The decision to have a rhinoplasty usually comes after a long, thoughtful process where motivating factors from the physical to the psychological are seriously evaluated. While rhinoplasties are most commonly considered for reasons of cosmetic reconstruction, there is also a large population seeking medical treatment to correct physical and congenital deformities. Functional rhinoplasties have a tremendous impact on the health of the patient and can mean the difference between proper and improper breathing.
Reconstructive and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Candidate
For patients requiring both reconstructive and cosmetic work they are often performed in the same surgery. Reconstructive rhinoplasty can improve nasal function, such as a septoplasty (delayed treatment for nasal trauma/fracture) or sub mucous resection (deviated septum / obstruction). Often a severe physical/functional deviation may require cosmetic work as well, if for example, the nose has severely shifted due to injury. In this case a board certified facial plastic surgeon will perform the cosmetic portion of the operation while an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon works on the functional aspects. “Doubling up” on surgeons in a single surgical procedure is quite common in reconstructive rhinoplasties of this nature.
Reduction Rhinoplasty Candidate
The most common procedure is for both men and women is the Reduction Rhinoplasty. This type of rhinoplasty addresses size, proportion and balance of the nose in relation to the rest of the face. Often there is bridge bump or the nasal width; nostril size and shape are disproportionate to the rest of the face. During our initial consultation we will take all of these aspects into consideration to address your unique needs. We can discuss what sort of refinement a bump on the bridge may require. Reshaping the tip of the nose is a complex procedure. In a primary rhinoplasty the aim is often to reshape or narrow the tip for more definition and contouring. Removing tissue where the nostrils and cheek meet narrows wide nostrils.
Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty Candidate
Post-Traumatic rhinoplasty is performed as a result of nasal injury where the supporting bone and or cartilage have been damaged. Resulting damage causing asymmetry and deviation can affect airway and breathing. This operation is varied and complex and several approaches may be taken. After a significant nose injury, the underlying tissues must settle before corrective surgery can be performed. It may mean six months or longer before more extensive corrective surgery can be undertaken safely.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty Candidate
The Ethnic Rhinoplasty takes into condieration the particular nasal characteristics of your ethnicity. Lower, wider bridges, tips and nostrils, thicker nasal tips and nostril skin define the softer nasal shapes of Far Eastern, Pacific Rim and Afro-American populations. Often these patients are seeking a small narrowing of the nostrils.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty Candidate
Augmentation rhinoplasty increases the dimensions of the nose by adding structural material or grafts for aesthetic and functional indications This is often the case where there has been supporting cartilage damage, injury, congenital deformation/ underdevelopment or unsuccessful rhinoplasty that resulted in a loss of support/tissue. There are a number of options available for augmentation and your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of each. The options range from using your own bone or rib cartilage to artificial or biological implantable materials.
Are you considering Rhinoplasty and want to find out if you are a good candidate? Please call our office now and set up a consultation with Dr. Honrado today. (310) 286-0043.