have a unique training experience to help guide you through the rhinoplasty consultation, surgery, and post-operative recovery. Each year I help teach younger surgeons regarding rhinoplasty techniques at the International Dallas Rhinoplasty Course.
If you want to talk about your best rhinoplasty options with plastic surgeons in St. Petersburg, FL, get in touch with us online. You can also call us at (727) 289-7119 if you have any questions.
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