While researching rhinoplasty, I have encountered many conflicting opinions on the merits of SMAS debulking and skin thinning procedures from surgeons. Some have stated that attempts to thin thick skin is useless; others state they regularly do so. 1. Given the controversy of such procedures, should I avoid surgeons who engage in it? 2. Why is there such division on the topic?
August 2, 2021
Answer: Rhinoplasty skin thinning - #nosesurgery #rhinoplasty Surgeons use their best judgement at operation. To make a strong "never" for anything may not be best (I would allow an "almost never", however). Thinning the nasal skin can be indicated, but overdoing it (which may not be evident at operation) can result in a hard to remedy deformity. So, go to a surgeon who you believe based on reputation, photo examples, and consult has judgement you are comfortable with.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
August 2, 2021
Answer: Rhinoplasty skin thinning - #nosesurgery #rhinoplasty Surgeons use their best judgement at operation. To make a strong "never" for anything may not be best (I would allow an "almost never", however). Thinning the nasal skin can be indicated, but overdoing it (which may not be evident at operation) can result in a hard to remedy deformity. So, go to a surgeon who you believe based on reputation, photo examples, and consult has judgement you are comfortable with.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2015
Answer: Thick skin and rhinoplasty Hi Tycho,I agree that there are surgeons that routinely thin the skin and doctors who would never thin the skin and it can be confusing. The concern with excessive skin thinning is that in can compromise the blood supply to the skin and put it at risk for necrosis. I personally do believe some conservative debulking can be done and a rhinoplasty surgeon with experience should be able to talk to you about this. But more importantly than thinning the skin, I think the success of a rhinoplasty when dealing with thick skin lies in reshaping the underlying structure of the nose so that when the skin drapes over the structure again it makes the nose more attractive. I truly believe changing the shape of nose is more important than trying to change the skin. Thick skin can also take longer after the surgery to have swelling resolve. Sometimes the surgeons will use steroid injections to help the skin heal faster after the surgery. There is one positive thing about thick skin, it is much less likely to have small asymmetries become visible from under the skin. Small imperfections are unlikely to be noticeable. I hope this helps!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2015
Answer: Thick skin and rhinoplasty Hi Tycho,I agree that there are surgeons that routinely thin the skin and doctors who would never thin the skin and it can be confusing. The concern with excessive skin thinning is that in can compromise the blood supply to the skin and put it at risk for necrosis. I personally do believe some conservative debulking can be done and a rhinoplasty surgeon with experience should be able to talk to you about this. But more importantly than thinning the skin, I think the success of a rhinoplasty when dealing with thick skin lies in reshaping the underlying structure of the nose so that when the skin drapes over the structure again it makes the nose more attractive. I truly believe changing the shape of nose is more important than trying to change the skin. Thick skin can also take longer after the surgery to have swelling resolve. Sometimes the surgeons will use steroid injections to help the skin heal faster after the surgery. There is one positive thing about thick skin, it is much less likely to have small asymmetries become visible from under the skin. Small imperfections are unlikely to be noticeable. I hope this helps!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
