One Size Does Not Fit All
Rhinoplasty is done across all ethnic groups, ages, and in both sexes. Since each population segment has its own desire and motive for the procedure, surgeons must consider the unique needs and aesthetic values of each demographic when performing a rhinoplasty. In Caucasian patients, a dorsal hump may be removed with tip refinement. African American patients often desire tip refinement, alar base reduction and dorsal augmentation. Asian or Latino patients may need a combination of the above. An older patient will have different needs than a teenager. Sometimes, special situations come into play. A traumatically injured nose is handled differently than one associated with a cleft lip or palate. Every case is unique.
Form and Function
Rhinoplasty is one of the few procedures that may be done for both cosmetic and functional improvement. For many, it is strictly cosmetic in nature; to remove a hump, refine a wide tip, or lift a droopy nose. Others seek improvement in breathing by correction of a deviated nasal septum, spreader grafts for a collapsed nasal valve, or reduction of large turbinates to open a blocked airway. The cosmetic and functional issues must both be considered in all cases, since each may affect the other. Insurance in come cases may assist with the functional cost of the procedure but does not help with the cosmetic cost.
The Necessity of Consultations
Rhinoplasty may also be combined with other facial procedures, most commonly with chin surgery. The chin is treated with either a chin implant or advancement genioplasty. This combination tends to balance the face and both procedures enhance one another. These considerations are typically noted during the initial patient consultation. This consultation often includes a morphing of the patient’s photographs, allowing the patient to get an idea of what the change may look like. to explore options, preview potential results, and ultimately to determine the proper course of action.
Challenging, Yet Rewarding
It is important to find a surgeon that is well trained and has done a fair number of rhinoplasties to obtain the best result. Both plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons are, in general, trained to do rhinoplasty. Make sure your surgeon is board certified in either one or both of those specialties. Nasal surgery is one of the most difficult aesthetic procedures due to its tight anatomy and the technical expertise required. The patient must be aware of this difficulty with the procedure and understand that even when put in the best surgeon’s hands, secondary revisions are sometimes needed. However, as a rule it is one of the most satisfying procedures that can be done, for both patient and surgeon.
Schedule your rhinoplasty consultation with us today!
5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE #870 Atlanta GA, 30342
Phone: 404.255.2975
Fax: 404-255-2276
Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm