Cosmetic nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is the most transformative facial plastic surgery a person can undergo. Though the nose takes up a limited area of the face, its central location and projection away from the face create a focal point.
Even minor corrections can greatly alter a person’s looks. Because this surgery continues to progress in popularity, many forms of the procedure are now available. These alterations to traditional rhinoplasty are customizable to benefit the individual needs of a vastly different patient spectrum. Below is a brief description of the most common forms of rhinoplasty available to patients.
Traditional Rhinoplasty
Traditional rhinoplasty is commonly performed on patients who seek to minimize the size of the nose and reduce its overall prominence on the face. Typically, the dorsal hump (nasal bump) will be reduced or eliminated, which may require an osteotomy where the nasal bones are fractured and repositioned. The nostrils may or may not be narrowed, depending on the patient’s preference and anatomical limitations.
Functional Rhinoplasty/ Septoplasty
A functional rhinoplasty may be a traditional cosmetic nose surgery coupled with a septoplasty, or it may be performed as a standalone procedure. Many people suffer from a deviated septum where the wall dividing the two nasal passages is crooked. This can lead to serious sinus issues and affects breathing comfort. The condition requires surgical correction to straighten the septum. Functional rhinoplasty can also address other issues that compromise the proper function of the nose such as enlarged turbinates.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty takes into account that people of varying ethnicities will display different physical characteristics that are often represented in the face, particularly in the nose as this feature is thought to vary due to genetic makeup based on ethnic origin. The necessity of the nose is its intake and hydration of air, and its corresponding shapes vary regionally. Ethnic rhinoplasty patients often wish to preserve their identifying looks but also alter some aspects of the nose to refine its appearance. Asian patients typically request a heightened bridge and more defined tip, while the majority of Middle Eastern patients are interested in dorsal hump reduction, a thinner bridge, and a shorter nasal tip. Additional patients who may request ethnic rhinoplasty are individuals of African American, Hispanic, and others descent.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is a corrective nose job that seeks to improve the look of the nose after the patient has already undergone rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is thought to be the most difficult facial plastic surgery to perform and at times may yield unintended results. The nose is made up of bone, cartilage, and other tissues which all heal at different speeds and may be affected by a number of variables. An inexperienced surgeon, or one who does not specialize in facial plastic surgery, may be more likely to perform rhinoplasty that later requires revision.
Reconstructive Rhinoplasty
Often performed after injury to the nose and mid-face, reconstructive rhinoplasty restores normalcy to the nose when it has been affected by trauma. If tissues have been severely damaged or forcefully removed from the nose, the surgeon may need to reconstruct the structure. There are a number of techniques that can be utilized during this specialized procedure.
A Hudson Valley, New York plastic surgeon for more than 14 years, Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein’s specialties include facial plastic surgery and the treatment of nasal and sinus disorders. The doctor offers a unique approach to surgery, combining his medical and surgical expertise to enhance patients’ looks and facial function. Dr. Rubinstein holds dual board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is also an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
The variations that Dr. Rubinstein can create when performing rhinoplasty can be viewed during consultation through the Canfield VECTRA 3D imaging system. This advanced technology offers patients a realistic depiction of how each change might alter the nose through different views. Schedule a consultation with the office today by calling (845) 863-1772.
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