What’s involved in a cosmetic rhinoplasty?

Desiring a change in the appearance of your nose is a common topic we discuss here at Sierra Nevada Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.  Depending on what changes you want made, a surgery customized for you can be planned.

So what is involved in a cosmetic rhinoplasty?

The nose is made up of an intricate structure of cartilage and bone.  Think of it as the support that not only gives your nose its appearance, but its ability for you to breathe.  This complex anatomy of cartilage and bone is very individualized and different from person to person.

During a rhinoplasty, a surgeon can do three things to change the shape of the nose

• Rearrange cartilage/bone – this is done to change the shape of a specific area without making it larger or smaller.
• Remove cartilage/bone – this is done commonly to remove a “bump” or other area of the nose that appears too large.
•  Add cartilage/bone – this is done to augment an area that appears too small.

Think of these maneuvers as a surgeon’s method of sculpting your nose to its new shape.  The overlying skin is not changed. Instead, the structure underneath is changed to create a new scaffold for the skin “remold” around.

When rearranging or adding cartilage or bone to the nose, it is important to use your own tissue.  A surgeon will first use cartilage from inside your nose.  This is typically taken from your septum, which will not alter the way your nose looks or functions.  This cartilage from your septum is ideal tissue to use in a rhinoplasty.  Other options are to use cartilage from your ear or your rib.

Remember that a rhinoplasty is a very intricate surgery and arguably the most technically challenging surgery a plastic surgeon performs.  We are dealing with millimeters of change and these very small changes should be appreciated by both the surgeon and the patient. It is important to find a surgeon who is well-trained and has extensive experience performing surgery on the nose.  He must be an expert in the complex anatomy of the nose as well as how the nose functions.  No matter how you want the appearance of your nose to change, you still need to breathe through it!

The best way to determine the best customized rhinoplasty for you is to come in for a consultation.  We look at your photos and makes changes to them using photo morphing software, and together find the look you desire.  From there, we come up with a step-by-step plan of what is needed in your surgery.

We strive to give you the best nose for your face.  It will fit your appearance and your personality. 

Here’s to the beautiful human face,

-Dr. Yamamoto