Introduction
Because of its three dimensional nature, the nose is one of the most complex parts of the face. On the outside, it is framed by the mouth, the cheeks, the forehead, and the eyes and can significantly affect the appearance and balance of the rest of the face. In addition to this, the nose has a complex internal structure responsible for breathing, warming and moistening the air that we take in, our sense of smell, and allowing aeration of the sinuses among other things.
Too often patients and sometimes physicians do not realize the complex nature of the nose when approaching it surgically. Any surgical approach on the nose that does not take into consideration all of the factors mentioned above increases the risk of developing some type of nasal problem postoperatively. Overly aggressive reduction of a large nose can result in inability to breath through the nose, a nose that doesn’t fit with the face, and a “surgical” look. Any patient considering rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery should strongly consider choosing a surgeon such as Dr. Thompson, Henstrom, or Manning whose training and experience reflect a thorough understanding of these principals, and whose practice manages surgical and non-surgical nasal problems on a regular basis.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nasal surgery) is performed most often to achieve aesthetic and also functional results. Aesthetically, Utah Facial Plastics surgeons in Salt Lake City, Utah works to reshape the nose to achieve a more harmonious relationship with the rest of the face. Functionally, cartilage and bone are repositioned or reshaped to improve nasal breathing. The term septorhinoplasty is used when both functional and cosmetic components exist. With dual certification in facial plastic surgery and ear, nose, and throat surgery, Drs. Thompson, Henstrom, and Manning have performed many septorhinoplasty surgeries for patients experiencing breathing difficulties that also desire a more harmonious look.
Rhinoplasty is generally considered to be one of the more challenging of facial plastic procedures and is an area in which UFP double board-certified facial plastic surgeons have particular expertise and training. The goals and approach to each individual are unique and depend on many factors discussed at length in a detailed consultation and imaging session at our Layton and Draper offices. It is important to evaluate the nose as it relates to the rest of the face. For example, a patient may request a reduction in the size of the nose when in reality, the chin makes the nose appear artificially large. In such a case, a chin implant may be recommended in addition to the nasal surgery. Learn more about nostril surgery here.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty surgery presents more of a challenge than a traditional rhinoplasty as the presence of scar tissue and, sometimes, lack of cartilaginous support will demand the surgeon have a lot of experience with how to deal with the problems that may be encountered due to the past surgery. With cartilage having been removed in the original rhinoplasty, cartilage often needs to be taken from behind the ear to restore the nasal form. The ear incision is well hidden and there is no change in the shape of function of the ear.