Nose Job: Achieving Natural Results
A rhinoplasty is the surgical term for what most people refer to as a nose job. Nose shaping and nose refinement are other terms used to describe the same thing: improving the size and shape of a nose.
Over the years the philosophy behind a rhinoplasty procedure has changed. Not too long ago, removal of tissue was the main part of a nose job. The goal was to make the nose smaller at all cost. This philosophy led to nose shapes and appearances that have acquired interesting names such as:
-“ski slope nose”
-“pixie nose”
-“small nose”
-“surgical nose”
Thankfully, the philosophy has changed and with it more natural nose job results have emerged.
Although each person may have his or her own idea of what the ideal nose is, a natural and “un-operated” appearance is often the common goal. To put what this means into words is difficult. I have often described it as building a foundation where the structure of the nose is corrected and supported. To do so frequently involves using some of the cartilage from the nasal septum to add to and strengthen other parts of the nose that lack support. After discussion with the patient and an understanding of what is desired is understood, evaluation of the nose in terms of where it has excess and where it has lack of support proceeds.
Frequent terms used to describe surgical parts of a rhinoplasty include:
-dorsal reduction (reduction of the side profile of the nose, reducing the nose hump)
-lower lateral cartilage resection (making the tip less bulbous)
-tip refinement (often suture work to make the tip narrower, with better shape)
-spreader grafts (making the middle part of the nose wider, improved breathing)
-columellar strut grafts (supports the nose tip, pushes the columella down)
-Weir excision (making the nostrils less wide)
For those considering getting a rhinoplasty I would encourage you to first define what you would like to achieve. Look at photos of what you like and what you don’t and bring them in to discuss with your plastic surgeon. Seek consultation with a few board certified plastic surgeons and look at their before and after photos. Take a look at their reviews and ask to speak with any former patients if possible.