Limits to Rhinoplasty?

Question

How many aspects of the nose can be changed in one Rhinoplasty? (e.g. Length, width, tip, bridge, nostril size) Are there limits as to how many aspects can be changed in one single Rhinoplasty?

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, a rhinoplasty can address all of the areas you described in one procedure, and in fact, it is usually the best way to get the nicest result. The limits of the procedure are determined by the patient's anatomy and the degree to which any one area can be altered-- in other words, for example, we can narrow the nose, but only to a point, otherwise it will look too unnatural or will cause you breathing problems.
Good luck and hope that helps,
Dr. S

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are some intangible limits with the amount of change that can occur with a rhinoplasty. The length of the nose can be changed, the width of the nose can be narrowed or widened; there are different tip techniques that can be performed, the bridge can be altered, and the nostril size can be reduced. All of this can be done at the same time with a single rhinoplasty procedure. It is very important to make sure that the nose balances with itself and other facial features. It is impossible to take a very large nose and make it into a very small nose and still have it look well defined, balanced, and match with a person’s face.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

The best rhinoplasty is one that produces a nose that is proportional and in balance and harmony with the other facial features. This can involve addressing all areas of the nose including: the dorsum (bridge), the boney vault, the tip, and the alar (nostril) base.  Not all rhinoplasty patient need to have adjustment to each and every part of the nose -- this is something that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Ideally, rhinoplasty is a one time operation -- patient's should not need a second surgery or a touch up if the first one is performed correctly.  [ The exception to this is complex secondary (revision) rhinoplasty or nasal reconstruction in which the procedure is planned in several stages.  These are unusual cases and doesnt apply to the vast majority of primary (first-time) nose jobs. 
There are, however, limitations to what rhinoplasty can accomplish. For instance, very large noses or noses with very thick skin can be made somewhat smaller; but in order for the nose to have any shape, the skin must fit tighly around the newly constructed framework.  The converse is true for small noses -- the nose can be made larger, but only to the extent that the skin will accomodate the framework.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

All kinds of changes can be achieved in a single rhinoplasty as long as it is a primary (first time) rhinoplasty. The shape, the length, the width, the tip's projection, etc. One thing that cannot be done at the same time is any treatment of the nasal skin. It has to be done at a different time otherwise the compromise of blood supply can cause poor healing of the skin.
Regards.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

With rhinoplasty, several aspects of your nose can be modified within reason. If you post a picture, we may be able to give you more specific advice. However, rhinoplasty classically can be used to change the length, width, tip shape and nostril size all in one setting. Good luck.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

All the aspects you mentioned can be changed in single rhinoplasty operation, and is done frequently. There is, of course, a limit to how much each part is done, no matter how many aspects you change.

Paul L. Leong, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very common question that we hear from our potential Rhinoplasty patients. I can usually alter various characteristics of the nose during a single surgery. Patients have the option to modify the shape of their nose, straighten it, narrow the width of the bridge, and reduce the dorsal hump. However, the degree of change that can be achieved safely during surgery may have limits. We strive for balance with our Rhinoplasty patients.

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there are technically limits to any surgery, but all of the aspects of the nose are fully evaluated at the time of consultation. In general, everything that needs to be altered can be done in one surgery; it would be very unusual to stage a cosmetic rhinoplasty. There are some structures that we routinely preserve, such as a segment of cartilage, to maintain the structure of the nose and prevent future complications, but most other areas can be altered. Good luck, /nsn.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty surgery can improve  multiple cosmetic as well as functional problems with the nose. However, we are limited to some extent by the individual's anatomy.

Patrick J. Byrne, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is yes. Rhinoplasty can alter virtually any aspect of the nose. However, not necessarily to the degree you would prefer. The anatomy and individual characteristics constrain the surgeon options. This is the reality. We all wish it wasnt!

Limits to Rhinoplasty?

Answers (15)

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