Aesthetic rhinoplasty is the surgical process through which the nose is reshaped in accordance with the patient’s anatomy and the desired outcome. This type of surgery is performed for achieving aesthetic harmony of the nose and surrounding facial features. Rhinoplasty can also be indicated for functional purposes such as correcting a deformity which hinders the patient’s health.
While only parts of the entire nose can be changed, it is important to isolate and identify the features of the nose that require modification and their relationship with other parts. Before signing up for surgery, a patient must ensure that the surgeon takes them through a detailed and thorough rhinoplasty assessment.
A systematic approach to nasal assessment means that your surgeon follows a standard protocol to take history, perform physical examination and plan the operation. Having a structured approach to rhinoplasty assessment prevents incomplete evaluations and missing on particular problems and features that may cause concerns.
The surgeon should be able to show their results and cases similar to yours. In addition, medical photography and 3D imaging can be used to evaluate the anatomical features that require modification. This analysis allows for the surgeon to achieve clarity in the surgical direction, and also provides the surgeon with substantial data for the patient’s perusal.
Rhinoplasty Consultation
Nasal analysis may include the following:
- Frontal View
- Facial proportions
- Skin type/quality – thin or thick, sebaceous
- Dorsal aesthetic lines – straight, symmetrical or asymmetrical, well or ill defined, narrow or wide
- Symmetry and nasal deviation – midline, C-shaped or S-shaped deviation
- Nasal bones – narrow or wide, asymmetrical, short or long nasal bones
- Mid Vault – narrow or wide, collapse, inverted-V deformity
- Nasal tip – ideal/bulbous/boxy/pinched, tip-defining points, infratip lobule
- Alar rims – gull shaped, facets, notching, retraction
- Alar base – width
- Alar flaring
- Upper lip – long or short, excess tip movement during smile (septi nasi muscles), tension lip, upper lip crease
- Lateral View
- Nasofrontal angle – the angle between forehead and nose
- Nasal length – long or short
- Dorsum – smooth, hump, scooped out
- Supratip – break, fullness, polly-beak
- Tip projection – over or under-projected
- Tip rotation – over or under-rotated
- Alar-columellar relationship
- Maxillary or soft tissue deficiency
- Lip-chin relationship
- Basal View
- Nasal projection – over or under-projected
- Caudal septal deviation
- Nostril – symmetrical or asymmetrical, long or short
- Columella
How to prepare for rhinoplasty consultation
Before you go in for a consultation, you should be well prepared so that you can get the most out of your consultation. The following pointers will help you prepare:
Research
Do your research before selecting a surgeon. Rhinoplasty is a complex surgery and should be performed only by a skilled professional. Make sure your surgeon is a qualified and trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon and not a cosmetic surgeon. Check the before and after pictures of previous surgeries to see if the results are consistent.
Set the Right Expectations
Everyone has a face that is unique to them, so although you might want your nose to appear a certain way, it is best to consult your surgeon and set realistic expectations.
Communicate
Your surgeon and the team should always put you at ease. Make sure you are completely open about everything you wish to communicate. All fears, doubts, worries should be communicated to your surgeon. When you finally go in for the surgery you should be absolutely calm and sure about your decision.
Make a List
Write down a list of everything you need to ask, doubts, concerns, and questions. Prepare your medical history before going for the consultation.
What you should consider before surgery
Patient safety and satisfaction is taken very seriously by me and my team. We are committed to offer you excellent care throughout your treatment journey and achieve great results. I hope that this blog has been useful and has given you more information about the factors associated with rhinoplasty. Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and book an appointment.
- Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
- Before proceeding, you have the option to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified surgeon trained and experienced in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
- Recovery time and treatment results will vary from patient to patient and depend upon a variety of individual patient factors.
Rhinoplasty
About Dr Rodrigo Teixeira
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, MD, FRACS is a Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, Australia. He is based at Unveil Plastic Surgery located at the heart of the East Ivanhoe Village.
Dr Teixeira is experienced in Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgery of the Face, Nose and Breast. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Internationally, he is a member of the American and the International Societies.
To discuss your aesthetic goals including any reservations or concerns regarding your appearance, or any other cosmetic procedure, you should first have a consultation with your general practitioner. You will need a valid referral to see a specialist surgeon. For further information you can contact us on 03 9000 3800.