Rhinoplasty—Small Measures Equal Significant Enhancements

Unlike most plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty (nose job) usually represents an operation of centimeters rather than of inches. As the focal point of your face, the nose dictates its symmetry and serves to enhance or detract from its other features. Thus, small changes to the nose can have a significant effect on the overall appearance of the face as a whole. This helps explain why rhinoplasty is the third most sought after cosmetic surgery after liposuction and breast augmentation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The nose can be cosmetically re-contoured by a wide range of surgical alterations. Among the more common adjustments are:

• Enlargement
• Reduction
• Straightening
• Nasal bridge reshaping (bump removal)
• Nasal tip reshaping
• Reduction of nostril size
• Adjustment of the angle between the nose tip and upper lip
• Septoplasty (opening of nasal passages to improve breathing)

“Open” or “Closed” Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty procedures generally fall under one of two categories. “Open” rhinoplasty consists of making an incision across the columella—the column of skin separating the nostrils—to allow the surgeon better access to the internal nasal structure. “Closed” rhinoplasty uses incisions completely on the inside of the nose. Open rhinoplasty is typically used for more extensive re-shaping, while closed rhinoplasty is generally utilized for minor adjustments. Another common procedure, “tiplasty,” refers to reshaping the nasal tip without involving other nasal structures, and can be conducted under either the open or closed category.

Non-Surgical Options

In some cases, nose reshaping can be achieved non-surgically via dermal fillers, in which the surgeon will strategically inject filler into specific points of the nose. While dermal filler results generally only last up to a year, the process can allow patients to test out results to determine if they want to make the change more permanent with surgical rhinoplasty.

Consultation and Vectra 3D Imaging

Dr. Gardner, a skilled plastic surgeon located in Naples Florida, strives to personalize each rhinoplasty procedure to address his patient’s unique facial symmetry and meet their goals of personal cosmetic enhancement. Rhinoplasty at Gardner Plastic Surgery starts with an initial consultation to determine what the patient desires and to identify and address any concerns.

Dr. Gardner utilizes Vectra 3D imaging to showcase the desired outcome of the patient’s rhinoplasty procedure. Vectra 3D imaging allows the patient to visualize the potential outcome from every angle, and fine-tune the request adjustments until the simulation meets their aesthetic goals. As the simulation is based on surgical technique, the rhinoplasty outcome may not prove to be a perfect match, but should be similar. The technology has proven instrumental in improving doctor-patient communications, and thus sets the stage for a successful outcome.

Gardner Plastic Surgery in Naples, Florida, includes rhinoplasty as a specialty within its practice. As a highly regarded rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Paul Gardner combines his knowledge and experience of open and closed rhinoplasty procedures with the latest surgical techniques and a keen artistic eye to produce exceptional results for his patients. To learn how Dr. Gardner can help you achieve the facial symmetry you desire, contact Gardner Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.