What Kinds of Rhinoplasty Are There?


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There are two general methods of performing Rhinoplasty surgery; closed and open. During closed Rhinoplasty the incisions are performed inside the nostrils; the result is that there are no external scars unless nostril size reduction is performed. In the case of nostril reduction, there may be scaring between the nostril and the lips. Open Rhinoplasty requires the same incisions inside the nose, but in addition requires a small cut along the piece of skin between the two nostrils (also known as the columella). This is sometimes preferred, despite the extra scarring, as it allows the surgeons better control during the surgery.

In addition to the two methods of surgery, there are a number of different types of Rhinoplasty that are performed.

Reduction

The first type of Rhinoplasty is called reduction surgery. This is performed on noses that are large, making them smaller in proportion to the face. It is important that you be aware when having this kind of surgery is that reduction will not always have a positive outcome. In some circumstances (if the chin does not project enough) any kind of nose will dominate the face and reduction will have no real overall effect. In this case it is thought to be better if instead you have chin augmentation and then reduction if it is still required.

Augmentation/ethnic

The second type of Rhinoplasty is Augmentation Rhinoplasty, also known as Ethnic Rhinoplasty. This is performed on ethnic groups whose noses have less supportive and softer cartilage. The surgery is usually done to lengthen the tip and bridge of the nose and is sometimes done after the patient has suffered an accident or has undergone numerous operations previously.

Revision Rhinoplasty

The third type of Rhinoplasty is that of revision or secondary Rhinoplasty. This is where, for a number of reasons such as errors during surgery or accidents since the operation was performed, the patient has to have a second operation, or more. Because it is a second operation it is more complex and tricky than the first and requires a skilled surgeon to carry it out. This type of surgery often requires the use of grafts of cartilage and, because it is a second operation on the nose, requires more time to heal.

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