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The Shape of Things: Which Rhinoplasty Method is Best for You?

The Shape of Things: Which Rhinoplasty Method is Best for You?

Are you a male considering undergoing a nose job or rhinoplasty procedure but unsure which method may be best suited for your unique situation?

Unbeknownst to many seeking a rhinoplasty procedure, several methods exist to achieve your desired aesthetic and functionality. Over the past decade, more men have turned to cosmetic surgery to reach their body and facial goals. Rhinoplasty is amongst the top, most-requested facial procedures by men. However, most may need to learn the methods to achieve a successful rhinoplasty with desired results. 

And depending on the anatomy of a patient’s face, what look they’re vying for, or if the procedure is to improve the function of the nose or all the above, one technique may be better or more productive. A complete medical evaluation and assessment of each patient’s cosmetic concerns will determine which rhinoplasty method is best.

What is a Rhinoplasty? An Overview

Colloquially referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping,” a rhinoplasty seeks to alter the physical shape of the nose to improve aesthetics, functionality, or both. The upper portion of the nose is comprised of bone, while the lower is made up of cartilage. According to the Mayo Clinic, rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin, or all three simultaneously.  A rhinoplasty procedure can address any or all of the following:

  •  Reduce the size of a large nose
  • ·Eliminate a dorsal hump
  • ·Reposition nostrils and/or reduce the size
  • ·Reduce the size of the nasal tip, bridge, or base
  • ·Correct deviated septum (septoplasty)
  • ·Repair a broken nose due to injury
  • ·Improve breathing

The two main nose reshaping procedures are “open” and “closed.”

The “Open” Rhinoplasty

An “open” rhinoplasty is often reserved for more significant nose jobs. It entails incisions to separate the skin of the nose from the underlying bone and cartilage. This rhinoplasty method allows the surgeon ample access to all the nose structures for accurate graft placement, complete visibility, and a better assessment of the situation since the patient’s entire nose anatomy is thoroughly exposed. The disadvantages of an “open” rhinoplasty are more swelling/a more extended recovery period and the possibility of obtaining a slightly visible scar.

The” Closed” Rhinoplasty

A “closed” rhinoplasty is used for patients seeking to treat minor alterations to their nose-reshaping process. During a “closed” rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nose to separate the skin from the bone and cartilage before reshaping. A “closed” rhinoplasty is the most viable option where only a tiny amount of work may be needed. The patient enjoys no scarring and endures less swelling and a shorter recovery time. “Closed” method rhinoplasties are more effective for a patient seeking a “reductive” rhino – “removing” from the nose, as in the case of a larger-sized nose to be made smaller in size. 

Conversely, the “open” method is an excellent option for patients seeking a more “reconstructive” approach that requires the most advanced surgical techniques to yield the most desired results. “Open” method rhinoplasties offer complete visibility for the most comprehensive type of nose reshaping.

Other Types of Rhinoplasties You Need to Know

While the “open” and “closed” methods are amongst the most widely performed rhinoplasties, additional procedures may better suit your cosmetic needs.

  • Filler Rhinoplasty – Also known as the nonsurgical nose job, the filler rhinoplasty uses commonly used dermal filler to temporarily “fill” dips and balance asymmetries on the outer portion of the nose. This is an excellent way for patients to “test drive” a rhinoplasty without committing to a more surgical alternative.
  • Functional Rhinoplasty – Restores nasal function and helps to improve breathing following disease, injury, cancer treatments, deviated septum, or congenital defects.
  • Revision Rhinoplasty – Corrects and repairs issues that may have occurred with an initial rhinoplasty procedure. Though minor, the actual fix may be complex for the surgeon, as each patient’s situation is unique.

Conclusion

Sniffing out the ideal doc to perform your rhinoplasty? We invite you to call our Beverly Hills office for further information and to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Galanis. Our compassionate, highly skilled staff can help with any questions you may have regarding Dr. Galanis’ signature surgical techniques surrounding rhinoplasties.


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