Fast facts

Rhinoplasty


What it is: A plastic surgery procedure to improve the appearance, proportions and structural functionality of the nose.  Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, can enhance facial symmetry and harmony to improve the patient's self-confidence.  Breathing can also be improved as a result.


What it addresses: Specific aspects of the nose, such as:

- Nose size
- Nose width
- Asymmetry
- Nostrils


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Question

Rhinoplasty surgery - do I need to consider how my chin looks to get the best results?

I want a rhinoplasty but from everything I've read it seems like I need to take the look of my chin into consideration instead of just the size of my schnoz and I don't really get why.  How does my chin affect the way my nose looks?


Asked by: Anonymous

Answers (3)

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1
September 8, 2008

Chin augmentation can be the icing on the cake after rhinoplasty

Sam Naficy, MD
Sam Naficy, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Sam Naficy, MD

 

Chin augmentation (genioplasty) can often produce a dramatic and gratifying outcome that can greatly enhance the results of rhinoplasty. The goal of the procedure is to balance the profile by enhancing a weak chin and improving overall facial harmony. A weak chin will often make the face appear 'bird-like' and pointy and may also make the neck appear too fat.  A weak chin will also make the nose seem larger and more projecting.  Chin augmentation is accomplished by placing a synthetic implant over the bony chin to improve the balance between the chin and the rest of the face. The implant sits directly on the top of the bone and feels like an extension of the bone itself.

For more information visit http://www.seattleface.com/html/chin_augmentation.php

2
June 20, 2008
William A. Portuese, MD
William A. Portuese, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Frequently, patients who have a projecting nose have a receding chin. While rhinoplasty is done to reduce the size of the nose, a chin implant augments the chin area.  The combination of both procedures improves facial harmony and facial dynamics.  The chin implants are made of Silastic plastic and are inserted underneath the chin in the submental crease and are placed over the bone underneath the periosteum, which holds the chin implant in place.  The idea is to project the chin and de-project the nose so that the face becomes more in balance. 

3
April 9, 2008

Sometimes a chin implant is a better solution than rhinoplasty

Jason Litner, MD
Jason Litner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is true that your nose and chin are intimately related to each other on your profile view. In general, a small or retrusive chin can exaggerate the appearance of a large nose and vice versa. The object of cosmetic plastic surgery is to bring all of these elements into balance so that no one feature is dominant.

In augmentation rhinoplasty, if the nose is simply made ‘bigger’ all around, then your chin may appear smaller. On the other hand, if your nasal tip is given more projection and refinement by very precise placement of grafts, instead of looking amorphous, all of your other features including your cheeks and jaw line will appear more refined by association.

Some patients who see us wanting a smaller nose actually have a nose that is proportionate with their faces. What is actually making the nose look big is a small or weak chin. Sometimes, a chin implant or augmentation procedure may restore balance without having to do much, if anything, to your nose.

So, to make a long answer short, rhinoplasty can very well give all of your features the enhanced definition you desire. Chin augmentation can also make a big difference in the right situation.

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