Reduction Rhinoplasty: Is Less Necessarily Better?

The majority of rhinoplasty surgeries are aimed at restructuring the framework of the nose to produce a smaller, more refined structure. Because the goal is a decrease in the size of the nose, tissues may be removed to account for this resizing. What is true in regard to any alterations of the face is that millimeters that are removed from a feature can produce significant changes. The question may be, “How much is too much?” when it comes to shaving down cartilage and tissues of the nose during a reduction rhinoplasty.

Dr. Frankel will take a more conservative approach when operating on this vital mid-face structure. While still creating significant positive change within the nose, the doctor is careful not to “over-operate” and produce cookie-cutter results. The idea is not to create a similar nose in every patient, but rather to make changes to the nose so that it better suits the rest of a patient’s face.

Common Surgical Mistakes… That Make the Nose Seem Fake!

Below are some of the more common changes that can result in an over-operated or obvious rhinoplasty result.

• Scooped Bridge – The nose can appear as though a portion of the bridge has been scooped out – and, essentially, this is what may have happened – when a doctor is overly aggressive when minimizing a dorsal hump. The bridge is an important part of the nose and, when properly sized, can set the tone for a very attractive nose. When the midsection of the nose appears abnormally low, it can negatively impact the face. Most people do not have a naturally occurring scooped bridge, and this change can be an obvious sign of plastic surgery.

• Tiny Tip – The end of the nose looks best when it forms a certain angle to the chin. It is natural for the nose to project outwardly from the face, but if an unskilled doctor restructures the tip in such a way that it becomes too small, it may actually become under-projected. The surgery may involve the removal or permanent suturing of the position of the tip cartilage, but in a way that leaves the nose appearing too small. This can create an unattractive relationship between the tip of the nose and the lips, and may make other features of the face appear large and disproportionate in comparison.

• Thin Bridge – In an effort to decrease the overall width of the nose, the nasal bridge may be reduced in size by repositioning the nasal bones. If these bones are placed too close together, it can affect the nasal passages and affect the ease at which a patient can breathe through them. In addition to decreased functionality, a nose that is too thin can make the rest of the face appear wide. The eyes will appear as though they are set too far apart, and the structure of high or prominent cheekbones may appear flat.

Dr. Frankel specializes in cosmetic nose surgery and has become an expert at repairing work from other plastic surgeons (Revision Rhinoplasty). He understands how the nose can create or detract from overall facial harmony and seeks to conform the structure to suit individual anatomy. Andrew S. Frankel, MD, FACS can be consulted at his Beverly Hills, California office. Contact him through his Patient Email Form or call his office at (310) 552-2173 to speak with a patient services representative.