What is Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty means "nose molding" or "nose forming." According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 300,000 men and women underwent Rhinoplasty in 2005 to improve the size and shape of their nose. In addition to correcting breathing problems or injury. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip of the bridge, narrow the span between its nostrils and alter its angle.

Rhinoplasty is more than surgery — it's an art form. The plastic surgeon should create a nose that is yours uniquely and is harmonious with your face. Plastic surgeons generally recommend that patients wait until they are at least 14 or 15 to undergo Rhinoplasty.

The size and shape of your nose is largely inherited, and you may be unhappy with it for a number of reasons. Perhaps you don't like its shape. Perhaps it's out of proportion with your other facial features. Some people dislike the shape or position of their nostrils. Maybe the tip is too wide, pinched, large or bulbous. In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, these and other concerns can be addressed by "Cosmetic Rhinoplasty."

The true function of your nose is to allow air to enter and exit the body. When nasal passageways are obstructed, breathing becomes difficult. A common cause of breathing problems is a deviated septum, a defect in the dividing wall in the nose. Some of the ailments associated with nasal obstruction are snoring, dry mouth, postnasal drip and nosebleeds. These can be relieved by "Corrective" Rhinoplasty, which includes Septoplasty to correct defects of the septum and widen nasal passages, and Turbinectomy to cauterize and trim the turbinates – the shelf-like lining of the nose, to create a balanced airflow. Also, Nasal Injury Repair Surgery corrects injuries to nasal bones and the nasal septum when they are fractured or disrupted. The timing of this surgery is crucial, as nasal bone fractures tend to heal quickly.

At one time, a "one nose fits all" approach to Rhinoplasty was the norm – with many patients having their noses "Westernized" to fit an outdated ideal of attractiveness. Today, Ethnic Rhinoplasty addresses the particular concerns of patients of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, who wish to enhance their appearance while maintaining their ethnic identity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 1.3 million cosmetic surgeries were performed on ethnic patients in 2004, an increase of 44 percent since 2000. Among African American, Hispanic and Asian Americans, Rhinoplasty was one of the most commonly requested procedures. "Ethnic" traits addressed by Rhinoplasty include the dorsal hump and drooping tip often found on patients of Mediterranean descent (Jewish, Persian, Greek, Italian), the lack of cartilage in African American patients, the low or flat bridge in Asian patients and the weak broad drooping tip of many Hispanic patients.

A decision that you and you plastic surgeon will discuss is whether Open or Closed Rhinoplasty is best for you. During "open" or "external" Rhinoplasty, a small incision is made in the columella — the central column that separates the nostrils – and the nasal skin is lifted off the tip of the nose through this incision. During the more traditional "closed" Rhinoplasty, several cuts are made in the nostrils, and extending over the columella. One advantage of the "open" technique is that it allows the surgeon better exposure to the nasal anatomy. One advantage of "closed" Rhinoplasty is that it causes less disruption of the nasal tip blood supply, which lessens post surgical nasal tip swelling, as well as reducing the risk of nasal tip complications.

Revision Rhinoplasty is a "do over" of a nose upon which the original Rhinoplasty was unskillfully performed. In most cases, Revision Rhinoplasty is necessary because the original surgery was performed too aggressively, resulting in an "over operated" look.

You should be highly selective in choosing a plastic surgeon for Rhinoplasty, as it is one of the most surgically and aesthetically challenging procedures performed today. While physicians such as Ear-Nose-Throat specialists (otolaryngologist) might be qualified to perform nasal surgery, they may lack the rich and broad-based knowledge and experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon, who is trained in all aspects of facial esthetic surgery.

Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery including that of the Nose, Sinuses, Eyes, Ears, Chin, Cheek, etc. He is skilled and experienced in all techniques of Rhinoplasty and Sinus Surgery, and strives to create the nose that is natural looking and harmonious with the rest of your face. During your consultation he will discuss all details including: if you are a good candidate, surgical options and techniques, potential risks and complications of surgery, pre- and post-operative instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect after surgery.