How do they measure rhinoplasty?

Question

Hello doctors! I want to get a slight nose job. I like my profile, so no bone work but the entire front I want a little smaller & basically the same size. I heard they take off by mm. So if I want my nose smaller by say 2mm. How do surgeons measure it? Also I have a round point tip, if I "shrink it" is it possible without a pinch look, sharp look, still button/round?

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

In performing rhinoplasty today most of the changes we make are measured in millimeters. That's because we don't just reduce the nose anymore but we structure the nose to give it balance in the face and don't sacrifice function for cosmesis.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a very visual and a very artistic operation.  Experienced surgeons will typically do planning with photo tools with the patient in the office, and then take the model to the OR with them to see how close they can deliver.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  You are exactly right:  rhinoplasty is a very precise type of surgery which must be performed based on millimeters in order to achieve a natural look.  In surgery we often use calipers to measure and experience to judge.  Based on your
description, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose. You may also benefit from a conservative dorsal hump reduction.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Rhinoplasty really is a marriage of art and science, so my answer may not be as straightforward as you'd like. Patients don't often have their surgeries planned down to the millimeter. However, surgeons generally use calipers to help them measure during surgery. During the consultation process, I communicate with each patient to help ensure we're both working toward the same goal. I find that this matters much more than specific measurements. It is also possible to reduce the size of your tip without altering its shape a great deal. It's important to see a board-certified plastic surgeon who is extensively experienced in rhinoplasty, since it's a challenging procedure.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a form of artwork that is mill measured in millimeters. Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with your nose upon your facial features. Communication between the patient and the surgeon is of utmost importance to understand what your goals are regarding  a three-dimensional surgical procedure.  For more information  and many before-and-after examples, please see the link and the video below

How do they measure rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)