Plastic surgery is becoming increasingly popular as individuals seek to boost their self-esteem and enhance their appearance. By far, rhinoplasty is among the most popular cosmetic procedures to date. Widely known as a ‘nose job’, rhinoplasty can be deemed an intimidating procedure despite its popularity. While it is a highly safe procedure when performed by a professional surgeon, not much is actually known surrounding rhinoplasty – other than the fact that it is a plastic surgery procedure involving the nose.
When do you need rhinoplasty?
Besides being a purely aesthetic procedure for individuals who are unhappy with the current appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty can also aid in a medical perspective. Not only can it treat functional issues such as a nasal airway blockage leading to breathing problems, but it can also treat congenital deformities such as an orofacial cleft.
The following are some of the most typical requests for nasal aesthetic corrections:
- Insufficient tip projection
- Short or excessive nasal length
- Nostrils that are not in proportion
- Under-projected or asymmetrical nose
- A too low or high nasal bridge
- Upturned, droopy, or crooked nose
- Flaring or pinched nostrils
What are the different approaches to rhinoplasty?
There are two main approaches to rhinoplasty surgeries: open and closed. Some surgeons will evaluate the type of rhinoplasty required based on the nasal modifications that need to be done by weighing the benefits and risks of both procedures.
Closed rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty involves making surgical incisions inside the patient’s nose. This procedure is typically recommended for people who need nasal bridge adjustments. Modifications to the nasal bridge are undertaken for mild to moderate instances. Additionally, it can also be performed to make minor changes to the tip.
Curved incisions are created in the internal lining of the nostrils, with none of the incisions visible from the outside. As a result, visible scars can be avoided. However, repositioning the nasal skin is complicated as the incisions on the left and right nostrils are disconnected. Thus, the procedure is usually performed through narrow surgical openings with restricted vision.
Advantages of closed rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty can also be a feasible option. It is an excellent choice when only a small amount of surgery is required. The following are advantages of closed rhinoplasty:
- Minimum to no scarring
- Reduced swelling during the recovery period
- Minimizes post-op fluid retention
- Limited dissection that reduces the risk of contour deformity and nasal shortening
Open rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is ideal in terms of optimally seeing the nasal anatomy for functional or aesthetic goals. The primary objective of an open rhinoplasty is to establish facial harmony by reconstructing the nose’s form, angle, and size.
In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon will first make an incision at the base of the nose. This is where the columella resides. Afterward, the nose will be retracted backward. The underlying nose cartilage will be dissected without causing incisions in the area where the cartilage separates the nostrils. For optimum exposure, the skin is then lifted off the nose.
At this stage, the septum, bridge, upper lateral cartilages, or nasal tip cartilages will be reshaped, reduced, or augmented. The flap will then be placed over the cartilage and bone framework once again. Here, re-shaping and re-contouring will be performed until the desired nose shape is obtained. Lastly, sutures will be used to seal the incision, and an external cast or splint will be put in place over the nose.
Advantages of open rhinoplasty
The ability for the nose to be opened up during an open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to view the anatomy underneath the skin. Given today’s sophisticated and thorough techniques, the open method is typically the best choice for three reasons:
- The anatomy of the nose can be thoroughly measured and analyzed
A rhinoplasty professional will spend a significant amount of time analyzing and understanding the anatomy of each patient’s nose in order to do the most precise and accurate work possible. An open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon to examine any asymmetry or anomalies that they might have missed in an external evaluation.
- Allows the surgeon to be more precise
The more accuracy in rhinoplasty, the better. This is because the nose is a prominent feature with such a delicate structure. With an open rhinoplasty, the surgeons at The Clifford Surgery Clinic can give more precise corrections to the deformities.
- Various options with grafts
In many instances, some surgeons prefer to adopt advanced cartilage grafting techniques. These techniques enable the doctor to position the grafts more precisely in open rhinoplasty, thus providing more long-term structure and support.
Say goodbye to your nose insecurities with The Clifford Surgery Clinic
If you are on the lookout for a well-versed plastic surgeon at Novena, look no further than at The Clifford Surgery Clinic. With many years of experience, our professionally trained surgeons are equipped with the necessary expertise and tools to help you gain the confidence you need to flaunt your new nose – be it through rhinoplasty, septoplasty, or nasal tip plasty.
Aside from procedures surrounding the nose, the surgeons at The Clifford Surgery Clinic are experts in various other procedures, such as ptosis repair for droopy eyelids, double eyelid surgery, and breast implants in Singapore. So, when you are ready, book an appointment to get started on your new nose journey today!