Are Incisions Under the Eyes Necessary During Some Rhinoplasty Procedures?

There are many ways to correct nasal contour.  The small incisions beneath your eyes I would guess would help the surgeon narrow the nose.  Most surgeons use the internal incision present during rhinoplasty to narrow the nose.  Some surgeons feel more comfortable with one technique versus the other.  The small external incisions are just that VERY SMALL (2 mm) and heal extremely well.  Both techniques are very acceptable.

Dr. ES

It is not necessary to make incisions under the eyelids for a rhinoplasty.   There are many other better methods to perform rhinoplasty,  and if the incisions do not heal prefectly they are hard to correct.  Best regards,   Dr. Smith

It is not very common to perform rhinoplasties by making incisions under the eyes. Most likely these are small incisions that are being recommended but generally speaking are not necessary as most narrowing procedures are done through incisions inside the nose or along the columella or bottom of the nose. You might want to get a second or third opinion. I hope this information helps.

Hello Boston9626-

Insightful question....the "incisions" you speak of are the access points for the surgical instrument used to make small perforations in the nasal bones (much like the holes on a stamp) allowing them to break. Breaking the nasal bones allows the surgeon to nasal the middle width of the nose. This can also be done through incisions or access points on the inside of the nose.

I have used both approaches...individualized for each patient. External skin incisions, below the eyes as you state, may have a mechanical advantage and may lessen the risk of bruising and swelling. Whereas, the internal approach, although there is not a scar on the outside, uses a cutting technique that cuts bone and blood vessels, leading to more swelling and bruising (raccoon eyes).

Patients are individuals and have different anatomic requirements....benefits of both techniques. I know Boston well...please say hello to my professors...they taught me well. But, I would recommend that you continue to educate yourself and see as many surgeons as you can to find your comfort zone. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who loves rhinoplasty and is dedicated to the procedure, critically annalizes his/her outcomes, shows you their work and makes you feel confident in their ability to achieve YOUR goals...like a beautiful nose without any external scars below the eyes! 

Hope this helps!

Dr. C

johnconnorsmd.com

In 35 years of doing thousands of rhinoplasties, I have never had to make an incision under the eyes. You can fracture the bones from the inside without any problem. See another experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for another opinion.