Important information for patients considering undergoing a rhinoplasty nose job.
Rhinoplasty techniques
If you are considering undergoing a rhinoplasty nose job, you can benefit from learning more about the techniques used during procedure. Rhinoplasty is different for every individual because nose skin varies in thickness. It is typically moderate at the top, thin in the middle, and thick toward the tip. It is important to understand this because the thicker a patient’s skin, the thinner the underlying support cartilage. In such cases, a more aggressive surgery is required to create a satisfactory shape in the tip. We thought it would help to explain a few of the basic types of nose job, consider the following:
• Reducing a nasal hump
This is what is called a closed rhinoplasty procedure. Your Charlotte facial plastic surgeon works to improve the nasal tip by trimming a portion of the lower cartilage, and uses suturing to help re-define the tip. The structures above the tip, the superior edge of the septum, and the nasal bones are reshaped to bring a symmetrical appearance with the tip. Finally, your facial surgeon will make cuts at the lateral base of the nasal bones.
• Improving a Twisted Nose
Improving a twisted nose is one of the more difficult rhinoplasty procedures. This procedure usually requires an open approach. The surgery involves cartilage grafting, repositioning of the superior portion of the septum, and changing the location of nasal bones.
• Changing the shape of the nostrils
For patients who are unhappy with the shape of their nostrils, your facial surgeon will recommend what is known as alar rim surgery. This is a subordinate procedure that is performed after primary rhinoplasty for a couple of reasons:
1. Most importantly, because it cannot be reversed, and it requires complete precision.
2. Because no rhinoplasty surgeon can make an accurate prediction of the ultimate shape of the alar rims following a rhinoplasty.
Without fail, any change in the size of the tip of the nose will change the shape of the alar rims. The most experienced facial plastic surgeon in Charlotte typically waits about 3 months after a primary rhinoplasty to discuss with the patient as to whether this second step should take place. Approximately 1 in 10 patients will benefit from, or request this step. The procedure is normally performed under local anesthetic. Post-operative bruising is usually absent, and swelling is negligible.
Rhinoplasty by Charlotte’s most experienced facial plastic surgeon
Dr. Freeman specializes in faces only. As Charlotte’s most experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Freeman has refined existing techniques and created new ones. Many of his techniques have been adopted by surgeons across the country. Dr. Freeman’s patients enjoy the benefit of individualized treatment plans, and techniques that are a little more refined. Every patient is carefully assessed, to determine what they want changed, and what procedures would give them the best possible results. If you choose Dr. Freeman for rhinoplasty, you will be provided with complete and simple instructions to follow before and after surgery in order to ensure that you experience a comfortable recovery. Dr. Freeman has satisfied patients all over North Carolina and from throughout the Southeast.
