Are Measurements Used During a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Question

I am interested in Rhinoplasty. are measurements such as the golden ratio used to determine if the new nose is in harmony with the rest of the face?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio, represented by the Greek letter phi, found in art, architecture, and nature, and is thought to represent a classic, innate, harmony of measurement. Most plastic surgeons know this, and also know that most faces do not have the classic golden ratio measurements.

	Some plastic surgeons are artistic, some are not; just as some have mathematics training and some do not. What we DO have in common is our rhinoplasty training, which is extensive and rigorous. Some will do many over their years of experience, and other may choose to do few because of preference, interest, type of practice, or other factors.

	While your question is fascinating, actual golden ratio measurements are less important during rhinoplasty surgery than making proper surgical adjustments to the tissues each individual patient possesses, rather than trying to "fit" an anatomic cosmetic result into any mathematical ratio, even the highly desirable "golden" one! I believe the best artistic rhinoplasty surgeons have a natural sense of facial harmony and proper ratios between facial thirds, another ratio commonly discussed in plastic surgical discussions such as this. (And, BTW, most faces don't fit exactly into thirds either!)

	Find a good, experienced ABPS-certified plastic surgeon or ABMS-member ENT or facial plastic surgeon and see how you like their rhinoplasty photographs. This would be much more "telling" than actual measurements fitting (or not) the golden ratio, just as certain art works or architectural examples are said to be based on the golden ratio, whereas actual measurements show they are "close, but not quite." What I assume you want are changes to your own nasal appearance that you find pleasing, not measurements that fit a predetermined ratio. Best wishes!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Measurements are a relative guide for rhinoplasty. I always prepare  before surgery by analyzing the pre-op photos. Proportions are always taken into consideration. Occasionally measurements are taken. Finally, intra-operative findings and the behavior of the patient's tissues often require adjustments of pre-op plans in order to get the planned results. In the final analysis it is the artistic and surgical judgement of the surgeon which delivers the final result.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is not a mathematical equation.  There are guiding principals with proportions that are addressed at the time of the surgery with each individual patient.  Symmetry is extremely important in the discipline of rhinoplasty.  It is very important for the patient to communicate what the desired outcome is.  Equally important, is that the surgeon communicates to the patient what can surgically be accomplished.  Rhinoplasty involves sculpting the bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose to fit facial features and to make the nose look natural.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi,

	Measurements, proportions, ratios, angles and other factors are taken into account pre- and intraoperatively but the artistic judgement and experience of your surgeon is also important factors.  Computer imaging acts as a discussion tool so that you and your plastic surgeon can be on the same page as far as the goals of the surgery.  But there are many factors that affect the final outcome and they are not simply dependent on measurements.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Measurements are taken, and is one of the factors used to deliver a proportionate and natural looking result.

Are Measurements Used During a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

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Are Measurements Used During a Rhinoplasty Surgery?

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Answer: Yes and no

Answer: Yes and no

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Answer: Rhinoplasty Measurements

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