The revision rate for rhinoplasty surgery is greater than 15% in the best of hands. This is because of the inherent difficulties in the anatomy, as well as the untoward effects of scarring and the resultant distortion of the nose.
In brief, the bump on your nose involves bone and cartilage, the best techniques address both of these structures and there is nothing that is quick here.
The wide nose involves wide bones and wide cartilage at the tip. Again, the best techniques involve meticulous surgery that are not quick or easy.
Finally, the twisted nose is the most difficult of all, so quick fixes are not to be entertained in this situation.
So when is a quick fix useful. If you have a slight bump or depression on the nose, you could temporarily camouflage the deformity with a filler such as Rdiesse ot Juvederm. But, these procedures are temporary and expensive. It may be better to wait and get the real surgery by a real doctor and of course these procedures are not quick or easy - especially if you want it done right.
Anything quick and easy is usually neither quick nor easy!
Robert M. Freund, MD answers: Is there a such thing as a "quick-fix" nose job?
I have seen new articles detailing a procedure that basically deals primarily with decreasing nostril width, and not so much with breaking bones of the nose? I have been told that this is a popular alternative to traditional rhinoplasty in ethnic communities? does this procedure exist, and if so what are the major differences in how the procedure is conducted?
A: Be cautious about anything advertised as a "Quick Fix"
When considering surgery on your body, I would caution you to watch out for anything advertised as a "Quick Fix." This is even more important for Rhinoplasty. The nose is very complex and you should do considerable research before letting just anyone operate on you. The nose has several underlying parts contributing to the external appearance. There is the bone and the cartilage which both contribute to the hight and width of the nose. The nostril width to which you refer is made up by the ala or wings. During a traditional rhinoplasty, the bones and cartilage are manipulated to adjust the height of the nose and the width of the middle and upper portion of the nose. At the base of the nose, the ala can be partially resected (cut out) while performing an alar base resection. In this procedure a wedge can be cut out where the nostril attaches to the face. When this area is sutured back together, the nostril width becomes smaller. I would caution you however if someone is only going to address only one aspect of your nose. It may not be initially apparent, but by changing one aspect of your nose, all the other aspects change. The nose should be treated in its entirety and this is definitely not a "Quick Fix."
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
Shafer Plastic Surgery
Manhattan
Contact the doctorA: Quick fix, perpetual headache.
The procedure that you are referring to is known as an alar base reduction. If your nostril width or shape is the ONLY thing that concerns you about your nose, then this may be the quick fix for you. It is not meant to address other problems with the nose, such as humps, septal deviations, large nasal tips. Your board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine what effects such a procedure would have on your nasal tip and the rest of your nasal structure. Good luck!
