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How is Skin Separated from the Nasal Structures?

asked 1 year ago by Lo♥ely in Virginia Beach, VA
Latest answer by Travis L. Shaw, MD
Question viewed 97 times
Tags: open, separation, technique

I'm wondering, when doing open rhinoplasty, how is the skin "lifted" from the nose structure? How is the skin attached and where will it need to be cut? (other than the base and inside nostrils) How far "up" can the doctor pull it to work on the nose? What possible damage will the nose skin suffer?

2 answers to How is Skin Separated from the Nasal Structures?

+2

Skin detaches from the bone and cartilage freely

This, of course, is a very technical question that many patients would rather not know about, however, since you ask. . . .  Skin is a very sturdy organ that resists tearing and cutting (after all, its purpose is to protect our "insides"), but once below the skin, the skin is only loosely attached to the underlying structures.  It is not unlike other animals that you may have experience with in preparing food.  On a revision rhinoplasty, the skin can get... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-apo.com

+1

Rhinoplasty techniques and skin

Lovely I agree with Dr Apostolakis that many patients do not wish to know the technical details of their operation. I commend you on your curiosity.  I will try to answer each of your questions directly: How is skin lifted? Once the initial skin cuts are made, the soft tissue envelope (skin and fat layers) is raised off the underling cartilage and bone by what is called blunt dissection.  This exposes the framework of the nose where the surgeon will perform shaping... more
Travis L. Shaw, MD

Richmond Facial Plastic Surgeon

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