If you are contemplating rhinoplasty or nose job surgery, the various terminology may be confusing. Here are some clinical term definitions to help you understand the different types of rhinoplasty and determine which is right for you.
Differentiating Types of Rhinoplasty
NASAL TIP RHINOPLASTY
This is limited surgery that is focused on the tip of the nose. There are a myriad of ways of modifying the shape of the tip cartilages and this can be done without involving any other parts of the nose if indicated. While the recovery from this more limited operation might be easier for the patient, refining a tip can be very challenging for the surgeon.
Reduction Rhinoplasty
In reduction rhinoplasty, the overall size of the nose may be reduced, or specific areas may be made smaller, like the tip or a hump or bump. Resizing is often done by removing cartilage and/or bone from the nose to achieve the desired shape and size. Reduction rhinoplasty reduces the framework size of the nose, but the skin that drapes over the nose is not touched. The elasticity of skin allows it to shrink to the size of the smaller frame.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
Occasionally, a nose needs to be built up because it has been over reduced with prior surgery or because of prior trauma or congential issues. Augmentation of the nose involves using cartilage from the nasal septum, chest wall or ear to add support, height and projection. An augmented nose can be beautiful and natural-looking
ETHNIC RHINOPLASTY
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a term referring to when the goal of surgery is to improve the overall appearance of the nose, while retaining the features unique to that person’s ethnic background. There are specific anatomic relationships associated with each ethnic group and these relate to common aesthetic features. Dr. Frankel regularly sees a wide variety of patients representing numerous backgrounds who come from all over the globe. As an expert in this field, Dr. Frankel has lectured on ethnic rhinoplasty at national medical conferences.
ADOLESCENT RHINOPLASTY
The right cosmetic procedure performed at the right time can greatly impact a young person’s physical and emotional development, as well as self-confidence. Dr. Frankel requires a consultation prior to surgery, where he will assess the physical and emotional maturity of a teenager requesting surgery. Dr. Frankel is known for being honest and frank with his youngest patients, discussing risks, recovery and reasonable expectations.
FUNCTIONAL RHINOPLASTY
Due to structural defects, a nose may require reshaping to function properly. Patients may be born with, develop, or acquire through an accident or physical confrontation, nasal defects that interfere with breathing, eating or sleeping. Functional rhinoplasties are imperative to fix a variety of structural nasal abnormalities. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, the functional advantage of rhinoplasty can be as dramatic as the improvement in your appearance.